Court charges pastor, 9 others for all-night beating that killed teen

The Pastor of the Word of Life Christian Church, Tiffanie Irwin, her brother Joseph Irwin and mother and son church members Linda Morey and David Morey were among nine other people charged to be convicted following an all-night beating of two brothers which one of them unfortunately did not survive.

Reports say the two brothers were beaten for hours during a counseling session after the brothers discussed leaving the congregation.

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The Pastor pleaded guilty on Friday to manslaughter and assault, Joseph Irwin and the Moreys each pleaded guilty to assault.

Three other church members admitted to less serious charges for their roles in the all-night beatings that killed Lucas Leonard, 19, and injured Christopher Leonard, 17, last October.

Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara called the case “a terrible tragedy.”

“I can only hope that Luke can rest in peace, Chris can get on with his life,” McNamara said.

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