NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. (AP) – A judge has ruled that prosecutors presented enough evidence to warrant grand jury action against the half-sister of two brothers who were beaten, one fatally, at a central New York church.
New Hartford Town Justice William Virkler ruled after hearing testimony Wednesday from 17-year-old Christopher Leonard about the attack this month that left him injured and his 19-year-old brother, Lucas, dead.
Their half-sister, Sarah Ferguson, is charged with assault and will continue to be held on $50,000 bail.
The Leonards’ parents, Bruce and Deborah Leonard, face the most serious charge so far: manslaughter. Three other congregants of the Word of Life Church are also charged with assault. All have pleaded not guilty.
Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara says he will ask a grand jury to consider numerous charges in the case. He hasn’t ruled out charges against others.
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