u/Canal-JOREM

Image 1 — The Deadly Mormon Cult of Immanuel David (They Leapt to Their Deaths to Follow Their Leader)
Image 2 — The Deadly Mormon Cult of Immanuel David (They Leapt to Their Deaths to Follow Their Leader)
Image 3 — The Deadly Mormon Cult of Immanuel David (They Leapt to Their Deaths to Follow Their Leader)
Image 4 — The Deadly Mormon Cult of Immanuel David (They Leapt to Their Deaths to Follow Their Leader)
Image 5 — The Deadly Mormon Cult of Immanuel David (They Leapt to Their Deaths to Follow Their Leader)
▲ 11 r/cults

The Deadly Mormon Cult of Immanuel David (They Leapt to Their Deaths to Follow Their Leader)

In 1958, Charles Bruce Longo converted to Mormonism. Over time, he began claiming to receive spiritual revelations and managed to convince several Mormons that he was a prophet chosen by God. After being excommunicated, Charles moved to Manti, Utah, changed his name to Immanuel David, and founded a small Mormon sect known as "The David Family."

Members received biblical names along with the surname David and lived according to the precepts of their leader, who claimed to be the legitimate heir of Joseph Smith and even, eventually, God himself. According to reports, life within the cult was a living hell. Brutal physical punishments, torture, extreme fanaticism, and psychological manipulation were common, even against minors.

Over time, his delusions intensified. He claimed his followers were archangels and that he himself was the mythical golden plates of the Book of Mormon. Meanwhile, his followers diverted money from supposed charitable works to support Immanuel, his wife, and their seven children, who lived in luxury hotels. In late July 1978, Immanuel David, who was already being pursued by the FBI, took his own life in a car after inhaling carbon monoxide.

Days later, on the eleventh floor of the International Dunes Hotel in Salt Lake City, his widow, Rachel David, ordered her seven children to jump from the balcony. Some obeyed, while others tried to cling to the railing, crying and screaming in terror. Rachel forcibly pulled the children away and let them fall more than 30 meters before jumping herself.

There was only one survivor, one of the leader's daughters, who was 15 years old at the time. She was left confined to a wheelchair and suffered severe brain damage. Decades later, the surviving daughter and some followers were interviewed and still believed that Immanuel David was God.

Video about the deadly Mormon cult of Immanuel David: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz8pBjTi89k

u/Canal-JOREM — 4 days ago
▲ 199 r/mystery+1 crossposts

The Deadly Mormon Cult of Immanuel David (They Leapt to Their Deaths to Follow Their Leader)

In 1958, Charles Bruce Longo converted to Mormonism. Over time, he began claiming to receive spiritual revelations and managed to convince several Mormons that he was a prophet chosen by God. After being excommunicated, Charles moved to Manti, Utah, changed his name to Immanuel David, and founded a small Mormon sect known as "The David Family."

Members received biblical names along with the surname David and lived according to the precepts of their leader, who claimed to be the legitimate heir of Joseph Smith and even, eventually, God himself. According to reports, life within the cult was a living hell. Brutal physical punishments, torture, extreme fanaticism, and psychological manipulation were common, even against minors.

Over time, his delusions intensified. He claimed his followers were archangels and that he himself was the mythical golden plates of the Book of Mormon. Meanwhile, his followers diverted money from supposed charitable works to support Immanuel, his wife, and their seven children, who lived in luxury hotels. In late July 1978, Immanuel David, who was already being pursued by the FBI, took his own life in a car after inhaling carbon monoxide.

Days later, on the eleventh floor of the International Dunes Hotel in Salt Lake City, his widow, Rachel David, ordered her seven children to jump from the balcony. Some obeyed, while others tried to cling to the railing, crying and screaming in terror. Rachel forcibly pulled the children away and let them fall more than 30 meters before jumping herself.

There was only one survivor, one of the leader's daughters, who was 15 years old at the time. She was left confined to a wheelchair and suffered severe brain damage. Decades later, the surviving daughter and some followers were interviewed and still believed that Immanuel David was God.

Video about the deadly Mormon cult of Immanuel David: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz8pBjTi89k

u/Canal-JOREM — 4 days ago

The Deadly Mormon Cult of Immanuel David (They Leapt to Their Deaths to Follow Their Leader)

In 1958, Charles Bruce Longo converted to Mormonism. Over time, he began claiming to receive spiritual revelations and managed to convince several Mormons that he was a prophet chosen by God. After being excommunicated, Charles moved to Manti, Utah, changed his name to Immanuel David, and founded a small Mormon sect known as "The David Family."

Members received biblical names along with the surname David and lived according to the precepts of their leader, who claimed to be the legitimate heir of Joseph Smith and even, eventually, God himself. According to reports, life within the cult was a living hell. Brutal physical punishments, torture, extreme fanaticism, and psychological manipulation were common, even against minors.

Over time, his delusions intensified. He claimed his followers were archangels and that he himself was the mythical golden plates of the Book of Mormon. Meanwhile, his followers diverted money from supposed charitable works to support Immanuel, his wife, and their seven children, who lived in luxury hotels. In late July 1978, Immanuel David, who was already being pursued by the FBI, took his own life in a car after inhaling carbon monoxide.

Days later, on the eleventh floor of the International Dunes Hotel in Salt Lake City, his widow, Rachel David, ordered her seven children to jump from the balcony. Some obeyed, while others tried to cling to the railing, crying and screaming in terror. Rachel forcibly pulled the children away and let them fall more than 30 meters before jumping herself.

There was only one survivor, one of the leader's daughters, who was 15 years old at the time. She was left confined to a wheelchair and suffered severe brain damage. Decades later, the surviving daughter and some followers were interviewed and still believed that Immanuel David was God.

Video about the deadly Mormon cult of Immanuel David: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz8pBjTi89k

u/Canal-JOREM — 4 days ago

The Deadly Mormon Cult of Immanuel David (They Leapt to Their Deaths to Follow Their Leader)

In 1958, Charles Bruce Longo converted to Mormonism. Over time, he began claiming to receive spiritual revelations and managed to convince several Mormons that he was a prophet chosen by God. After being excommunicated, Charles moved to Manti, Utah, changed his name to Immanuel David, and founded a small Mormon sect known as "The David Family."

Members received biblical names along with the surname David and lived according to the precepts of their leader, who claimed to be the legitimate heir of Joseph Smith and even, eventually, God himself. According to reports, life within the cult was a living hell. Brutal physical punishments, torture, extreme fanaticism, and psychological manipulation were common, even against minors.

Over time, his delusions intensified. He claimed his followers were archangels and that he himself was the mythical golden plates of the Book of Mormon. Meanwhile, his followers diverted money from supposed charitable works to support Immanuel, his wife, and their seven children, who lived in luxury hotels. In late July 1978, Immanuel David, who was already being pursued by the FBI, took his own life in a car after inhaling carbon monoxide.

Days later, on the eleventh floor of the International Dunes Hotel in Salt Lake City, his widow, Rachel David, ordered her seven children to jump from the balcony. Some obeyed, while others tried to cling to the railing, crying and screaming in terror. Rachel forcibly pulled the children away and let them fall more than 30 meters before jumping herself.

There was only one survivor, one of the leader's daughters, who was 15 years old at the time. She was left confined to a wheelchair and suffered severe brain damage. Decades later, the surviving daughter and some followers were interviewed and still believed that Immanuel David was God.

Video about the deadly Mormon cult of Immanuel David: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz8pBjTi89k

u/Canal-JOREM — 4 days ago
▲ 14 r/crimedocumentaries+5 crossposts

The Deadly Mormon Cult of Immanuel David (The David Family) Crimes and Deranged Fanaticism

It was July 31, 1978, and a self-proclaimed Mormon prophet was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside a car. A few days later, on the eleventh floor of a luxury hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, the man's wife gathered her seven children on the balcony. Some jumped, obeying the widow's commands; others wept, clinging desperately to the railing and trying to resist, while several people on the street screamed in terror, attempting to stop the tragedy.

In a matter of minutes, an entire family was destroyed. But the most disturbing aspect of this story is not only its brutal ending, but also the fact that a virtually unknown man managed to convince several people outside his family that he was a prophet sent by God, and even the deity himself incarnate.

Video about the deadly Mormon cult of Immanuel David: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz8pBjTi89k

youtube.com
u/Canal-JOREM — 4 days ago

The Deadly Amish Cult of Sam Shetler (Terrible Crimes and Mind Control)

For decades, the Amish have been seen as a peaceful, humble religious community, completely removed from modernity. However, behind this traditional image emerged one of the most disturbing and recent cult cases. Sam Shetler, a 42-year-old Amish man from Missouri, ran a place called "Mercy and Truth: Amish Mennonite Retreat." Although officially presented as a spiritual and therapeutic retreat for Amish and Mennonites, multiple investigations began to describe the place as a closed community with cult-like dynamics.

Vulnerable people came to the retreat seeking spiritual help, physical "healing," or treatment for trauma, depression, and emotional problems. Authorities stated that Shetler used his position within the retreat to manipulate, control, intimidate, and exploit vulnerable people. According to testimonies and court documents, he used fear of demons and supposed "spiritual healings" to psychologically control his followers. One of the most disturbing aspects of the case occurred when the parents of a sick baby went to Shetler seeking medical help. Instead of sending the child to a hospital, the cult leader decided to treat him using essential oils and a purported respiratory treatment with lavender oil. Hours later, the child was found lifeless.

It was also reported that Shetler had total control over several young women, whom he touched inappropriately, forced certain members to work without pay, made them consume absurdly high amounts of medication, and brutally punished those who resisted his control. There are even testimonies alleging that he pulled a child's teeth as a form of punishment.

On March 25, 2025, Sam Shetler was arrested by Missouri authorities. He is currently being held without bail.

Video about the deadly Amish cult of Sam Shetler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w1ayZhLZq8&t=917s

u/Canal-JOREM — 11 days ago
▲ 87 r/mystery

The Deadly Amish Cult of Sam Shetler (Terrible Crimes and Mind Control)

For decades, the Amish have been seen as a peaceful, humble religious community, completely removed from modernity. However, behind this traditional image emerged one of the most disturbing and recent cult cases. Sam Shetler, a 42-year-old Amish man from Missouri, ran a place called "Mercy and Truth: Amish Mennonite Retreat." Although officially presented as a spiritual and therapeutic retreat for Amish and Mennonites, multiple investigations began to describe the place as a closed community with cult-like dynamics.

Vulnerable people came to the retreat seeking spiritual help, physical "healing," or treatment for trauma, depression, and emotional problems. Authorities stated that Shetler used his position within the retreat to manipulate, control, intimidate, and exploit vulnerable people. According to testimonies and court documents, he used fear of demons and supposed "spiritual healings" to psychologically control his followers. One of the most disturbing aspects of the case occurred when the parents of a sick baby went to Shetler seeking medical help. Instead of sending the child to a hospital, the cult leader decided to treat him using essential oils and a purported respiratory treatment with lavender oil. Hours later, the child was found lifeless.

It was also reported that Shetler had total control over several young women, whom he touched inappropriately, forced certain members to work without pay, made them consume absurdly high amounts of medication, and brutally punished those who resisted his control. There are even testimonies alleging that he pulled a child's teeth as a form of punishment.

On March 25, 2025, Sam Shetler was arrested by Missouri authorities. He is currently being held without bail.

Video about the deadly Amish cult of Sam Shetler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w1ayZhLZq8&t=917s

u/Canal-JOREM — 11 days ago
▲ 42 r/cults+1 crossposts

The Deadly Amish Cult of Sam Shetler (Terrible Crimes and Mind Control)

For decades, the Amish have been seen as a peaceful, humble religious community, completely removed from modernity. However, behind this traditional image emerged one of the most disturbing and recent cult cases. Sam Shetler, a 42-year-old Amish man from Missouri, ran a place called "Mercy and Truth: Amish Mennonite Retreat." Although officially presented as a spiritual and therapeutic retreat for Amish and Mennonites, multiple investigations began to describe the place as a closed community with cult-like dynamics.

Vulnerable people came to the retreat seeking spiritual help, physical "healing," or treatment for trauma, depression, and emotional problems. Authorities stated that Shetler used his position within the retreat to manipulate, control, intimidate, and exploit vulnerable people. According to testimonies and court documents, he used fear of demons and supposed "spiritual healings" to psychologically control his followers. One of the most disturbing aspects of the case occurred when the parents of a sick baby went to Shetler seeking medical help. Instead of sending the child to a hospital, the cult leader decided to treat him using essential oils and a purported respiratory treatment with lavender oil. Hours later, the child was found lifeless.

It was also reported that Shetler had total control over several young women, whom he touched inappropriately, forced certain members to work without pay, made them consume absurdly high amounts of medication, and brutally punished those who resisted his control. There are even testimonies alleging that he pulled a child's teeth as a form of punishment.

On March 25, 2025, Sam Shetler was arrested by Missouri authorities. He is currently being held without bail.

Video about the deadly Amish cult of Sam Shetler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w1ayZhLZq8&t=917s

u/Canal-JOREM — 11 days ago
▲ 10 r/cults+2 crossposts

The Brutal Amish Cult of Sam Shetler (Terrible Crimes and Mind Control)

For decades, the Amish have been seen as a peaceful, humble community, completely removed from modernity. However, behind this traditional image emerged a much more disturbing story. In Missouri, USA, an Amish leader named Sam Shetler ended up being accused of brutally controlling dozens of people within a supposed spiritual retreat where punishments, exploitation, brutality, and even a horrific death were commonplace, ultimately drawing the attention of US authorities.

As the investigation progressed, more disturbing testimonies began to surface surrounding this community, which gave rise to the most recent cult-related story worldwide.

Video about Sam Shetler's brutal Amish cult: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w1ayZhLZq8

youtube.com
u/Canal-JOREM — 12 days ago

A finales del año 2011, el ecuatoriano Fidel Andrés Palomino Alaus, junto a su secta satánica conocida como “los uñas negras”, sembraron el más absoluto terror en un sector peligroso y popular de la ciudad de Guayaquil. Siguiendo reglas retorcidas de no hacer daño a inocentes y de luchar contra el mal, Fidel consideró que debían eliminar a personas potencialmente dañinas para la sociedad.

El 18 de diciembre del 2011 llevaron a cabo su primer crimen. La víctima fue Josué Sancán Sánchez, un joven de 17 años sin antecedentes penales. Lo arrinconaron, lo rociaron con gas lacrimógeno y lo atacaron mortalmente con objetos punzantes. Luego realizaron un ritual en honor a Satán y procedieron a fragmentar el cuerpo, colocando las partes en bolsas de basura. Los restos fueron arrojados en una zona deshabitada, pero la cabeza quedó en posesión del líder sectario.

La segunda víctima fue Ángel José Estrella Gutiérrez, alias “Papelito”, de 20 años. Lo llevaron al templo improvisado de la secta, lo atacaron y, tras su muerte, lo colocaron como ofrenda a Satán. Lo crucificaron en una cruz invertida, destruyeron su tórax y colocaron velas en sus ojos, en la boca y el abdomen, según ellos para que alma del occiso llegue al infierno. Luego fragmentaron el cuerpo y arrojaron las partes. La cabeza también quedó en posesión de la secta.

A los pocos días, agarraron las cabezas de sus 2 víctimas, las colocaron en baldes, las pasearon por el sector y algunas zonas aledañas, contando lo sucedido y amenazando a todos con sufrir un destino similar si no abandonaban sus prácticas inmorales. Tras ese evento, la secta fue localizada y detenida. Fidel Palomino fue condenado a 25 años de cárcel, pero en 2021, por ironías del destino, fue asesinado de forma salvaje durante un amotinamiento carcelario. Su cuerpo terminó fragmentado precisamente como él había hecho con sus víctimas, y su cabeza fue usada como balón por los presidiarios.

Video sobre el brutal culto satánico de los uñas negras: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kehuoIzXdhk

u/Canal-JOREM — 18 days ago
▲ 27 r/cults

In late 2011, Ecuadorian Fidel Andrés Palomino Alaus, along with his satanic sect known as "the Black Nails," sowed absolute terror in a dangerous and working-class neighborhood of Guayaquil. Following twisted rules of not harming innocents and fighting evil, Fidel believed they had to eliminate people potentially harmful to society.

On December 18, 2011, they carried out their first crime. The victim was Josué Sancán Sánchez, a 17-year-old with no criminal record. They cornered him, sprayed him with tear gas, and fatally attacked him with sharp objects. They then performed a ritual in honor of Satan and proceeded to dismember the body, placing the parts in garbage bags. The remains were dumped in an uninhabited area, but the head remained in the possession of the sect leader.

The second victim was Ángel José Estrella Gutiérrez, alias “Papelito,” 20 years old. He was taken to the sect's makeshift temple, attacked, and, after his death, offered as a sacrifice to Satan. They crucified him on an inverted cross, destroyed his torso, and placed candles over his eyes, mouth, and abdomen, supposedly so that the deceased's soul would reach hell. Then they dismembered the body and scattered the parts. The head also remained in the sect's possession.

A few days later, they took the heads of their two victims, placed them in buckets, and paraded them through the neighborhood and some surrounding areas, recounting what had happened and threatening everyone with a similar fate if they did not abandon their immoral practices. After this event, the sect was located and arrested. Fidel Palomino was sentenced to 25 years in prison, but in 2021, in a cruel twist of fate, he was brutally murdered during a prison riot. His body was dismembered in the same way he had dismembered his victims, and his head was used as a ball by the inmates.

Video about the brutal Black Nails Satanic cult: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kehuoIzXdhk

u/Canal-JOREM — 18 days ago
▲ 138 r/mystery

In late 2011, Ecuadorian Fidel Andrés Palomino Alaus, along with his satanic sect known as "the Black Nails," sowed absolute terror in a dangerous and working-class neighborhood of Guayaquil. Following twisted rules of not harming innocents and fighting evil, Fidel believed they had to eliminate people potentially harmful to society.

On December 18, 2011, they carried out their first crime. The victim was Josué Sancán Sánchez, a 17-year-old with no criminal record. They cornered him, sprayed him with tear gas, and fatally attacked him with sharp objects. They then performed a ritual in honor of Satan and proceeded to dismember the body, placing the parts in garbage bags. The remains were dumped in an uninhabited area, but the head remained in the possession of the sect leader.

The second victim was Ángel José Estrella Gutiérrez, alias “Papelito,” 20 years old. He was taken to the sect's makeshift temple, attacked, and, after his death, offered as a sacrifice to Satan. They crucified him on an inverted cross, destroyed his torso, and placed candles over his eyes, mouth, and abdomen, supposedly so that the deceased's soul would reach hell. Then they dismembered the body and scattered the parts. The head also remained in the sect's possession.

A few days later, they took the heads of their two victims, placed them in buckets, and paraded them through the neighborhood and some surrounding areas, recounting what had happened and threatening everyone with a similar fate if they did not abandon their immoral practices. After this event, the sect was located and arrested. Fidel Palomino was sentenced to 25 years in prison, but in 2021, in a cruel twist of fate, he was brutally murdered during a prison riot. His body was dismembered in the same way he had dismembered his victims, and his head was used as a ball by the inmates.

Video about the brutal Black Nails Satanic cult: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kehuoIzXdhk

u/Canal-JOREM — 18 days ago

In late 2011, Ecuadorian Fidel Andrés Palomino Alaus, along with his satanic sect known as "the Black Nails," sowed absolute terror in a dangerous and working-class neighborhood of Guayaquil. Following twisted rules of not harming innocents and fighting evil, Fidel believed they had to eliminate people potentially harmful to society.

On December 18, 2011, they carried out their first crime. The victim was Josué Sancán Sánchez, a 17-year-old with no criminal record. They cornered him, sprayed him with tear gas, and fatally attacked him with sharp objects. They then performed a ritual in honor of Satan and proceeded to dismember the body, placing the parts in garbage bags. The remains were dumped in an uninhabited area, but the head remained in the possession of the sect leader.

The second victim was Ángel José Estrella Gutiérrez, alias “Papelito,” 20 years old. He was taken to the sect's makeshift temple, attacked, and, after his death, offered as a sacrifice to Satan. They crucified him on an inverted cross, destroyed his torso, and placed candles over his eyes, mouth, and abdomen, supposedly so that the deceased's soul would reach hell. Then they dismembered the body and scattered the parts. The head also remained in the sect's possession.

A few days later, they took the heads of their two victims, placed them in buckets, and paraded them through the neighborhood and some surrounding areas, recounting what had happened and threatening everyone with a similar fate if they did not abandon their immoral practices. After this event, the sect was located and arrested. Fidel Palomino was sentenced to 25 years in prison, but in 2021, in a cruel twist of fate, he was brutally murdered during a prison riot. His body was dismembered in the same way he had dismembered his victims, and his head was used as a ball by the inmates.

Video about the brutal Black Nails Satanic cult: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kehuoIzXdhk

u/Canal-JOREM — 18 days ago
▲ 5 r/EcuadorReddit+2 crossposts

Un culto que realizaba rituales en nombre de Satán, un líder que aseguraba estar “limpiando la sociedad” y dos jóvenes que terminaron brutalmente eliminados, con sus cuerpos completamente fragmentados y convertidos en ofrendas dentro de una lógica retorcida de justicia y pseudo espiritualidad.

Bajo el mando de Fidel Andrés Palomino Alaus, la secta satánica de los uñas negras no sólo sembró el más absoluto miedo en un sector popular de la ciudad de Guayaquil - Ecuador, sino que también cruzaron todos los límites al actuar como jueces y verdugos de la sociedad. Pero la historia de aquella secta brutal y sobre todo de su líder, terminó de la forma más irónica y perturbadora posible, en algo que para muchos fue una completa justicia poética.

Video sobre el brutal culto satánico de los uñas negras: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kehuoIzXdhk

u/Canal-JOREM — 19 days ago
▲ 84 r/cults

In 1977, Canadian Roch Theriault converted to Adventism. Initially committed to the church, he later used it as a platform to form his own offshoot cult. He began recruiting young people by exploiting their emotional vulnerabilities, convincing them that he was a prophet and that the end of the world was near. Many abandoned their lives, their jobs, and conventional Adventism to follow him, eventually forming an isolated community called "The Ant hill Kids" which settled on a hillside in Quebec. There, Roch forced them to wear long robes, kept them constantly active, and completely isolated them from civilization. He called himself "Moses," changed the names of his followers, and subjected them to total control.

Roch spiritually married several of his female followers, impregnated them, and used manipulation to dominate them. Gradually, his followers learned of his atrocious intentions. He subjected them to hunger and sleep deprivation and violently punished them if they tried to leave the group. He spied on them and inflicted brutal punishments such as beatings with blunt objects, hanging them from the ceiling, pulling out their body hair, and subjecting them to extreme humiliations, even forcing them to defecate in the mouths of his devotees.

Over time, the punishments became more extreme: he forced his followers to break their legs, shoot each other in the shoulders, eat dead mice and feces, and in some cases, he pulled out their teeth or toes to demonstrate loyalty. As if that weren't enough, he also abused the children in the sect.

Finally, a couple of devotees managed to escape and tell the Canadian authorities what had happened. Thériault was captured and sentenced to life imprisonment after two people died as a result of his punishments. In 2011, Roch Thériault was murdered by a fellow inmate.

Video about the brutal history of the Adventist cult of the Ant hill Kids and its leader, the infamous Roch Theriault: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PHFn9upVd0

u/Canal-JOREM — 25 days ago

In 1977, Canadian Roch Theriault converted to Adventism. Initially committed to the church, he later used it as a platform to form his own offshoot cult. He began recruiting young people by exploiting their emotional vulnerabilities, convincing them that he was a prophet and that the end of the world was near. Many abandoned their lives, their jobs, and conventional Adventism to follow him, eventually forming an isolated community called "The Ant hill Kids" which settled on a hillside in Quebec. There, Roch forced them to wear long robes, kept them constantly active, and completely isolated them from civilization. He called himself "Moses," changed the names of his followers, and subjected them to total control.

Roch spiritually married several of his female followers, impregnated them, and used manipulation to dominate them. Gradually, his followers learned of his atrocious intentions. He subjected them to hunger and sleep deprivation and violently punished them if they tried to leave the group. He spied on them and inflicted brutal punishments such as beatings with blunt objects, hanging them from the ceiling, pulling out their body hair, and subjecting them to extreme humiliations, even forcing them to defecate in the mouths of his devotees.

Over time, the punishments became more extreme: he forced his followers to break their legs, shoot each other in the shoulders, eat dead mice and feces, and in some cases, he pulled out their teeth or toes to demonstrate loyalty. As if that weren't enough, he also abused the children in the sect.

Finally, a couple of devotees managed to escape and tell the Canadian authorities what had happened. Thériault was captured and sentenced to life imprisonment after two people died as a result of his punishments. In 2011, Roch Thériault was murdered by a fellow inmate.

Video about the brutal history of the Adventist cult of the Ant hill Kids and its leader, the infamous Roch Theriault: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PHFn9upVd0

u/Canal-JOREM — 25 days ago
▲ 187 r/mystery

In 1977, Canadian Roch Theriault converted to Adventism. Initially committed to the church, he later used it as a platform to form his own offshoot cult. He began recruiting young people by exploiting their emotional vulnerabilities, convincing them that he was a prophet and that the end of the world was near. Many abandoned their lives, their jobs, and conventional Adventism to follow him, eventually forming an isolated community called "The Ant hill Kids" which settled on a hillside in Quebec. There, Roch forced them to wear long robes, kept them constantly active, and completely isolated them from civilization. He called himself "Moses," changed the names of his followers, and subjected them to total control.

Roch spiritually married several of his female followers, impregnated them, and used manipulation to dominate them. Gradually, his followers learned of his atrocious intentions. He subjected them to hunger and sleep deprivation and violently punished them if they tried to leave the group. He spied on them and inflicted brutal punishments such as beatings with blunt objects, hanging them from the ceiling, pulling out their body hair, and subjecting them to extreme humiliations, even forcing them to defecate in the mouths of his devotees.

Over time, the punishments became more extreme: he forced his followers to break their legs, shoot each other in the shoulders, eat dead mice and feces, and in some cases, he pulled out their teeth or toes to demonstrate loyalty. As if that weren't enough, he also abused the children in the sect.

Finally, a couple of devotees managed to escape and tell the Canadian authorities what had happened. Thériault was captured and sentenced to life imprisonment after two people died as a result of his punishments. In 2011, Roch Thériault was murdered by a fellow inmate.

Video about the brutal history of the Adventist cult of the Ant hill Kids and its leader, the infamous Roch Theriault: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PHFn9upVd0

u/Canal-JOREM — 25 days ago
▲ 5 r/cults+1 crossposts

All stories about destructive cults contain extremely disturbing and violent details, but the case of the infamous Roch Theriault's cult far surpasses all others of this kind. Within his cult, called "The Ant hill Kids," absolute obedience, isolation, and psychological control reached levels difficult to comprehend, even within this type of case.

Dozens of people were trapped under the influence of a leader who knew how to exploit their weaknesses, mold a new reality for them, and sever any ties with the outside world. But what is most disturbing is not only the severity of what happened in that cult, but also the amount of documented detail that allows us to understand, step by step, how far a human being can go when they obtain total power over others.

Video about the brutal history of the Adventist cult of the Ant hill Kids and its leader, the infamous Roch Theriault: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PHFn9upVd0

u/Canal-JOREM — 26 days ago