Corpus Delicti

Latest Episodes:

133: Cults: Providence Jul 08, 2020

Show notes

In the last cult case of the Cults series, we discuss Jung Myung Seok who broke from the Unification church to start his own similar version. He believed that sin originated when Satan seduced Eve, and the only way to purify sin was through sex with the savior, who was... himself.
To access earlier episodes of Corpus Delicti and to help support the show, please visit patreon.com/corpusdelicti
Our merch store can be found at corpusdelicti.threadless.com
Music by:
Kai Engel
"Daemones"
Blooper music by:
Art of Escapism
"Coal Miners"
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
Transition Music by:
Nick Scarantino
Scarytino.com
Sources:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-11/the-bizarre-world-of-providence-cult-and-its-leader-jms/9224564
https://culteducation.com/group/939-global-association-of-culture-and-peace/34277-how-i-left-the-cult-escaping-religious-sect-providence.html
https://culteducation.com/group/939-global-association-of-culture-and-peace/7612-cult-targeted-students-at-top-universities.html
https://culteducation.com/group/939-global-association-of-culture-and-peace/7631-south-korean-cult-merges-sex-with-prayer.html
https://culteducation.com/group/939-global-association-of-culture-and-peace/7607-love-cult-snares-students.html
https://culteducation.com/group/939-global-association-of-culture-and-peace/7608-cult-collects-at-least-100-million-yen-annually.html
https://culteducation.com/group/939-global-association-of-culture-and-peace/34278-the-cult-that-s-infiltrated-nz-schools-campuses-and-churches.html
https://culteducation.com/group/939-global-association-of-culture-and-peace/34278-the-cult-that-s-infiltrated-nz-schools-campuses-and-churches.html
https://www.donga.com/en/List/article/all/20080115/256823/1/Cult-Followers-Break-into-Dong-A-Ilbo-Office
https://web.archive.org/web/20140306111053/http://ucsdguardian.org/?p=8108
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/02/23/S-Korean-sect-leader-facing-rape-charges/81811203796166/
https://jungmyungseok.net/pastor-jung-myung-seok/

132: Cults: Jeffrey Lundgren Jun 30, 2020

Show notes

*Correction, the temple was in Kirtland*
Jeffrey Lundgren started out as a faithful member of the LDS. He even volunteered at their temple in Kirtland where he preached to visitors. That is, until his messages started to skew from LDS beliefs, and he was fired. Jeff then formed his own group, which would focus on priming the temple for the arrival of the Lord. But to do that, he'd have to take the temple over.
To access earlier episodes of Corpus Delicti and to help support the show, please visit patreon.com/corpusdelicti
Our merch store can be found at corpusdelicti.threadless.com
Music by:
Kai Engel
"Daemones"
Blooper music by:
Art of Escapism
"Coal Miners"
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
Transition Music by:
Nick Scarantino
Scarytino.com
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Lundgren
https://murderpedia.org/male.L/l1/lundgren-jeffrey-don.htm
https://www.news-herald.com/news/ohio/kirtland-cult-killings-timeline-of-events/article_d13876c8-f5bb-5134-8ee3-3f0df58ed99f.html
https://mycrimelibrary.com/jeffrey-lundgren-ohio-execution/

131: Church of the Most High Goddess Jun 23, 2020

Show notes

Mary Ellen Tracy, aka Sabrina Aset, was a High Priestess. She was able to absolve people from their sins... through sex. She also accepted monetary donations, which paired with absolving people of their sins resulted in legal troubles.
To access earlier episodes of Corpus Delicti and to help support the show, please visit patreon.com/corpusdelicti
Our merch store can be found at corpusdelicti.threadless.com
Music by:
Kai Engel
"Daemones"
Blooper music by:
Art of Escapism
"Coal Miners"
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
Transition Music by:
Nick Scarantino
Scarytino.com
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/02/us/religion-based-on-sex-gets-a-judicial-review.html
https://apnews.com/4ab36a685acdf967465aeb47ac71b0fc
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-08-31-me-1666-story.html
The Los Angeles Times - "Pair Arrested in Sex Case" - April 20, 1989
The Los Angeles Times - "Couple convicted of prostitution arrested in newest 'Sex Church'" - Nov 15, 1989
The Messenger - "'Sex Priestess' embroiled in television controversy" - Oct 3, 1990
The Atlanta Constitution - "'Worshipers' Got Sex for Offerings; 'Priestess' Guilty" - Sep 9, 1989

130: Cults: Church of Wells Jun 10, 2020

Show notes

This week we discuss the Church of Wells, a sect that denies being a cult, despite checking off several of the boxes. Rumors include drugged members, and essentially kidnapping a grown man off the streets.
Special thanks to Steven from Trace Evidence podcast for lending his voice, and to Josh from True Crime Bullsh** podcast for lending us some sources about Israel Keyes' family
To access earlier episodes of Corpus Delicti and to help support the show, please visit patreon.com/corpusdelicti
Our merch store can be found at corpusdelicti.threadless.com
Music by:
Kai Engel
"Daemones"
Blooper music by:
Art of Escapism
"Coal Miners"
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
Transition Music by:
Nick Scarantino
Scarytino.com

129: Cults: Sherry Shriner Jun 05, 2020

Show notes

This episode was recorded several weeks ago before we skipped a week, therefore we have not addressed any recent events in this episode. We are not ignoring it.
In this episode, we discuss Sherry Shriner, a more modern day leader who also believed that humans had been infiltrated by aliens. But not just any aliens. Reptile aliens. They were everywhere, from the government to locals. Even some within the cult itself?
To access earlier episodes of Corpus Delicti and to help support the show, please visit patreon.com/corpusdelicti
Our merch store can be found at corpusdelicti.threadless.com
Music by:
Kai Engel
"Daemones"
Blooper music by:
Art of Escapism
"Coal Miners"
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
Transition Music by:
Nick Scarantino
Scarytino.com

128: Cults: Tony Alamo Christian Ministries May 19, 2020

Show notes

Tony Alamo, who was born with a different name, allegedly ruled the entertainment world by representing famous clients like the Doors, even recording at least one hit himself. That is, until God spoke to him during an investment meeting encouraging him to leave behind his false lifestyle. After that, he met his soul mate, Susan, and the two entered the evangelical lifestyle to spread the word. Only, they put their own spin on things, leading to a long list of criminal charges.
Special thanks to our listener Tracey for recommending this case!
To access earlier episodes of Corpus Delicti and to help support the show, please visit patreon.com/corpusdelicti
Our merch store can be found at corpusdelicti.threadless.com
Music by:
Kai Engel
"Daemones"
Blooper music by:
Art of Escapism
"Coal Miners"
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
Transition Music by:
Nick Scarantino
Scarytino.com
Sources:
https://time.com/4766223/tony-alamo-evangelist-dead-prison/
https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/tony-alamo-4224/
https://www.religionnewsblog.com/8506
https://web.archive.org/web/20061014173009/http://www.pfo.org/rememberalamo.htm
https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/2008/christhiaon-coie-speaks-out-about-her-stepfather-tony-alamo
“If Alamo convicted, cult will fail” by Greg Downs - The Tennessean - July 7, 1991
“Alamo bridge charged with child stealing” by Ray Waddle - The Tennessean - Feb 26 1986
“Alamo church: Here to Arkansas - and Back” by Sharon Hormell - The Signal - Sept 4, 1987
“Former member claims child abuse” by John Green - The Signal - Apr 17, 1988
Cover photo: Wall Street Journal

127: Cults: The Family (Anne Hamilton-Byrne) May 12, 2020

Show notes

A woman who always longed for a family lost her husband and suffered a series of miscarriages after her first born. She went on to start a family of her own, only... not the kind you're probably thinking. Believing she was Jesus reincarnated, she formed "The Family", which aimed to raise perfect children who would take over the world after an impending apocalypse. Content warning: This episode does discuss abuse.
To access earlier episodes of Corpus Delicti and to help support the show, please visit patreon.com/corpusdelicti
Our merch store can be found at corpusdelicti.threadless.com
Music by:
Kai Engel
"Daemones"
Blooper music by:
Art of Escapism
"Coal Miners"
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
Transition Music by:
Nick Scarantino
Scarytino.com
Sources:
https://wrldrels.org/2018/01/03/the-family/
https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/the-family-cult/7686506
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7140809/Australias-notorious-cult-leader-Anne-Hamilton-Byrne-dies-age-98.html
http://www.leavingsiddhayoga.net/unseen.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Family_(Australian_New_Age_group)
https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-49400118
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/nov/20/growing-up-with-the-family-inside-anne-hamilton-byrnes-sinister-cult
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/why-infamous-cult-leader-never-saw-jail-time/ar-AACXfjt
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/not-the-messiah-anne-hamilton-byrne-s-legacy-of-ruined-childhoods-20190615-p51y1u.html
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/anne-hamilton-byrne-obituary-dg9fxbhdq
https://culteducation.com/group/1191-anne-hamilton-byrne-the-family/29882-inside-the-bizarre-1960s-cult-the-family-lsd-yoga-and-ufos.html
https://culteducation.com/group/1191-anne-hamilton-byrne-the-family/27738-read-the-secret-diary-that-reveals-the-bizarre-beliefs-of-aliens-super-human-powers-and-twisted-child-mind-control-inside-the-family-cult.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFFAJkTRmWc

126: Cults: The Godfather of Matamoros May 05, 2020

Show notes

Adolfo Constanzo was told from a very early age that he was special. His mother was a Santerian Priestess who knew her son could see the future. As an adult, Adolfo used this to establish himself as a famed sorcerer who would sacrifice animals to provide protection to clients. That is, until he realized that fresh human bones were more effective...
To access earlier episodes of Corpus Delicti and to help support the show, please visit patreon.com/corpusdelicti
Our merch store can be found at corpusdelicti.threadless.com
Music by:
Kai Engel
"Daemones"
Blooper music by:
Art of Escapism
"Coal Miners"
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
Transition Music by:
Nick Scarantino
Scarytino.com
Sources:
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/the-believers-cult-murders-in-mexico-53577/
https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/08/us/leader-in-cult-slayings-ordered-own-death-two-companions-say.html
https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/the-work-of-the-devil/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolfo_Constanzo

125: Cults: Heaven's Gate Apr 29, 2020

Show notes

One of the most well known cults is Heaven's Gate. Two leaders bonded over a mutual love of science fiction and theosophy, and felt they had been picked for a higher purpose. Leading others to the "Next Level", Heaven's Gate believed they would be taken by spaceship to their final resting place. But it ended in a sad and tragic way...
To access earlier episodes of Corpus Delicti and to help support the show, please visit patreon.com/corpusdelicti
Our merch store can be found at corpusdelicti.threadless.com
Music by:
Kai Engel
"Daemones"
Blooper music by:
Art of Escapism
"Coal Miners"
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
Transition Music by:
Nick Scarantino
Scarytino.com
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven%27s_Gate_(religious_group)
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/heavens-gate-20-years-later-10-things-you-didnt-know-114563/
http://www.heavensgate.com/
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/heavens-gate-cult-members-found-dead
https://allthatsinteresting.com/heavens-gate-cult

124: Listener Choice: Jennifer Schuett Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

Today's story is about one of the bravest children we've ever had the privilege of hearing about. Jennifer Schuett was abducted straight from her own bedroom in the middle of the night when she was only 8 years old. Her abductor slit her throat, and left her for dead in the middle of a field. There she lay for almost 24 hours before she was found. And she was ALIVE! Not only that, this little girl gave it everything she had to help police find the man responsible.
Special thanks to Chastity for recommending this case!
To access earlier episodes of Corpus Delicti and to help support the show, please visit patreon.com/corpusdelicti
Our merch store can be found at corpusdelicti.threadless.com
Music by:
Kai Engel
"Daemones"
Blooper music by:
Art of Escapism
"Coal Miners"
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
Transition Music by:
Nick Scarantino
Scarytino.com
Sources:
https://www.ishinews.com/justice-at-last-the-jennifer-schuett-case-resolved/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jennifer-schuett-case-afraid-of-the-dark-texas-woman-seeks-justice-in-childhood-kidnapping-attack/
https://www.cbsnews.com/media/jennifer-schuett-kidnapped-texas-girl-described-attacker-in-notes-to-police/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h-lNl9otws
https://abc13.com/archive/7064746/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2168270/Jennifer-Schuett-Child-rape-victim-left-infertile-grisly-1990-attack-overcomes-horrific-injuries-conceive-child.html
https://people.com/crime/jennifer-schuett-raped-20-years-later/

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