HER DYING PRAYERS

The Nixons of Altoona, Pennsylvania, appeared to be ideal citizens. Dennis Nixon, 41, is a successful businessman known for his generosity and consideration. His wife Lorie, 45, is a devoted mother. Their two-story brick home is comfortably middle class and better maintained than most of the other houses on the street. In the backyard are bright-colored swings and slides for their numerous children. The neighbors point out that the Nixon kids always wear safety helmets when they ride by on their new bicycles. And Dennis and Lorie Nixon pray for their kids. They pray all the time.

But even with all...