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Without a Prayer : The Death of Lucas Leonard and How One Church Became a Cult

Teenager Lucas Leonard made shocking admissions in front of the altar―he'd practiced witchcraft, conspired to murder his parents, and committed unspeakable crimes. The confessions earned him a brutal beating by a gang of angry church members, including his parents and sister. Lucas was brought to 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

Narrator:

  • Hillary Huber

Format:

  • Audiobook

Duration:

  • 13 h 40 min

Language:

English

Categories:

  • True stories
  • True crime
  • Suspense
  • Thrillers
  • Nonfiction
  • Religion and faith

More by Susan Ashline

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  1. A Jacket Off the Gorge

    Susan Ashline

    audiobook

  • 2 books

    Susan Ashline

    Susan Ashline's journalism career spans more than 25 years. Her work has received major awards, including an Emmy nomination for a public broadcasting societal concerns program, a first place Associated Press award for general excellence in individual reporting, and a Gold Medal Award for Democrat and Chronicle online excellence. She lives in Rochester, New York.

    Read more

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