Bruce Leonard Makes Court Appearance

The father of a teen beaten to death inside the Word of Life Church in Chadwicks made a brief appearance in Oneida County Court today.

Judge Michael Dwyer adjourned proceedings as he works to find a new attorney for Bruce Leonard.  A new court date was not set.

Leonard's former attorney, Donald Gerace, is unable to continue to represent him due to a death in Gerace's family.

Leonard is facing charges including second-degree murder in the death of his son Lucas.

Also in court today were members of the group Christopher's Army.

Stacey Wendell says they were there to show their support for Lucas' brother Christopher Leonard, who was brutally beaten during a church "counseling session." Wendell says they plan to be in court for any future proceedings in the case.

Bruce Leonard's wife, Deborah, has pleaded guilty to assault.  She'll be sentenced in February.

Seven other defendants in the case are considering plea offers and will be back court in January.