A church counseling session turned deadly Monday, Oct. 12, when 19-year-old Lucas Leonard died from severe injuries due to the “counseling.” Also, due to the counseling, Lucas’ younger brother, 17-year-old Christopher Leonard, was hospitalized in serious condition.
The tragic incident took place in New Hartford, N.Y., at the Word of Life Church. Police said the brothers were beaten over the course of several hours in what church members considered a “counseling session.” According to CBS News:
“New Hartford Police Chief Michael Inserra said Wednesday that both Lucas and Christopher Leonard were subjected to hours of physical punishment at the Word of Life Church ‘in hopes that each would confess to prior sins and ask for forgiveness.’”
Another disgusting aspect of the case is that the brother’s parents, Bruce Leonard, 65, and Deborah Leonard, 59, along with their sister, Sarah Ferguson, 33, have been arrested in connection to the counseling beatings and charged with first-degree manslaughter.
Three other church members have also been arrested in the case — David Morey, 26, Linda Morey, 54, and Joseph Irwin, 26. CBS News also reports that:
“The six church members were arraigned Tuesday and sent to Oneida County Jail. At the arraignment, it was revealed that both teens suffered injuries to their abdomens, genitals, backs and thighs.”
The investigation began Monday when family members of Lucas Leonard brought him to the hospital. Shortly after, he was pronounced dead. After investigators determined that the location of the death was the Word of Life Church, the building was surrounded and the church was then searched. According to officials, it took some time to find Christopher Leonard.
While more details are sure to come out, as an upcoming hearing is being scheduled, it is infuriating that a young man has lost his life because of so-called, “sins.” This is not the first time a church, or one of its members, has been in the spotlight for disgusting acts towards children. Unfortunately, it will not be the last, but these cases are a perfect example of why these types of things must be exposed and talked about.
Lastly, while I respect someone’s right to practice whatever religion they choose, when that religious belief hurts others, especially children, all respect is gone. I cannot say here exactly what I personally think of these people (too graphic), but I do hope the general population in prison knows exactly what they did.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHe_I5MSUUU
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