Over the last few days, I have been contacted by several folks asking if I was aware of the events in New York. Truly, this has been a sad week for many as the details surrounding the death of Lucas Leonard become known. This young man wanted to leave his association with Word of Life Church. As a result, he was beaten to death with “fists and feet” and a belt or cord. He died Monday, October 12th at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Investigators soon learned about his brother, Christopher. A search of the church building located this young man and he was transported to the hospital with extensive injuries apparently suffered during the same session in which his brother was killed.

Since learning of the events, my heart has been heavy and ached at times as the details come out in press conferences and court hearings. Wednesday, I watched the stream of the press conference. Friday, on wktv.com, the felony hearings were carried live. The judge set limits of no audio or video during the witness testimony. At least two reporters were in court tweeting the happenings inside the court. One reporter, Micaela Parker has posted her tweets here in this article. Before viewing the string, be warned the descriptions in many places are word for word and describe the events surrounding the beating death of Lucas Leonard.

I was only able to listen/watch for about an hour. The hearing last almost three hours. Linda and David Morey were given a 60 day adjournment and required to be back in court on December 15th. They posted bail and left the court. Joseph Irwin and Sarah Ferguson, sister to the deceased, appeared at the same time before the judge in orange jump suits and chains. Each attorney for these defendants asked for a reduced bail citing different reasons. The District Attorney did not agree and requested the bail remain at $50,000 for each saying there may be additional charges filed. The judge agreed and left the bail as it was. Those two were returned to the jail. The look on Sarah’s face continues to reflect anguish.

Bruce and Deborah Leonard were led into the court also in orange. Bruce Leonard was clean shaven displaying a solemn expression. Deborah Leonard’s long hair covered much of her face and as the session proceeded, she continued to stare at the floor. Her crying could be heard by some and was noted.

The camera and audio were stopped at this point.

Daniel Irwin (brother to Joseph Irwin who is charged in the assault) took the stand. His testimony was noted by Ms. Parker in her stream of tweets. Just before 2:00PM, Irwin tells of the panic which over took church members once they realized Lucas was dead. The “counseling session” stopped at 10:00AM (on Monday), Lucas was dead. Three members tried to revive him with CPR. Irwin said his “vision was tunneling.” Though two others started to help, he moved the body himself, to the car. Bruce said to take Lucas to the hospital. Irwin goes on to describe who went to the hospital and that “it dawned on us” (Lucas had died)

Friends, as I read this account, my heart ached. It has been learned; Lucas wanted to leave the church. He was being beaten for his desire to leave. Originally, church members insinuated he was in the counseling session for sexually violating or touching children. The authorities interviewed the children and ruled this out. Next, the idea was floated by Daniel Irwin was that Lucas had been practicing “witchcraft” and said he wanted to make voodoo dolls of the leaders. That accusation has not been substantiated by authorities from what I have read. I believe we need to hear from Christoper, the brother, before we are taken with the “witchcraft” accusation. What does this sound like? Anyone else know of similar tactics used by any other groups? What next?

From here, I will list some of the better resources I have come across while reading.

Rick Ross comments on Word of Life Church

Neighbors describe Word of Life Church from the outside.

Ex-member tells what he experienced- leader was “tyrannical.”

Is Word of Life Church a “cult?”

Vigil Planned on Tuesday for Lucas and Christopher Leonard.

Season of Changes is upon us. Will this be a cold winter in Spindale?

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Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 546.