The trail of Word of Life Church defendant Sarah Ferguson got underway this morning in Oneida County Court with opening arguments.

Ferguson has waived her right to a jury trail, opting instead for a bench trial before Judge Michael Dwyer.

District Attorney Scott McNamara completed his arguments in about 15 minutes -- calling Ferguson a participant in the beatings.

Defense Attorney Rebecca Wittman asked to defer her opening statement until after the prosecution has presented their case. The first prosecution witness will take the stand tomorrow morning.

WUTR reports that Wittman said Ferguson will take the stand and is likely to be the only defense witness.

Ferguson faces charges in the beating death of Lucas Leonard and the assault of Christopher Leonard inside the Word of Life Church in Chadwicks last October.

The boys' father Bruce Leonard, pleaded guilty to assault charges yesterday.

As part of the plea deal, Leonard must testify at the trails of the other defendants.

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