‘Fear, intimidation’ at church where teens were beaten

Former members of the New York church where two teens were viciously beaten paint a picture of a once vibrant and joyous house of worship that declined into a place of fear and intimidation under new leadership.

Six church leaders and parishioners face charges including manslaughter and assault for a brutal beating in the sanctuary last Sunday that left Lucas Leonard, 19, dead and his brother Christopher, 17, hospitalised.

Church members Bruce and Deborah Leonard, parents of the victims, face the most serious charge, of manslaughter. Deborah Leonard’s daughter, Sarah Ferguson, and Joseph Irwin both face assault charges.