Cops: Couple beat son to death inside church

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. (AP) — Police say a central New York couple has been charged with fatally beating their 19-year-old son inside a church and four fellow church members have been charged with assault.

The victim's 17-year-old brother is hospitalized in serious condition with injuries from an assault.

The New Hartford Police Department say 65-year-old Bruce Leonard and 59-year-old Deborah Leonard of Clayville are charged with first-degree manslaughter in the death of their son Lucas.

Police say Lucas Leonard died Monday after he was beaten at Word of Life Church in New Hartford, 80 miles northwest of Albany.

The six church members were arraigned Tuesday and sent to Oneida County Jail without bail. Information on whether they have lawyers wasn't immediately available.

Police said more arrests are expected as the investigation continues. A possible motive wasn't disclosed.