Police: Word of Life counseling session ‘turned physical'

WSYR
October 14, 2015

http://www.localsyr.com/news/local-news/police-word-of-life-counseling-session-turned-physical

New Hartford Police offered new details about their investigation into the beating death of one boy and the serious injury of another at the Word of Life Church building in Chadwicks on Wednesday.

Police say 19-year-old Lucas Leonard and 17-year-old Christopher Leonard were both severely beaten “over the course of hours” in the church sanctuary.

The teens’ parents, 65-year-old Bruce Leonard and 59-year-old Deborah Leonard, have been charged with manslaughter in connection with Lucas’ death.

Their sister, Sarah Ferguson, has been charged with assault.

Three other members of the Word of Life Church have also been charged with assault, including David and Linda Morey, and Joseph Irwin.

Police say they are still trying to determine why the counseling session “turned physical.”

According to police, Lucas Leonard suffered “a violent death over the course of hours.”

They found Christopher while investigating the 19-year-old’s death.

Seven children have been removed from the Word of Life community and put in the care of child protective services, police say.

Bruce and Deborah Leonard have been jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail.

The other four suspects are in custody on $50,000 bail.