Killing at church is described

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. - Near the start of a church counseling session that turned into a deadly beating, a father whipped his two teenage sons with what appeared to be a belt, a witness testified Friday as he offered a glimpse inside the highly regimented and insular congregation.

The witness, church deacon Daniel Irwin, said he occasionally looked in on the session that started Sunday night and continued for more than 12 hours in the Word of Life Christian Church sanctuary, and he saw one of the teens, 19-year-old Lucas Leonard, bleeding and in distress.

"Lucas was rolling himself back and forth on the floor and making a sustained monotone moaning," recalled Irwin, who said he didn't stay for long.

Within hours, the teen would be dead.

Irwin's testimony came during a court hearing for the youth's parents, Bruce and Deborah Leonard, who are charged with manslaughter. The hearing was held to determine whether there was sufficient evidence for the case to go forward.

Lucas Leonard and his 17-year-old brother, Christopher, were pounded with fists, whipped with cords, and kicked during what began as spiritual counseling over his desire to leave the fold, police have said church members told them.

Four other church members have been charged with assault in the case, including the victims' 33-year-old sister, Sarah Ferguson. Their hearings will be held later. All of the defendants have pleaded not guilty.