19: The Kirtland Cult Murders: Jeffrey Lundgren

🎙️ EPISODE TITLE:
The Kirtland Cult Murders: Jeffrey Lundgren and the Tree of Life Delusion

📚 EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this haunting episode of Heinous Beliefs, we unravel the chilling true story of Jeffrey Lundgren, a self-proclaimed prophet who manipulated scripture, twisted doctrine, and led a group of devout believers into committing one of the most horrifying cult murders in American history.

Lundgren’s teachings weren’t just off-base they were calculated. Backed by his warped interpretation of RLDS doctrine and a made-up method he called “Dividing the Word,” he convinced his followers that murdering an entire family the Averys, including five innocent children was not only necessary but commanded by God.

• Jeffrey Lundgren’s abusive upbringing, religious obsession, and mental unraveling
  
  
• How a Bible tour guide became a deadly cult leader in rural Ohio
  
  
• The heartbreaking backstory of the Avery family and how their faith led them straight into danger
  
  
• The twisted belief system that justified execution-style murders
  
  
• How obedience and isolation fueled a silent group willing to sacrifice their morals
  
  
• The forensic horror uncovered in a shallow grave beneath a barn
  
  
• The full investigation, arrests, and trial that shocked a nation
  
  
• Lundgren’s disturbing lack of remorse and his final moments on death row
  
  
• A psychological breakdown of cult leadership and how spiritual abuse destroys lives
  
  
• And a powerful closing reflection on belief, freedom, and the cost of giving your mind away
  
  

This case is more than just murder it’s a wake-up call on how twisted theology, blind faith, and unchecked power can become a lethal cocktail.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING:
This episode contains graphic content, including the murder of children, religious violence, cult indoctrination, and psychological manipulation. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

🧠 TAKEAWAY THEMES:

• How scripture can be weaponised to justify evil
  
  
• The signs and psychology of destructive cults
  
  
• The danger of charismatic leaders claiming divine authority
  
  
• The emotional cost of blind belief and spiritual manipulation
  
  

🔍 KEY SOURCES:

• Ohio court documents & trial transcripts (State of Ohio v. Jeffrey Lundgren)
  
  
• FBI debriefs and internal records on religious cults (Freedom of Information Act)
  
  
• Survivor interviews and cult psychology analysis from Rick Ross Institute
  
  
• News reports from The Plain Dealer (Cleveland), The New York Times, and CourtTV Archives
  
  
• RLDS Church statements and historical records
  
  
• Expert commentary on religious delusion and obedience theory
  
  

🖤 SUPPORT + CONNECT:
📧 Email us your thoughts: [e-mail]
📸 Follow on Instagram: @heinousbeliefs
🎧 Stream episodes & bonus content: linktr.ee/heinousbeliefs
❤️ Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/heinousbeliefs

📣 SPREAD THE WORD:
Tag a friend who needs to hear this. Share this episode on your stories. Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more people learn how belief when twisted can become fatal.