An appeals court in Rochester is scheduled to hear today from a woman in prison for a beating death four years ago at a Utica-area cult.
Sarah Ferguson wants the court to throw out her manslaughter and assault convictions in the death of her 19-year-old half brother, Lucas Leonard and the assault the injured her 17-year-old half brother, Christopher.
The beating happened inside the Word of Life Christian Church. Ferguson's parents accepted plea deals.
Ferguson’s attorney claims there was insufficient evidence to show Ferguson intended to cause serious physical injury to her brother.
The defense also claims Ferguson's 25-year sentence is cruel and unusual punishment.