Without a Prayer: The Death of Lucas Leonard and How One Church Became a Cult (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781643130729)

The horrifying true story of a fatal encounter inside the secluded Word of Life Christian Church, a parish-turned-cult in upstate New York.

Teenager Lucas Leonard made shocking admissions in front of the altar--he'd practiced witchcraft and conspired to murder his parents, among other horrific crimes. The confessions earned him a brutal beating by a gang of angry church members, including his parents and sister. Lucas arrived at the hospital dead, awakening the sleepy community of Chadwicks, New York, to the horror that had been lurking next door.

Nine members of Lucas' church would eventually find themselves facing murder-related charges. But how did they get to that point? And what made Lucas confess? The full story has never been told--until now.

Emmy-nominated journalist Susan Ashline delves deep into the Leonard family history, the darkness within the Word of Life Christian Church, and what led Lucas, his family, and his community to that fateful night.

Author: Susan Ashline
ISBN-10: 1643130722
ISBN-13: 9781643130729
Publisher: Pegasus Crime
Language: English
Published: 08/06/2019
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 1.30d

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 07/29/2019
Library Journal 07/26/2019 pg. 1