- adhaagenson
- Oct 22, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 28, 2021
Hey there! Grab your tinfoil hat, cue the x-flies soundtrack and settle into Conspiracy Corner; we're glad to have you. Join me as I dig into the world's most famous (or infamous) conspiracy theories.
It's Halloween, so let's go a little closer to home.
Alright, so I have to fess up: this article isn't really about a conspiracy theory (ducks to avoid the rotten tomatoes). Instead, I have unearthed something a little more well-suited to the spirit of Halloween. A few decades ago, there were some eerie happenings in Bismarck which have led to a variety of conspiracies about potential cults invading the area. So it sort of counts, right?
Two of the most terrifying (and rightly so) things that can be present in a particular area are serial killers and cults. While we at the University of Mary are extremely wholesome and good-natured, the town of Bismarck has an unnerving history with both terrifying elements.
A cult in Bismarck? Are you sure?
Well, no, and that is exactly what makes this a part of a conspiracy theory column rather than news. However, there is a significant amount of evidence that in the 1970s there was an active cult in Bismarck. This information came to light when David Berkowitz (otherwise known as the notorious serial killer, "Son of Sam") expressed that there was a violent satanic cult active in Bismarck who was responsible for the ritualistic murder of Arlis Perry, a Bismarck native who was killed after moving to the east coast. Berkowitz referred to this alleged cult leader as "Manson II." Since then, the internet has run amok with theories about the role that this alleged cult has had in multiple murders in the area.
More on Arlis Perry
Though her death was extremely violent and ritualistic, no one was ever charged with her murder. After growing up in Bismarck and marrying her high school sweetheart, Arlis Perry moved to the east coast with her husband. Very soon after moving there, her body was found in a church where she had gone to pray. Originally her husband was the prime suspect, but he was later released due to lack of evidence. Because no one was ever convicted of her murder, some argue that the Bismarck cult was responsible. Their theory is that she overheard something she shouldn't have, and they killed her to maintain their secrecy.
The Plot Thickens
I got caught in a downward spiral of murder blogs to get this, so take it with multiple grains of salt, probably a whole pretzel's worth. In 1978, there were several suspicious deaths in the Bismarck/Minot area that some attribute to the workings of a satanic cult. One man (check out the sources if you want more specifics) was found shot to death near Minot. At first, the death was ruled a suicide; however, many avid murder bloggers have deduced that the position of the body is inconsistent with suicide due to the angle of the gunshot wound.
Additionally, one year later in 1979, this man's brother was killed in a mysterious car accident. This was also ruled a suicide, sound familiar? According to a murder blogger who has no credible sources listed, the police found no skid marks at the scene, and it was overall a suspicious incident.
But wait, there's more. The father of these two men was known to have a severe drug addiction and schizophrenia, and (here's the kicker) he was the man that David Berkowitz claimed to be the cult leader. This man lived to the ripe old age of 83 and was never charged for all of the very validly alleged crimes. Family cult murders? Ritualistic murders? Suspicious suicides? Sounds like the recipe for a conspiracy theory.
Who is this "Son of Sam"?
Excellent question, this guy's right out of a Criminal Minds episode. David Berkowitz was a schizophrenic serial killer who worked alone in New York. He killed 6 people while employed as a security guard. Yes, a security guard. If that doesn't give you a scare this Halloween, I'm not sure what will. Like many serial killers, Berkowitz desperately craved attention and often claimed that he was tied to multiple cults and other satanic behavior. No one truly knows how much truth there was to his claims; however, the consensus is that he ultimately worked alone and no one else was ever convicted in relation to those crimes.
So, what does all of this mean?
What it means, dear reader, is that people love to get caught up in suspicion. I'll be the first to admit that I love a murder conspiracy, and my Netflix history can confirm this. However, the truth of the matter is that most of the time things are as they appear. Though the circumstances of these deaths are tragic, there is not sufficient evidence to prove that there was ever a cult in Bismarck.
Or is there?
I'll leave that up to you.
Happy Halloween Marauders.
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