Eight Indicted In Church Beating

Eight Indicted In Church Beating

Eight people from an insular New York Church, including the parish’s pastor, were indicted for murder in connection to their role in the death of a young man who was beaten to death. The victim’s brother was also seriously injured.

Court documents indicate that the 13-count indictment counted the pastor’s family as well as the victims’ own father, father, half-sister and two other church members when a “spiritual counseling” escalated into what amounted to an all-night gang attack on Lucas and Christopher Leonard inside the Word of Life Christian Church.

Charges include second-degree murder for the pastor and manslaughter, kidnapping, assault and gang assault on 19-year-old Lucas Leonard, who died in the attack and the severe injury of his brother, Lucas Leonard, 17, who survived the incident.

There is no doubt, that if you or a loved one is charged with a crime, it changes your life. It can be frightening to find yourself under arrest and in a jail cell, later to have to go before a judge and possibly a jury as well. That is the time when you need a criminal lawyer to help you navigate through the process and one who will be there to defend you and make sure your rights are protected At Howell Law, we will be there for you or your family if you are facing such a situation.

Howell Law has years of experience in representing clients in the Charleston area. No matter what you have been charged with, call us today at (843) 534-3004 for a free initial consultation.