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.
Bruce Leornard, left, and Deborah Leonard, center, stand in the courtroom during their arraignment, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015, in New Hartford, N.Y. The central New York couple have been charged with fatally beating their 19-year-old son inside a church, and four fellow church members have been charged with assault in an attack that also left the young man's brother severely injured, police said Tuesday. (Mark DiOrio/Observer-Dispatch via AP) ROME OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
