Mother Accused in Beating Son to Death in Church

Deborah Leonard,59 appeared before Oneida County Court on charges of first -and second degree assault. She along her husband are accused in a  beating that led to the death of their son,Lucas Leonard, 19 and severely injuring Christopher,17 during family counselling session at the Word of Life Christian Church in a village, in  Chadwick's, New Hartford. The charges are the result of agreement in which Leonard pledged her  cooperation with prosecutors at all trials and jury proceedings involving the other eight defendants in the case, including her husband and daughter.



Leonard and her husband , Bruce Leonard, 63 where originally charge with first -degree manslaughter in the case  which was said to have  lasted for 12 hours. They previously were arraigned and pleaded not guilty and were held on $100.000 bail each.The district attorney offered a first -degree assault charge in the death of Lucas and second degree assault for Christopher's injuries

Lucas later died while been driven to a hospital by a family member, Police interviewed members of the church only to discover that Christopher was also beaten severally. Both brother were beaten several hours just to confess to sins and ask for forgiveness.