Two defendants in the Word of Life Church beating case were in Oneida County Court today.

Sarah Ferguson and David Morey appeared before Judge Michael Dwyer.

Six counts against Sarah Ferguson were dismissed at the request of the District Attorney's Office -- including felony murder and five kidnapping charges.  Ferguson is still facing charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter and assault.

Because of a gag order, DA Scott McNamara was not able to explain why the charges were dismissed.

Both Ferguson and Morey will be back in court in April for evidence hearings.

Six more defendants will be in court this week.

McNamara told the judge his office is ready to go to trial in the case.

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