UTICA, N.Y. - Judge Michael Dwyer found Word of Life defendant Sarah Ferguson guilty of first-degree manslaughter, but not guilty of second-degree murder. 

Ferguson is the first of several church members to go to trial for the murder of her half-brother, Lucas Leonard and assault of her half-brother Christopher Leonard at the church in October.

The judge reached the mixed verdict three hours after attorneys completed closing arguments Tuesday and after listening to witness testimony, including from the defendant herself, all last week. In addition to manslaughter, the Hon. Michael L. Dwyer also found Ferguson guilty of two counts each of assault in the first degree and gang assault. Admittedly, the judge struggled with the murder count.

"The court does not feel there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that this defendant was aware of the risk of Lucas' death....therefore, the court must find the defendant not guilty of  the first count of the indictment-murder in the second degree," said Judge Dwyer, from the bench.  Dwyer said that, while no explanation of his ruling was required, he felt it was necessary.

"The defendant and others caused this to happen, but there is no proof this defendant knew what was happening internally to Lucas," said Judge Dwyer.   The prosecution, during closing arguments, held up Lucas Leonard's blood-soaked clothing to suggest that Ferguson couldn't help but see the blood, at one point adding that one need not be a doctor to know that if someone is bleeding and the bleeding isn't stopped, that person could die.

New Hartford Police Chief Michael Inserra, whose department was the lead on the Word of Life cases, was in court for the verdict.

"The overall verdict, I'm extremely pleased. I think it brings justice to both Lucas and Christopher. It holds one of the main defendants in this case responsible for the severe beating that was issued," said Chief Inserra.
 
Inserra, who is well-acquainted with the details of the investigation, shares what he believes was behind the beating of Christopher and Lucas Leonard.

"I think it's about the boys wanting to leave the church. The information we've developed through this case has shown that every time a member has tried to leave the church, the church finds a reason to confront the individual wanting to leave," said Chief Inserra.

Ferguson faces up to 25 years in prison on each of three B-felonies when she's sentenced September 1st.