Beating of Teens Happened During Apparent Church Counseli
Abiodun Elegbede with agency reports
New Hartford police held a news conference Wednesday regarding the death of a 19-year-old, TWC News has reported.
According to the report, six members of the Word of Life Church are facing charges in connection with the death of one teen and assault of another.
Lucas Leonard, 19, died shortly after arriving at a Utica hospital Monday with severe injuries caused by blunt force trauma, and police say his 17-year-old brother Christopher was found with similar injuries.
Bruce Leonard and Deborah Leonard, the parents of both victims, are charged with one count each of first-degree manslaughter.
Joseph Irwin, David Morey, Linda Morey, and Sarah Ferguson are all charged with one count each of second-degree assault for the attack on Christopher Leonard.
Police said that the beating came during a church counseling session, apparently as part of a process for the teens to “confess their sins.”
Police also said that 7 children were removed from the church.
All 6 defendants are scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
