2 Brothers Beaten, 1 Killed, Allegedly By Their Parents And Fellow Churchgoers.
Six church members, including a married couple, are in custody, accused of a brutal assault on two of the couple's children that left one dead and another severely injured, according to law enforcement officials.
New Hartford, N.Y., police say Bruce and Deborah Leonard, along with four fellow churchgoers, fatally beat Lucas Leonard, 19, inside the Word of Life Church.
NPR's Joel Rose tells our Newscast Unit that police say the beatings appear to have taken place during a meeting where the brothers were to ask forgiveness for their sins.
"Police say the brutal beatings occurred inside the Word of Life Church in New Hartford, New York. Police Chief Michael Inserra says they were part of what church members describe as a "counseling session" that turned physical.
"Inserra says it's not clear what those supposed sins might have been. Nineteen-year-old Lucas Leonard died of his injuries. His seventeen-year-old brother Christopher is hospitalized in serious condition. Their parents are charged with manslaughter. Authorities say more charges and arrests are possible."
Inserra said the brothers were subjected to the punishment "over several hours." Lucas was pronounced dead a local hospital on Monday.
The Utica Observer-Dispatch reports, both victims suffered injuries to backs, thighs, stomachs and genitals.
"Police offered no motive for why the boys' parents, Bruce and Deborah Leonard of Clayville, would be involved in reportedly inflicting such injuries on their own children, however. The couple pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned on felony first-degree manslaughter charges Tuesday afternoon in New Hartford Town Court.
"The incident also resulted in several children found at the church being taken into custody by Oneida County Child Protective Services. Oneida County Assistant District Attorney Mike Nolan said Deborah and Bruce Leonard have been charged with 'very serious felonies of multiple victims.'
"Bail for the Leonards was set at $100,000 each; bail for the other four defendants was set at $50,000."
The police investigation of the incident began on Monday. Law enforcement officials determined the Word of Life Church was the scene of the crime, according to the Associated Press. The wire service also reports Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara said a preliminary hearing for all of the defendants is set for Friday.
WTF???
Heard about this -- 1 beaten in slow motion to death, the other to within an inch of his life -- in a house of worship -- in the name of God -- sick -- church and hell -- they've become one and the same
there was also a story recently about a little 5 year old girl, who witnessed the murderous rampage in a SC church this summer in which 9 parishioners were shot dead -- this little girl apparently has required serious emotional help --
then people wonder why there's wars, mass shootings etc -- people occupy the low end of the life chain
[Edited on 10/16/2015 by Stephen]
WTF???
Cult like church, religious extremism and incorrect application of God's laws. God wants people to come to HIM, how can a priest or any other intermediary absolve your sins? I don't think they can. Forgiveness and punishment is God's domain. If these church people think that they have those divine rights that god reserved exclusively for himself, they are WRONG.
God will not be asking any Priests who should get sent to the hellfire on Judgement Day, he will decide that because forgiveness or punishment is HIS right and HIS right alone.
You are on to something there Gina...
When Jesus gets back here on earth, he will tell them they are wrong, but sadly, like last time, many will not listen to him again this time either.
At some point I wish the young men, sensing that their lives were now in danger, had fought back -- the fact that they (seemingly) Willingly accepted this barbaric punishment is so amazing
God did give Man that whole free will thing. Then of course Man promptly screwed it up.
These children of college age now are from a different generation. They don't want to question authority, or protest. Once the 1980's came, the world changed. When 2017 happens that is the next time change can happen when the possibility of the world financial crash/change can happen, with the dollar no longer being the world's reserve currency and life in this country forever changed.
When Jesus gets back here on earth, he will tell them they are wrong, but sadly, like last time, many will not listen to him again this time either.
He's going to surprise a few Muslims too I'd imagine...
he will probably get beaten to death by christians
he will probably get beaten to death by christians
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Why is it that you are so consumed by hate?
No hate at all brother! You just read it that way, hate is in the eyes of the observer.
Ozzy sez it best in "After Forever"
"I think it was true it was people like you that crucified Christ..."
