NEW HARTFORD – A former member of a nearby church where one boy was fatally beaten to death in a so-called spiritual ritual on Monday says the church was “a cult.”
Police said that two teens were beaten for several hours inside the Word of Life Church in New Hartford, resulting in the death of one of the boys.
New Hartford Police Chief Michael Inserra said at a news conference Wednesday that 19-year-old Lucas Leonard died of his injuries. His brother, 17-year-old Christopher Leonard, remains in serious condition but is able to speak.
Authorities said the assault was perpetrated by the boys’ parents, Bruce and Deborah Leonard, and four other church members.
A former member of the Word of Life Church spoke with The Evening Sun Wednesday, and described the church as “a cult.” The church is approximately 45 miles north of Norwich.
The woman who was with the church in the 1980s and 1990s requested to remain anonymous for her safety.
“Even when I was there nearly 30 years ago, some things happened,” she said. “They were really trying to control everyone and everything.”
The former member continued. “When I realized I needed to leave the church, I was taken into a room, threatened, and was told I couldn’t leave. I was called afterward. I had to change my phone number. I even had to move.”
The woman admitted that she had been friends with the Leonards when she was with the church, and said she remembered some of their children, but the two injured had not been born.
“When I got there, it wasn’t that bad,” she said. “The building had just been purchased and they just moved into it. Then I was taken into a little room where I was told to submit to their authority, told to leave my husband, and I couldn’t associate with my family.”
“It really bothered me. I admit, at first I was brainwashed. My kids didn’t understand,” she said. “Finally, it just got so bad, and there was a voice that told me I had to get out. The other members were so mad at me.”
She admitted to having gone to lunches with the Leonards, and to their home, in addition to seeing the couple at church.
“Mr. Leonard was one of the ones that sat me in that little room and told me I couldn’t leave. I just want the public to know.”
Lucas was admitted to the hospital on Monday by his family, but police said that the younger Christopher was still inside the church for hours. Police said Christopher was in a room on the second floor of the building.
Police Chief Inserra said both teens suffered “blunt force trauma” and there were not any weapons involved. Fists and feet were used, he said.
Police said that the assault took place during a “counseling session” in hopes that the brothers would confess their “sins.”
Inserra said that investigators are continuing to look into what the supposed sins may have been. Additionally, he said there has been no indication of an issue of sexual assault thus far.
It was revealed that the young men sustained injuries to their abdomens, backs, thighs and genitals.
Bruce, 65, and Deborah, 59, were both charged with manslaughter in the first degree. Four other members of the church were charged with second degree assault: David Morey, 26, Linda Morey, 54, Sarah Ferguson, 33, and Joseph Irwin, 26.
Seven children were also removed from the premises by police. Inserra said the childrens’ ages ranged from 2 to 15.
Authorities said additional charges – such as endangering the welfare of a child charges – are pending as the investigation continues.
The six suspects that have been charged thus far are set to appear in court again Friday. The Leonards’ bail was set at $100,000 at their arraignment, and the other four have bail set at $50,000. All suspects pleaded not guilty at arraignment.