Origins and Beliefs Lightning from the East, also known as Eastern Lightning, originated in China in the early 1990s. It’s an offshoot of the Christian Church, but with a radical twist. The group venerates a woman they claim is the returned Christ, which sets them apart from mainstream Christianity. James D. Seymour, a scholar in … Read more
Early Life and Formation of the Cult Natasha Cornett grew up in a troubled home in rural Kentucky. She became fascinated with Goth culture and the occult, eventually attracting a group of like-minded individuals. Together, they formed what some have termed a “cult,” although its organizational structure was loose. Dr. Robert J. Lifton, a psychiatrist … Read more
Founding and Initial Teachings: Late 1960s David Berg, disillusioned with mainstream Christianity, founded a religious group initially called Teens for Christ in 1968. By 1971, it evolved into The Children of God, later known simply as The Family. Dr. Margaret Singer, an expert in cult psychology, said, “The idea of separating from conventional norms allows … Read more
Origins and Formation: Late 1980s – Early 1990s Chris Turgeon emerged in the late 1980s as a charismatic figure with strong religious convictions. By the early 1990s, he had amassed a group of followers, eventually formalizing them into a cult named The Gatekeepers. “Charismatic leaders like Turgeon often exploit vulnerabilities to lure people into their … Read more
Early Life and Transformation into a Cult Leader: 1950s-1980s Roland Robidoux was born into a middle-class family in the early 1950s. The seeds of his transformation began with his increasing disenchantment with mainstream religion in the 1970s. By the early 1980s, he had formed a study group focused on Bible studies, setting the stage for … Read more
Early Life and Upbringing: Howard Allen was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in a low-income neighborhood. The early indicators of Allen’s future criminal activities were apparent as he engaged in petty crimes during his youth. Family dynamics are unclear, but some sources point to a turbulent home life as a contributing factor to his criminal inclinations. … Read more
A Star-Studded Life Natalie Wood, born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko, was a Hollywood star from a young age, achieving fame with movies like “Miracle on 34th Street,” “West Side Story,” and “Splendor in the Grass.” Author Suzanne Finstad, in her biography of Wood, observes, “She was not just an actress; she was an American icon, a … Read more
The Historical Foundations and Early Ownership Leap Castle dates back to the 13th century, with its foundational stones laid around 1250. Built initially by the O’Bannon family, it was soon seized by their overlords, the O’Carroll clan. Historian Sharon Slater has noted, “It’s not just a castle; it’s a fortress, built initially to defend against … Read more
The Unassuming Beginning Wayne Clifford Boden was born in 1948, in Dundas, Ontario, Canada. On the surface, Boden appeared to be a well-adjusted individual, attractive and charismatic. His persona successfully hid a dark, sadistic side. “Underneath his pleasant exterior lay a monster, waiting for the opportunity to strike.” – ‘Predators: Who They Are and How … Read more
Early Life and Warning Signs Born in Kirkwood, Illinois, in 1941, Richard Speck lived in a dysfunctional household. His early encounters with crime and delinquency were signs of things to come. Dr. Sarah Stone, writing in “Archives of Criminal Psychology,” stated, “Speck was a textbook example of someone prone to antisocial and eventually malignant behavior. … Read more