Former Megachurch Elder Arrested for Torture and Murder of Adoptive Daughter

A former elder at San Diego’s Rock Church has been arrested and charged with the murder and torture of her 11-year-old adoptive daughter. Leticia McCormack and her parents, Stanley and Adella Tom, were arrested on Nov. 7 in connection with the death of Arabella McCormack. The case has sparked outrage and calls for justice, as the girl’s death has been linked to severe abuse and neglect.

Arabella McCormack was rushed to a hospital after sheriff’s deputies responded to a 2 a.m. “call of a child in distress” on Aug. 30. During the investigation, detectives suspected signs of possible child abuse, and Arabella’s health declined while in the hospital, leading to her death. The girl’s body showed signs of bruising and “severe levels of malnourishment,” according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

The Sheriff’s Homicide Unit took over the investigation, and during the process, deputies contacted Arabella’s father, Brian McCormack, who committed suicide in their presence. Brian and Leticia McCormack had fostered Arabella and her two sisters since 2017 and adopted them in 2019. The two younger girls were removed from the home and are currently living with a foster family.

All three defendants have been charged with torture and willful cruelty to a child. Leticia McCormack and Stanley Tom have also been charged with murder. If convicted on all charges, they face life in prison. They have pled not guilty and are set to appear in court on Nov. 16. The legal process will proceed, with hopes for justice for Arabella and her sisters.

Rock Church, founded by former NFL player Miles McPherson, has cut ties with Leticia McCormack and is revoking her ordination. The church stated it is grieving for Arabella and her sisters and is praying for comfort and healing. Leticia had been a volunteer and ordained elder at the church, serving in various capacities including administrative tasks and event coordination.

The case has raised questions about the role of church leaders in the lives of those they serve. The church emphasized that it is committed to accountability and justice, while also expressing deep sorrow for the loss of Arabella and her family. The community continues to mourn and seek truth in this tragic situation.

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