A Carlsbad self-help author convicted of negligent homicide has expressed remorse for the deaths of three people following an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony he led two years ago.
James Arthur Ray choked up Thursday as he waived his right to a restitution hearing, saying "I'm sorry." He also says no amount of money can compensate the families for their loss.
Ray's words were his first extensive comments in open court. They came after he agreed to pay more than $57,000 in restitution to the families of the victims.
Kirby Brown, 38, of Westtown, N.Y., and James Shore, 40, of Milwaukee -- died upon arrival at a hospital. Liz Neuman, 49, of Prior Lake, Minn., slipped into a coma and died more than a week later at a Flagstaff hospital.
But the judge did not rule on whether Ray would have to pay anything. Attorneys in the case say some legal issues still need to be worked out.
Ray is set to be sentenced Friday on a trio of negligent homicide convictions.
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