Cops to discuss 19-year-old’s fatal beating inside NY church

Published 9:58 am Wednesday, October 14, 2015

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — Police in a central New York town have scheduled a news conference Wednesday to discuss their investigation into the death of a teenager who was allegedly beaten inside a church by his parents.

Bruce and Deborah Leonard have been charged with first-degree manslaughter in the death of 19-year-old Lucas Leonard. Four other members of the Word of Life Church in New Hartford also have been charged in connection with the man’s death.

New Hartford police said Lucas Leonard died Monday after he was beaten at the church, located in a former school building. Officials said his injured 17-year-old brother was found inside the church and is hospitalized in serious condition.

Email newsletter signup