Published • loading... • Updated
Assault and kidnapping retrial for Word of Faith religious group leader set in North Carolina
The case returns after a 2017 mistrial and years of delays, with prosecutors saying Covington held down and beat a former member.
- On Monday, the retrial of Word of Faith Fellowship leader Brooke Covington begins in Buncombe County, North Carolina, on second-degree kidnapping and simple assault charges.
- Her initial 2017 trial ended in a mistrial after the jury foreman introduced independent research into deliberations, delaying the case for more than nine years.
- Prosecutors allege Covington held down and beat Matthew Fenner during a "blasting" session more than 13 years ago, where members prayed to expel "homosexual demons," according to court records.
- Multiple delays including the COVID-19 outbreak and Attorney Andrew LaBreche's failed attempt to remove District Attorney Ted Bell have postponed the trial; LaBreche's license was suspended for three years.
- The Word of Faith Fellowship denies abuse allegations, claiming "certain former members" target the church; membership has dwindled to about 300 to 400 people from about 700 a decade ago.
Insights by Ground AI
28 Articles
28 Articles
Assault and kidnapping retrial for Word of Faith religious group leade
An assault and kidnapping case against a leader of a secretive North Carolina religious group appears to be finally returning to the courtroom more than nine years after her first trial ended without a verdict. Word of
·Baltimore, United States
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources28
Leaning Left9Leaning Right2Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution59% Center
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources are Center
59% Center
L 33%
C 59%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
