Dash, Mike. Thug: The True Story of India’s Murderous Cult. London, UK: Granta Books, 2005.
Call Number: BL 1215 .C8 D28 2006
Abstract: Provides an historical overview of the rise and the fall of the Thugs of India—a hereditary cult of stranglers who sacrificed their victims to the Hindu goddess of destruction Kali. Much of the work focuses on the 1800 to 1840 period when the East India Company learned of the gang’s existence and became determined to eliminate them. In the 1820s the Thugs, at their height, were murdering about 1,000 people across India. Well researched work with a glossary and maps.

Campbell, Lisa. “The Use of Beheadings by Fundamentalist Islam.” Robert J. Bunker, ed. Global Crime, special issue on Criminal-States and Criminal-Soldiers. Vol. 7, No. 3-4. (August-November 2006): 583-614.
Abstract: Currently the best work on the topic of recent non-state beheadings with a focus on contemporary beheadings undertaken by fundamentalist Islamists since 2002. Useful tables provided which chronologically list non-state Islamic beheadings and recent non-state, non-Islamic beheadings. Sections on beheading videos, Islamic beheading tactics, proposed counter-tactics, and the spread of the tactic with recent drug gang and cartel beheadings in the Americas highlighted. Precursors and potentials of terrorist and gang (Maras) beheadings coming to the U.S. also discussed.

Cults: Heaven’s Gate & Branch Davidians. 20th Century with Mike Wallace. The History Channel. New York: New Video Group. VHS. Color. 50 Minutes. 1996. Call Number: A-V BP 605 .B72 C95 1996
Abstract: Traces the development of religious cults in the 19th century and the revival of cult phenomena in the late 20th century, then focuses on the Heaven’s Gate and Branch Davidians cults. Heaven’s Gate was a UFO cult whose thirty-nine adult members engaged in a mass ritual suicide in March 1997 so that they could become crew members of the companion (i.e. alien ship) that was following the comet Hale-Bopp. The Branch Davidians were a splinter Christian doomsday cult who set fire to their compound at the climax of a 51 day stand off with federal agents on April 19, 1993. Seventy-five cult members perished including twenty-five children in the resulting firestorm.

Edwards, Ivor. Jack the Ripper’s Black Magic Rituals. London, UK: John Blake, 2002.
Call Number: HV6535.G6 E49 2002
Abstract: Intriguing analysis of Jack the Ripper’s five victims and their links to Satanic sacrifice. The author argues that an ‘occult plan’ (Vesica Piscis) based on geometric symbols was used in determining the death sites of the victims. The author co-runs a website on the topic which provides additional information. The work is somewhat sensationalized and issues over who was the ‘primary source of certain material contained in the book’ exist.

Furnish, Timothy R. “Beheading in the Name of Islam.” The Middle East Quarterly. Vol. 12, no. 2. (Spring 2005): 1-6. Internet: http://www.meforum.org/meq/.
Abstract: Early overview of the contextual basis of beheadings in Islam with sections on apologetics and reality, decapitation in Islamic theology, decapitation in Islamic history, and a concluding section that accurately states that “Islamic civilization is not a historical anomaly in its sanction of decapitation.” However, Islam is the only major world religion today under which certain leaders choose to legitimize beheadings carried out by both state and non-state actors. Further, from a radical Islamic perspective, such actions represent a blood sacrifice that has been ordained by god.

Jones, Ronald H. Terrorist Beheadings: Cultural and Strategic Implications. USAWC Strategy Research Project. Carlisle Barracks, PA: U.S. Army War College. (18 March 2005): 1-29.
Internet: http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/display.cfm?pubid=608.
Abstract: An early work on the topic of Islamic beheadings. Sections that may be useful for law enforcement educational and training purposes are Capital Punishment (within the context of beheadings), Symbolism of the Sword, Terrorist Beheadings in Iraq, Treatment of Non-Muslims, Treatment of Muslims, Evolution of the Technique, Multimedia Techniques, and Strategic Assessment and Policy Recommendations.

The Journalist and the Jihadi: The Murder of Daniel Pearl. Christiane Amanpour narrator. HBO Home Video. Color. DVD. 80 Minutes. 2006. Call Number: PN 4874 .P37 J68 2006
Abstract: Provides an overview of the life of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl and Omar Sheikh, the mastermind behind his kidnapping and subsequent beheading in Pakistan in 2002. This beheading was videotaped and distributed on the Internet and represents the conceptual foundation for all subsequent contemporary fundamentalist Islamist beheadings.

Kilroy, Jim and Bob Stewart. Sacrifice: The Drug Cult Murder of Mark Kilroy at Matamoros. Dallas, TX: Word Publishing, 1990. Call Number: HV 6535 .M43 M384 1990
Abstract: Co-written by the father of one of the victims. Focus is on events related to his disappearance and death in March of 1989 along with the search for and eventual apprehension of those involved. The recovery of Mark Kilroy’s body led law enforcement officers to members of a marijuana smuggling operation practicing a twisted form of the Afro-Caribbean religions Santeria and Palo Mayombe involving black magic and ritual human sacrifice. Some discussion of the difficulties of performing cross-border investigative operations.

Klineman, George et al. The Cult That Died: The Tragedy of Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1980. Call Number: BP 605 .P46 K56 1980
Abstract: Written as an exposé on Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple in an attempt to stop the foreseen mass suicide that was coming. The work was only partially completed by the time of the deaths of the cultists making this both a pro-active and reactive endeavor. Lacks a table of contents, references, and an index.

LaVey, Anton Szandor. The Satanic Bible. New York: Avon Books, 1969. Call Number: BF 1550 .L3 1977 and LaVey, Anton Szandor. The Satanic Rituals. New York: Avon Books, 1972. Call Number: BL 480 .L34
Abstract: The two primary works by Anton LaVey who founded The Church of Satan in April 1966. Introductory remarks by writer Burton H. Wolfe explain how LaVey “synthesized the old legends and black magic lore into the modern philosophy and practice of Satanism that all followers and imitators now use as their model, their guide, and their Bible.” The Satanic Bible includes the Books of Satan (fire), Lucifer (air), Belial (earth), and Leviathan (water) which, among other things, provide a listing of Satanic laws along with cross-cultural names for the infernal ones, treatises on religious holidays and the use of human sacrifice (which here notably only applies to those deserving), the practice and props involved in rituals, and the wording in both English and the early Enochian language of the invocation of Satan. The Satanic Rituals explains how the rituals utilized are emotion-producing devices that help followers to objectively enter into a subjective state and are employed for specialized productive or destructive ends. A number of rituals are described in detail along with items used and settings involved.

Law Enforcement Guide to Satanic Cults. Lenny Magill Productions. Gordon Coulter narrator. San Diego, CA: Mail Order Video. Color. VHS. 73 Minutes. 1994. Call Number: A-V HV 8079.025 L3 1994
Abstract: Comprehensive overview and introduction to Satanic cults with sections discussing the three levels of Satanism (Dabblers, Spiritual Involvement, and Criminal Involvement), and how to distinguish between different occult altar sets ups (Voodoo, Satanic, and Witchcraft) and how to recognize common Satanic symbols, colors, and terms. On a criminal involvement level, the significance of important dates in the Satanic calendar are explained and their interrelationship to kidnapping, sexual abuse, and animal and human sacrifice provided. An important section on ‘Satanic Homicide’ is also provided that discusses past ritual killing incidents and a successful law enforcement prosecution.

Lentini, Pete and Muhammad Bakashmar. “Jihadist Beheading: A Convergence of Technology, Theology, and Teleology?” Studies in Conflict & Terrorism. Vol. 30, no. 4. (April 2007): 303-325.
Abstract: Analyzes beheading as a terrorist tactic and attempts to specifically answer questions concerning the theological, teleological, and tactical reasons for beheadings, if beheading is indeed a new terror tactic, and if Jihadists behead their captives for similar reasons. The article is divided into sections on religious sources and symbolism, hostage taking and “old terrorism”, Islamist terrorism as a globalizing force, the global growth of arab language media, mediating terror and “netwars”, hostage taking and beheading in the Chechen and Iraq wars, and a conclusion.

Mayer, Jean Francois et al. Apocalyptic Millennialism in the West: The Case of the Solar Temple. University of Virginia Critical Incident Analysis Group Conference Proceedings. Charlottesville, VA: University of Virginia Continuing Education, 1999. Call Number: BL 503.2 .M29 1999
Abstract: Gives a succinct synopsis of events leading to the catastrophic deaths in the mid-1990s of over 50 members of an apocalyptic group, The Solar Temple. This group distinguishes itself in that the deaths occurred in a number of separate instances over three years and in three countries, Switzerland, France, and Canada. The author, Dr, Jean Francois Mayer, a historian who does practical field research in sociology, was actively involved in assisting Swiss judges and law enforcement in the Solar Temple investigation. Subsequent remarks by conference discussants offer important insights as to study implications for the potential evolution of individual apocalyptic groups.

Provost, Gary. Across the Border: The True Story of the Satanic Cult Killings in Matamoros, Mexico. New York: Pocket Books, 1989. Call Number: HV 6535 .M63 M37 1989
Abstract: Provides a detailed overview of the drug-related cult killings that took place at Matamoros, Mexico in Spring 1989. Important in its in-depth discussion of
distinguishing features of rituals related to Santeria, Palo Mayombe, Voodoo, and Satanism. Discusses the immediate aftermath of the killings in terms of its effect on the American psyche and consequent alarmist perceptions of the rise of Satanist influence.

Richardson, James T., Joel Best, and David G. Bromley, eds. The Satanism Scare. New York: Aldine De Gruyter, 1991. Call Number: BL2525 .S27 1991
Abstract: Work based on a ‘social construction’ view—‘the process of making claims is the essence of social problems’. Hence, research questions focus on the production and validation of claims. Contributions grouped in anthropological and historical perspectives on Satanism, the Satanic threat to children, psychiatry, and occult survivors, Satanism and the law, rumors and news about Satanism, and the Satanists.

Snow, Robert L. Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers. Westport, CT: Praeger, 2003.
Call Number: BL 65 .C7 S66 2003
Abstract: Written by a veteran law enforcement officer. Provides an overview of nine cult types; religious, occult, Satanic, millennial, new age, UFO, doomsday, suicide and an other category. Discusses cult dangers, recruitment, indoctrination, and how to combat cults. Cults engage in criminal behavior and may also conduct ritual killings and mass suicide.

Victor, Jeffrey S. Satanic Panic: The Creation of a Contemporary Legend. Chicago, IL: Open Court, 1993. Call Number: BF 1548 .V53 1993
Abstract: Sociological investigation into the seeming rash of Satanic cult crimes during the decade between 1982 and 1992 which discovered instead a plethora of rumors, claims, and allegations with little hard evidence to follow. This study looks into the underlying causes and significance of this bizarre collective phenomena and concludes that, while many people use the phrase “Satanic cult” as if it refers to something concrete, in reality the label is applied to diverse, unrelated phenomena enacted by a variety of individuals. The latter may include teenagers committing petty crime with “Satanic” elements, criminal psychopaths who claim to be Satanists as some kind of threat, people with mental illness such as multiple personality disorder, and non-criminal neo-pagans. Caution is given to law enforcement particularly with regard to investigating cases with accusations of Satanic cult ritual abuse of children.

Compiled by Dr. Robert J. Bunker and Pamela L. Bunker, 8/07