New York

17-Year-Old Victim of Church Beating out of Hospital, Will Testify

A 17-year-old boy who authorities say was injured by members of his church during a beating that killed his brother has been released from the hospital and is expected to testify against two of the alleged attackers.

New Hartford police say Christopher Leonard was released from the hospital over the weekend and is under the supervision of Oneida County Child Protective Services.

Police say he and 19-year-old Lucas Leonard were beaten by their parents, sister and three other church members inside the Word of Life Christian Church Oct. 11 in an attack believed prompted by the brothers' desire to leave the church.

All six have pleaded not guilty.

Christopher Leonard is set to testify Wednesday at a felony hearing concerning assault charges against his sister, Sarah Ferguson and Joseph Irwin.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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