Genealogy of Serial Killers, Cult Leaders, Murderers and Miscreants : Vernon Wayne Howell aka David Koresh

Rooted in Time, Hosts Nicole and Melody return with a 3-part, deep exploration into the lineage of Vernon Wayne Howell, better known as David Koresh, leader of the Branch Davidians of Waco. How did an intelligent, curious child grow into a man who would lead his community into a 51-day standoff with federal authorities—one that ended with his death, the deaths of 88 of his followers, and 4 law-enforcement officers?

Could his genealogy—viewed through the social, economic, and cultural forces of the mid-to late-20th century help illuminate the roots of that transformation?

In this episode, we investigate the complex interplay of nature, nurture, and circumstance in the lives of Koresh’s maternal and paternal grandparents.

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction to David Koresh(05:22) Introduction RootedinTime (06:08) Trigger Warnings (06:25) General information about Cults (11:57) David Koresh's Paternal Grandparents(15:53) Child Marriage in Context (23:39) David Koresh's Paternal Grandmother (27:37) Great Depression and Unemployment (30:20) Where is James C. Howell Jr. (33:11) David Koresh's Grandmother Jean Remarries (41:50) Short introduction to Bobby Wayne Howell, David's Father(42:10) David Koresh Maternal Grandparents (44:47) David Koresh Maternal Grandmother Erline (46:47) Maternal Grandfather Vernon Clark Enlists in the Military (49:17) Source Information

Part Two explores the complicated family dynamics of both David Koresh and David Koresh's parents.

In Part Three, we examine the aftermath of Waco and the legacy that still echoes today. We consider how family legacy, personal conviction, and historical context converged to shape the figure who became central to the tragedy that culminated in fire, destruction, and profound loss on 19 April 1993.