San Diego megachurch leader and her parents face charges over murder and torture of 11-year-old daughter

Leticia McCormack, who was ordained elder at a California megachurch in San Diego, has been arrested along with her parents for the murder of her 11-year-old adopted daughter.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department issued news release on Tuesday confirming that McCormack was arrested on three counts of torture and three counts of willful cruelty in relation to the death of Arabella McCormack.

Leticia McCormack’s 75-year-old father, Stanley Tom, was arrested on the same charges. Her mother, Adella Tom, 70, was charged with willful cruelty to a child and torture.

Authorities found Arabella in Spring Valley on Aug. 30 after responding to a child-in-distress call. Local news reported at the time that Arabella was in poor health and, despite being rushed to hospital, continued to get worse.

Arabella was found with bruising on her body and had suffered “severe levels of malnourishment,” a police spokesperson told The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Arabella’s father, Brian McCormack, took his own life when deputies arrived at his home investigating the girl’s abuse.

A Rock Church spokesperson told USA Today that McCormack had volunteered with them since 2013. They have now stripped her profile from their website and have stripped her of her membership to the church.

“We continue to grieve for Arabella and her sisters. We are so sorry that their family and friends are experiencing this unimaginable loss and pain.  We send our deepest condolences to all that are grieving at this time. Our hearts go out to each of them,” The Rock Church said in a statement given to USA Today.

“The legal process will run its course and we hope justice for Arabella and her sisters will be served. We are praying that God’s love and grace will bring comfort and healing. The Rock no longer has any official relationship with Leticia.”