In October 2015, 19-year-old Lucas Leonard died from injuries sustained during repeated and severe beatings at the Word of Life Christian Church in Chadwicks, New York.

The two were repeatedly assaulted by a group of parishioners, which included church leaders and the Leonard brothers' parents and older sister.

[7] Autopsy results revealed "multiple contusions from blunt-force trauma to the torso and extremities", including blows to the genital area.

He said that during the beating, he was punched in the stomach, then struck on the genitals and other parts of his body with a 4 feet (1.2 m)[9] "whip" made from an electrical cord.

[15][16] When he saw his brother lying motionless on the floor, Christopher attempted to give him CPR but stopped once he realized Lucas was dead.

[10] Bruce Leonard, the father, who whipped both boys during the session pleaded guilty to felony assault was sentenced to 10 years in state prison.

[17] Deborah Leonard, the mother, who whipped them during the session pleaded guilty to felony assault, and was sentenced to five years in state prison.

[17] On September 1, 2016 half sister Sarah Ferguson was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted in July 2016 of manslaughter and assault.

[18] Pastor Tiffanie Irwin, age 29, who called for the so-called counseling session and oversaw its organization was sentenced on Dec. 19, 2016 to 12 years in state prison for manslaughter.