Closing Statements In Sarah Ferguson Trial

UPDATED 7/5 12:25 pm-  Closing arguments took place today in Oneida County Court in the trial of Sarah Ferguson.

Ferguson is facing charges in the beating death of Lucas Leonard and the assault of Christopher Leonard last October.

Judge Michael Dwyer denied a defense request to drop the second-degree murder charge against Ferguson.

In her closing statement, defense attorney Rebecca Wittman said there is no way Sarah could have known the extent of the boys' injuries.

District Attorney Scott McNamara says the evidence speaks for itself -- Sarah's hatred toward Lucas and Christopher. McNamara also called the beatings a gang assault

Judge Dwyer will issue his decision at 3:00 this afternoon.

Original story:

Closing statements begin this morning in the first trial connected to the Word of Life Church in Chadwicks.

In testimony last week, Sarah Ferguson admitted to hitting her half-brothers several times with a power cord saying the counseling session had been called to address allegations that her children were being inappropriately touched by the boys.

She also told the court she believes the will of God was directly communicated through the church's pastor, Tiffanie Irwin.

Ferguson is charged with the murder of Lucas Leonard and the assault of Christopher Leonard.