New York police officers on Wednesday arrested several members of a Christian sect for beating a teenager to death and injuring another during a "counseling session." The father, mother and sister of the victims were among those arrested by the cops.

The New York Times identified the sect as the Word of Life Church. Meanwhile, New Hartford Police Chief Michael Inserra has identified the dead teenager as 19 years old Lucas Leonard. His younger brother, Christopher, 17, survived the ordeal but was reported to be in serious medical condition as of press time.

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Inserra said the session turned brutal for the two brothers, who were punched and kicked in various parts of their body including their genital areas. The church members were allegedly attempting to force the victims to "confess for their sins and beg for forgiveness". Police authorities have not yet ascertain what motivated the suspects to punish the two boys in this manner.

The parents of the teens have been identified as Bruce and Deborah Leonard. They have both been charged with first degree manslaughter. Their daughter, and the sister of the two victims, Sarah Ferguson, as well as three other church members, are also facing the same charges.

New York social workers accompanied the police raid on the church and took the four children of Ferguson into their custody.

Local authorities were only alerted about the brutal beatings when the parents brought their seriously injured son Lucas to the hospital.

When the son died, the body was examined and it had been determined that death was caused severe beatings. The police then conducted a raid on the home and church of the parents. In their search, the lawmen found the second victim.

The parents have pleaded their innocence, but they continue to stay in the local jail since they could not pay the $100,000 bail needed for their temporary release. The others suspects will each have to pay $50,000 to regain their temporary liberty.

Neighbors, who were interviewed, regarded the church as more of a cult. They said that male sect members would only come out during the day - often dressed in "dark and long trench coats".

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