The Pilgrim family, known as “Hillbilly Heaven”, lived in a remote town called McCarthy, New Mexico, for 14 years before their death in Anchorage in 2005. Robert Hale, son of I. B. Hale, a renowned FBI agent and All-America football star, led a divergent life from his Texas origins. His name was linked to significant events in the family’s history.
The Pilgrim family, held under strict control by their father, presented the false front of their practiced act as a quaint, homespun, bluegrass-playing lifestyle. Robert Allan Hale, also known as Bobby Hale, Papa Pilgrim, and Sunstar, was an American criminal who mentally, physically, and sexually abused his family.
Pilgrim’s Wilderness is a book detailing the Pilgrim family’s deep, dark secrets and the battle that followed their move into the wild. The story of Robert Hale’s crimes, religiosity, and family’s way of life still reverberate in Alaska and elsewhere nearly 14 years after his death in an Anchorage jail.
George Washington was not a passenger on the Mayflower, but nine US presidents can trace their bloodlines to those who were aboard the ship. The Pilgrim family lived an isolated life in New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains before moving to Alaska. In 1993, Robert Hale chucked it all up, including his home in Weatherford, his job, and family life.
Bobby Hale has since called the account “ridiculous”, while a Papa Pilgrim dismisses the book as a ridiculous lie and slander of his late father. The Hales had nothing to do with a burglary, and people for no reason created stupid rumors about them.
While the family lived in New Mexico, Country Rose cut off all contact with her. The stories of Robert Hale’s crimes, religiosity, and family’s way of life continue to reverberate in Alaska and elsewhere.
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What is the real story behind the Pilgrims? : r/AskHistorians | (stupid question I know). Was their colony part of the British Empire? How did the British react to people like them? Finally, why do … | reddit.com |
The story of a Pilgrim family from the … | … has some other work for us to do,” and sat down. Deacon Jones, a very godly man, of consistent life, arose in tears, saying, ” If we are in such a stupid … | sail1620.org |
Papa Pilgrim’s Progress: The Dark Tale of an Alaskan … | I just figured that they were a part of the family’s hardy frontier life,” said Neil Darish. “I feel like an idiot for not noticing sooner. | outsideonline.com |
📹 Incest, Brainwashing, EXTREME Manipulation…He Turned His Family Into A Cult
In 2005, a 29 year old woman walked into a police station in Alaska, and told one of the most chilling stories the authorities had …
How Did Papa Pilgrim Abuse His Family?
Robert Hale, referred to as "Papa Pilgrim," exerted severe control and abuse over his family, employing methods of physical and psychological torment to enforce his interpretation of biblical teachings. When his family failed to adhere to his strict rules, they faced brutal punishments, justified by Hale as divine correction. The repercussions of his actions continue to echo, even 14 years after his death in jail, following the 2005 indictment on multiple felony charges including rape and incest.
Hale, whose background included a prominent father and a starkly different life in Texas, led his family to what they called "Hillbilly Heaven," a remote homestead in Alaska. Here, he succeeded in isolating his wife and 15 children, perpetuating a cycle of ignorance and submission. After fleeing the abusive environment, Elishaba Doerksen, the eldest daughter, chronicled her horrific experiences in a book, detailing the years of physical and sexual abuse inflicted by her father.
During a court testimony, Hale’s wife and children courageously recounted their grim life under his authoritarian regime, describing their father's manipulative nature and the psychological torture they endured. Their desperate pleas for justice marked a significant moment of reclaiming their narratives and confronting their past.
Does The Mayflower Still Exist?
The original Mayflower, the ship that transported the Pilgrims to America in 1620, no longer exists; it was likely scrapped for timber by 1624 due to its state of ruin. Historians suggest it may have been repurposed to construct a barn in Jordans, England. Following the Pilgrims' disembarkation, the Mayflower returned to England, where its captain, Christopher Jones, died in 1622, after which records of the ship fade. In 1957, a replica named Mayflower II was built in England and made the journey to Massachusetts in 53 days.
Today, Mayflower II serves as a historical landmark and educational vessel, having been restored and returned to Plymouth in 2020 for the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims' arrival. This full-scale reproduction is docked at State Pier and offers insights into the historical significance of the original ship and its journey. While the barn built from its wood, known as Mayflower Barn in Buckinghamshire, is said to still exist, the fate of the original ship remains a mystery.
The construction of Mayflower II has allowed for exploration and appreciation of the Pilgrims' story and maritime history, providing a memorable experience for visitors and a tangible connection to the past.
Do Pilgrims Still Exist Today?
Pilgrimage remains a vibrant practice in the 21st century, attracting individuals from various faiths and backgrounds who seek to explore the significance of journey and place. The Pilgrims' voyage to North America was deeply influenced by the religious turmoil in Europe following the Protestant Reformation, as they sought the freedom to practice their faith without persecution. Their story, which highlights their connection with the native Wampanoag people, also acknowledges the arrival of other migrants motivated by profit rather than religious devotion.
Despite hypothetical scenarios, like the Mayflower sinking, colonization of New England would have likely occurred regardless, with the ongoing displacement of Native Americans. The Pilgrims, seen as ancestors by many, symbolize ideals of democracy and religious freedom. Modern pilgrims continue to walk paths like the "Jakobsweg" to Santiago de Compostela, experiencing the benefits of shared faith and community. The Pilgrims are no longer just historical figures but symbols of resilience and aspiration.
Inquiry into this complex legacy reveals a cultural richness that still resonates, inspiring individuals to embrace pilgrimage as a transformative journey. As interconnections between past and present are explored, the Pilgrims' faith and courage provide valuable lessons for today's world.
Do People Still Go On Pilgrimage Today?
Pilgrimage, once significant in Judaism, remains vibrant in Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. While no pilgrims currently ascend to the Holy Sepulcher, the Sanctuary of the Flagellation in Jerusalem is always open. Modern pilgrimages offer routes that are beginner-friendly and culturally enriching, allowing people to experience both spirituality and personal challenges. Notably, Catholic pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela and Lourdes continue, attracting millions annually for their physical, mental, and spiritual rewards.
The post-COVID world is witnessing a resurgence in pilgrimages, as travelers shift from short urban trips to lengthy, meaningful journeys. Pilgrimages are personal experiences, often blending spirituality with self-discovery and life transitions. Despite secular trends, locations of religious significance still draw travelers, as evidenced by Lourdes, which, despite its small population, welcomed 3. 5 million visitors before the pandemic. Famous ancient trails like the Camino de Santiago and Kumano Kodo maintain their appeal as UNESCO World Heritage routes.
As societal norms evolve, the reasons for pilgrimage remain diverse, with many viewing the journey not just as an epic adventure, but as an essential part of life that fosters connection, transformation, and introspection.
What Happened To All The Pilgrims?
The Pilgrims, a group of 102 English settlers, set sail from Plymouth in September 1620 seeking religious freedom. They became known for founding the Congregational church, which remains prevalent in New England and contributed to the establishment of several colleges, including Harvard and Yale. Though the term "Pilgrims" wasn't used until the 19th century, the settlers identified themselves as such. Their journey on the Mayflower and subsequent trials marked an important chapter in American history, highlighting their commitment to justice and civil governance.
However, their legacy is complex. The first Thanksgiving in 1621, which saw only 53 surviving Pilgrims, occurred after much hardship, including disease and starvation that decimated their numbers. Indigenous voices remind us that the Thanksgiving narrative often overlooks the broader context of Native American history. As we reflect on the Pilgrims' journey, we must also acknowledge the impact of colonialism and the experiences of Native peoples. The Pilgrim story is, therefore, one of both aspiration and tragedy, echoing through 400 years of American history.
Who Is The 'Pilgrim Family'?
Elishaba Doerksen, the eldest of the 15 siblings known as the "Pilgrim family," has penned a book reflecting on the abuse she endured from her father, Robert Hale, also referred to as "Papa Pilgrim." This narrative details her traumatic experiences and her path toward forgiveness. The family, who moved to Alaska in 1998, previously lived in New Mexico and settled on a secluded 420-acre homestead in Wrangell-St.
Elias National Park. The Pilgrim family has historical connections to the early English settlers known as the Pilgrims, who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 and established the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts.
Doerksen's work sheds light on her father's controlling and abusive behavior, which isolated them from the outside world and even other family members. Through her writing, she intends to share her journey of overcoming such adversity and finding strength beyond her traumatic past. Content Warning: The article includes mentions of sexual assault, which may be distressing for some readers.
What Happened Papa Pilgrim?
Robert Allan Hale, known as Papa Pilgrim, was a criminal who mentally, physically, and sexually abused his wife and 15 children during their secluded life in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Their isolation began in New Mexico before moving to a homestead near McCarthy, where Hale imposed a strict, self-devised religious regimen on his family. Legal battles erupted when Hale cleared a mining road, prompting intervention from the National Park Service, backed by the conservative Pacific Legal Foundation.
In 2004, the Pilgrim family released a musical CD, and in 2005, Hale’s abusive behavior came to light. He was the son of an FBI agent and had deviated from his noted Texan roots. Nearly 14 years after his death in an Anchorage jail in 2008, stories of his abuses still resonate. His eldest daughter, Elishaba Doerksen, later published "Out of the Wilderness," detailing her harrowing experiences and eventual escape from her father's oppressive reign.
Papa Pilgrim, who portrayed himself as a pious figure seeking to raise his children away from modern evils, died shortly after beginning a 14-year prison sentence for serious crimes, including rape, against his daughter.
What Religion Were The Pilgrim Brothers?
The Pilgrims, a group of English Protestants known as Puritan Separatists, held Calvinist beliefs but sought to separate entirely from the Church of England, rejecting its corruption and interference with their faith. They emigrated from Leiden, South Holland, to North America aboard the Mayflower in 1620, establishing Plymouth Colony in what is now New England, where they encountered the Wampanoag Nation. Their persecution began under Queen Elizabeth I, as she sought to eliminate dissent against the Church.
Believing that both the Church of England and the Catholic Church deviated from Biblical teachings, the Pilgrims aimed to practice their religion freely, without government interference. Their faith, rooted in Puritanism, emphasized a pure form of worship and direct adherence to scriptural practices. The leadership among the Pilgrims included members of the Brownist movement, who had previously fled to Holland for religious tolerance. The Pilgrims' efforts to create a community based on their religious convictions ultimately contributed to the foundation of one of the first permanent colonies in New England.
While often conflated with the Puritans, the Pilgrims' commitment to complete separation from the established church distinguished them within the broader spectrum of 17th-century Protestant dissent in England.
Were The Pilgrims Really Persecuted?
The majority of the Mayflower passengers were separatists who had entirely rejected the Church of England. This rejection led to severe persecution in England between 1607-1608, prompting the Pilgrims to seek refuge initially in the Dutch Republic, which offered relative safety for Protestant sects. However, by 1620, their motivations to sail to the New World were complex and not solely focused on escaping persecution; they sought to establish a community that aligned more closely with their religious beliefs. Despite this, the narrative around their journey has been largely framed by the idea of seeking religious freedom due to past persecution.
The Pilgrims viewed themselves as exiles, leaving England under the reign of Elizabeth I, who aggressively suppressed dissent against the Church of England. Their move to Holland had been a temporary refuge from persecution, but the desire to build a new life in America was also influenced by economic hardships and a yearning to practice their faith freely and establish their own congregation. On September 16, 1620, 102 passengers and 30 crew members set sail from Plymouth, England, symbolizing a pivotal moment in religious and social history.
Ultimately, while the Pilgrims are celebrated for their quest for religious freedom, there remains a historical debate over the motivations behind their journey, suggesting they may also have sought to impose their strict religious perspectives in their new environment.
Is Billy Pilgrim Based On A Real Person?
Billy Pilgrim, the protagonist of Kurt Vonnegut's novel Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), is a character shaped significantly by the author's own experiences as a World War II prisoner who witnessed the firebombing of Dresden, Germany. Introduced in the second chapter, Billy hails from the fictional town of Ilium, New York, and believes he has been abducted by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore, experiencing time travel as a result. His character is inspired by Edward Crone, a real American POW who met Vonnegut in Dresden, and who tragically succumbed to the trauma of war. The story unveils Billy's odyssey, beginning with his birth in 1922, as he grapples with the profound violence and chaos surrounding him. Billy embodies the antiwar hero archetype; he is depicted as an unpopular and complacent figure before the war, and a mockery during his military service. Throughout the narrative, the complexities of Billy's mental state emerge, challenging perceptions of reality and fiction. Despite the imaginative elements, his experiences reflect the genuine horrors of war and the lasting consequences of trauma, revealing the deeper psychological struggle veterans face. Vonnegut's narrative, interwoven with his personal history, offers insight into the impact of war, illustrating Billy's fragmented consciousness and his connections to real historical figures.
Who Is Papa Pilgrim?
Elishaba Doerksen, the eldest of the 15 children of Robert Hale—known as Papa Pilgrim—has penned a book detailing the severe abuse endured by her family in isolation under his control. Robert Allan Hale (1941-2008) was a notorious figure who inflicted mental, physical, and sexual abuse on his wife and children while living in the Alaskan wilderness. He presented himself as a devout patriarch, isolating his family first in New Mexico and later near McCarthy, Alaska, under the guise of a righteous lifestyle, away from modern society's temptations.
The family's life, marked by strict adherence to Hale's misinterpretation of the Scriptures, was filled with fear and manipulation. In various media appearances, including the episode 'Terror in the Wilderness' on Investigation Discovery’s 'Evil Lives Here,' Elishaba has begun to openly share her story of survival, shedding light on her father's horrific actions. Her book, "Pilgrim's Wilderness: A True Story of Faith and Madness on the Alaska Frontier," reveals the unspeakable experiences she and her siblings faced. Ultimately, Elishaba’s narrative illustrates her courageous escape from a nightmarish upbringing dominated by the abusive authority of Papa Pilgrim.
Why Did The Pilgrim Fathers Leave?
The Pilgrims left Europe due to religious persecution and the desire for religious freedom. They were part of a separatist group known as the Separatists or Brownists, who rejected the Church of England, believing it irredeemable. These Puritan settlers, despite England being a Protestant nation, faced severe persecution due to their extreme beliefs. In 1620, the Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower from Plymouth, England, and established Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts.
This colony was the first permanent European settlement in New England. The group, originally from Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, sought refuge following their experiences of economic hardship and fear of a Spanish Catholic threat.
After initially attempting to move to the Netherlands—where they could practice their faith freely—the Pilgrims ultimately decided to sail across the Atlantic. The Mayflower set sail with 102 passengers and 30 crew members. Their arrival in America was marked by hardship, with many succumbing to cold and poor housing; by February 1621, 50 had died. Over time, all who sailed on the Mayflower became collectively known as the Pilgrim Fathers, a term that solidified during the 1820 bicentennial celebrations.
The Pilgrims sought not only religious freedom but a more prosperous life. Despite facing numerous challenges, their journey and settlement marked a significant chapter in American history, symbolizing the quest for religious and personal liberty.
OMG! I ran across this family more than once! One time in particular at a flea market north of Santa Fe at Pojoaque! They were quiet but respectful and they all had biblical names. They were selling puppies from a very large dog like a malamute or a Saint Bernard while also gathering supplies for the upcoming winter. They drove a converted school bus that was painted kind of a sky blue. It breaks my heart to know that he was abusing them. 😡
I lived in the area of Alaska that the Pilgrim family first lived. The family was just another cult which this state has seen its share. People are drawn to the state due to its remoteness and vast wilderness. Their dream of living free drives them. So no one thought about much about the family other than a they were different. As time went by it was evident that PaPa Pilgrim was a grifter and made deals with locals that would benefit him and no one else. Papa Pilgrim eventually thought moving to a really remote with his big family would get him far enough away from society to do as he pleased. So he moved his family to the McCarthy, AK area, a community high in the mountains with a lot of land to buy to start a real homestead. The Pilgrim Family did not change. Papa was a grifter and had some serious issues with the few locals that lived in the area. Papa Pilgrim kept all his children close to him, controlled his wife and stayed isolated. The loyalty that PaPa Pilgrim got was only that his family feared him and his children knew nothing about the world outside of the family. There were suspicions about the family and the welfare of the children but that was mostly as far it went. PaPa Pilgrim had an ability to keep any one who may ask questions about his family away, there was just something about him. When his daughter escaped and took off in the remote wilderness to get help that was so remarkable being 100’s of miles away from a real town or city it was a miracle. Papa Pilgrim was finally brought to justice for the crimes against his own family but never lived to stay in jail and pay for them, he died shortly after.
Why did the wife and children stay? It’s hard to explain unless you have been traumatized the way he did his family. The abuser is usually a master of manipulation. They can make you believe you are worthless, stupid, and even blame you for things they’ve done. You are always terrified and spending all your energy to just trying to be invisable. It’s hard to understand why they didn’t fight back, and you think “I wouldn’t let that happen” but you get institutionalized when you are treated like an animal. Truth is, we don’t know what we would do if we were in their shoes. From experience, not even near to what this family endured, I can tell you that your main mission is to keep your head down and try to stay alive.
14 years !!??!! For sexual and physical abuse for 16 people some started at 1 years old and they gave only 14 years?? Yeah he died at 8 months in but so what!! Other lawyers and judges will go back and look on this case when wanting to compare to other cases! What if another one is similar or worse they will plead down? They made a huge mistake! 16 people and only 14 years? That’s not even 1 year for a person who was abused for 30+ years! That’s disgusting!! Just absolutely disgusting! That just shows that a rapist can get away with anything and that the courts have their backs😡🤨
I lived in Anchorage Alaska while all this was going on, and the shock and horror of these events, as well as the hunt by police for this monster was going on. Sadly, I grew up in a family similar. Although me and my family didn’t suffer as badly as this family, my father was sexually abusive. Unfortunately I never got justice for what my father did to me, but at least he spent the last few years of his life in pain from liver cancer and died a few years ago.
Super small note: the reusing of bathwater was super common amongst extremely low-income, or homesteading in places with no running water (which was not uncommon 1930-50s, or earlier). HOWEVER it was typically babies/infants/toddlers those who were generally not too dirty, to kids/teens, then adults, often last would be the father as often with Father’s working as labourers would be quiet dirty. Everyone would still take “sink/sponge baths” rinsing/washing with a small basin of water. So it’s absolutely horrible what happened with this family, and the inequity between the leader and the rest of the family is insane. It’s worth remembering that things like sharing bathwater was fairly common place less than 100 years ago in lots of places, and is still not uncommon in many parts of the world.
My ex-husband knew and was raised with this family. He lived in Ninilchik up Brody (Kenai/Soldotna area) for most of his youth, but right around 14 when he noticed that things weren’t right with these people, he ran away and made his way to Wasilla AK, where I met him a few years later. What a sick, dysfunctional mess.
I love that you’re covering this. The whole era of the pilgrims in McCarthy. They hijcked someone’s camper, and broke into cabins. They were finally ejected from that community. McCarthy is surrounded by national park land. It was after leaving the town that they picked a random place in that park to build their newest compound. It was the bulldozing of national park land that brought the feds in
When you said he would hold the Bible in one hand and beat his kids with the other while reading it, my stomach physically lurched. I’m a Christian, I know it doesn’t take a Christian to know that is evil. I get that, but as a Christian, I know enough about the nature of God and Jesus Christ to know EXACTLY how perverse that was from a religious perspective. What he did was an abomination against God.
“Country Rose” may have been a victim at one point. However no one will ever convince me that she didn’t know what he was doing to all of his children, her children, especially Alishiba & the other girls was WRONG! She was compliant & an enabler to Robert. Why the five eldest brothers didn’t give Robert an ass whooping and throw him out to protect their mother & younger siblings I’ll also never understand?! This man got off very easy! But… Now he has Hell to look forward to!
Robert: Seeing anyone’s nude body is wrong Also Robert:jenjames4113 “Out of the Wilderness” by Elishaba Doerksen is an amazing read. I read it as soon as it came out years ago and never forgot it. Highly recommend, but she is absolutely fearless in the re-telling of her life with Poppa Pilgrim – so brace yourself. I live in Alaska and the Hale family was sometimes considered charming, and somewhat well known, this is the largest state, but the smallest in many ways. I often wondered if Poppa Pilgrim’s fame didn’t play into his leniency.
I live here in AK I meet this family. Here in remote Alaska, we live very different then lower America. However, this type of lifestyle we still have morals. This man moved here, to escape society so he could take total control over his family and commit these immoral acts upon them. Thinking, no one would notice. The way we live in remote Alaska, our eyes, ears, intuition is more keen than most.
It is beyond heartbreaking the sheer number of children who have their entire childhoods, sometimes their lives stolen, living in terror and suffering. Every. Day. A new, horrific story comes to light seemingly worse than the last one. I hope every member of this family, except Robert, can somehow find some peace and happiness. ❤
That was just a heartbreaking story. I just found your website and I was immediately hooked. Robert is one of the sickest person I have ever heard about. What he did to those kids is totally disgusting and despicable. I know he ended up dying, but 14 year’s only for putting those kids through that absolute hell for so many year’s. makes me sick. Poor Alishaba had to put up with this until she was 30! I’m just disgusted by Robert. He got off way too easy, dying 8 months after going to prison. I hope he’s getting worse treatment than he gave for all eternity!!!!!!
If I had a nickel for everytime severe child abuse occurred on jack Nicholsons property I’d have 2 nickels, which isn’t a lot but weird that’s its happened twice (the other event was Roman Polanski assaulting a child on property Nicholson shared with Angelica Huston who was present on the premises at the time of the assault)
Does anyone else find it weird that this family lived on Jack Nicholson’s property? Jack Nicholson was good friends with Roman Polanski– Polanski, who r-d a 15yo IN Jack Nicholson’s house. Jack Nicholson also was good friends with Sharon Tate, Polanski’s wife, who was viciously made deceased by the Manson family. Nicholson also attended “nearly every day” of the Manson trial, saying he was “fascinated” by him. WTF Jack? That’s too many coincidences of him being tied to a very specific type of abuser. 😳
I know Rose was 16 when she met him but as a mother, shame on you for allowing the horrible treatment of your children. Standing by & doing nothing. Just as guilty. They needed you as their mother to protect them & you failed miserably. I’ll never understand mothers who allow the abuse of their own children.
I am a Forensic Criminal Psychologist and I honestly just from hearing this think he had Antisocial Personality Disorder with Narcissistic and Histrionic tendencies. He was very charismatic in fake in towns, impulsive, Criminal behavior with wreckless disregard for safety of self or others, and etc which definitely says Antisocial Personality Disorder. Sad for his beautiful family especially since he also clearly had pedophilia.
I know a lot ask why didnt the older ones help when you live this kind of life with an evil father its a form of brainwashing you still have fear of this person even when you get older. It takes awhile to get out yourself and to learn to survive, not blame yourself snd conquer that FEAR to help snyone. Been there its not as easy as you think yo fight back you’re conditioned not to.
Im sorry but if elishaba was 29 and the first born and her mom had a child every 2 years as reported with the next child born after her a boy that means her next brother and oldest of the 5 boys who ran away after they confronted their father and he punched 1 of them 27 YEARS OLD! OH HELL NO! you had the oldest of the 5 BOYS being 27 and they RAN instead of whooping his ass?! They knew it was wrong. Told him it was wrong. Yes they were victims their whole life and that’s fucked but they legit felt if he didn’t stop he was going to kill someone probably either their horrifically sexually and physically abused oldest sister or their 2 year old baby brother and they just left? 😢 they just left a 2 year old to be suffocated and dumped in the snow? Because they didn’t want to fight a old man 5 on 1?!
I am so absolutely confused that there was a trigger warning for the dog but not for any of the horrible things that the child went through like rape. What kind of weird ass world are we living in where the dog requires a trigger warning but not the horrible things that are happening to the children. I mean literally there was no warning before you were just like hey and then he started raping the child, but the dog we have to preface with a I wasn’t even going to put this in this article and I know it’s going to be triggering blah blah blah😂
I don’t care how old the mother was she met the man she allowed to abuse all her children. There is a thing called instinct, and a mother’s instinct is to protect her child. A stray cat would protect her kittens on instinct alone. No excuses. The older sons leaving the younger kids behind? Also pathetic. There was enough of them to overtake the crusty old man and stop the abuse. What he did to the baby was unforgivable. How could anyone stand by and watch that? Especially grown men.
… New follower here,🙋🏻♀️!! I am 62 years old and have been reading and perusal true crime for over 40 years. This content creator is the bomb 🩷❣️ I feel fortunate to have found her here on screw tube. Most importantly she is compassionate!! She is loving, kind, and respectful! She doesn’t over talk like most content creators do. I sometimes feel as though, whether it be true crime or politics, a lot of creators like to hear themselves speak. This beautiful young woman doesn’t do that…!! Kudos to her 🩷❣️
Great job! My husband and my ex, both had this same upbringing to a degree. They had a dad d the same weird bath water situation, but their parents were hippies. Luckily there were blue berries, and stream water, because they had the same eating restrictions. Being off grid is very liberating. I did it for almost 10 years, the happiest days of my life. Very interesting story….
The youngest son is one that’s hard to hear for me. I had loving and kind parents who rarely even yelled at me and to just imagine cutting off his oxygen over and over, throwing him out into the snow, to just go on and inflict physical harm to a baby. Is so sickening and sad. I’m glad they’re free of this man and I’m sorry they ever had to endure it.❤
The Story Jack Nicholson tells about this land is VERY different from what is reported here 😂 the San Francisco Oracle. Katz heavily subscribed to the hippie lifestyle, often disappearing for months on acid trips to wander the California countryside. Nicholson was intrigued, and wanted to provide Katz a safe haven. The second time around, Nicholson found his way to a plot of land in New Mexico, and encountered a group of bandits that looked something like the Manson cult—albeit minus the murderous rampages, and plus…a former clown. JACK NICHOLSON: (Gabe Katz) found this land while he was wandering that he described to me in great detail and I was at the point of view at the time of giving land back to the people. So I bought this piece of land for them for this commune. ANDY WARHOL: You’re an owner of a commune? Really? Now? NICHOLSON: No, let me finish this story. They lasted about six months. So I now start getting communiques that someone’s trying to push them off the land and then, after a few months of that, Gabe shows up and said somebody actually drove them off the land with guns up there. So I don’t do anything. I just sit there owning the land. Another few months go by and I get a very unusual letter—not too legibly written, no too great spelling—from a young guy who was a clown and is now on the property. I don’t know what they’re doing. It said “putting in fruit tree” and did I mind if they stayed? The gun people have now disappeared (…) I returned to the letter and about three days after I read it a girl rides up to my house in Beverly Hills on a horse and claims to have ridden all the way down from New Mexico on this horse because they hadn’t got a reply to this letter and was it alright if they stayed?
He was a man born into a family that provided him with priviledge and opportunities. He could have become anything he wanted and he chose to become a monster. How heartbreaking for his entire family, both immediate and extended. Your listeners were understandably upset by the light sentence he received. However, I believe he will be held accountable by the very God he defiled and that justice is real! It seems that cult leaders share commonalities such as extreme narcissism, arrogance, lack of empathy and honesty. Their drive to attempt to control and destroy people appears to be a common theme. I believe they will also ultimately face accountability and justice beyond any measure of our understanding. Thank you for your work to educate us about the monsters amongst us.
WOW! I can relate to this horrific story because I lived it too! The beatings, the sexual abuse, this brought back old memories, especially the one about “Jonathon”. I had a step-brother named Early who was hated by his natural father. I witnessed the beatings his natural father would give him and all of us, until one night we, 7 children, witnessed the last beating Early was to ever receive from his father! Early was beat to death, and the next day we woke up and my mother and step-father were gone, and so was Early’s body…we cleaned up the blood and mess that was left from the rage of this person! I began a blog about my story awhile back…maybe its time to go back and finish it! I’m still healing from that time. The ignorant one’s say “get over it” you never do! You just manage and maintain your grief and trauma. Learn new coping skills in the beginning like you mentioned, we were brainwashed, manipulated, and blamed like we deserved it! No child deserves to be abused whatsoever! Anyways, talking about it, writing about it is part of the healing process…it’s always ongoing. One more thing! There is never “closure” in any kind of loss! Who ever keeps trying to make you believe there’s closure, or to have closure, is fill of shit! Closure comes when you take your last breath!
This has also shed light on Jack Nicholson. How did he not know this family were living like this on his own property for 20 years! And being as wealthy as he is, why was there no decent house on the property!? I take it that papa was being paid to manage this property, so why let someone live in a tiny unit with no bathroom???
So, this is one of those stories that would be an example of when an abortion is neccessary. However, some Republicans, who grew up in “fanatical” religious situations like this, or are bought by various lobbiest and believe that any rape is justified and should be locked up, will make laws to support this abomination.😮😢
I’m sorry but HE was saying the wife became old & ugly??? That eyesore of a thing?? No wonder he didn’t want the kids looking in mirrors🙄🙄🙄 sick animal. Of COURSE he hard 1 sermon & decides he’s the next messiah. Can’t we do a personality test on people like this & just lock them up?? Inevitably they all become complete psychopaths
To those focused mostly on the 14 years, some context : • This was a plea deal. The case did 𝘯𝘰𝘵 go to trial. Neither the judge nor a jury decided guilt or a sentence; it was negotiated between prosecution & defense. • Over 90% of all criminal cases in the US are settled by plea vs. trial. 98% of all federal criminal cases. • Hale’s federal legal battle was much longer & more troublesome to the govt. than what was discovered about his family at the end. It was a well publicized thorn in their side by land rights orgs at the time. They footed all of Hale’s federal legal bills. • Hale was wheelchair-bound & clearly dying when he was indicted for the crimes against his family. The ‘no contest’ was important to state prosecution, the sentence was pretty irrelevant. They wanted 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦 to stick. That doesn’t usually happen. His family got justice and acknowledgement on each count. Whether he was sentenced to 1 year or 100, he had under a year to live. The important thing happened.
Oh Dear God as a Christian I am appalled and horrified by the story . This is thing )I’m calling him a thing bc he is not a human being ) this thing used what should be The Love of God into something so evil and demented! My heart breaks for his wife and his children I pray they all receive healing ❤️🩹🙏🏼
30:02 omg I had a baby doll I got for Christmas I named Merry. And when I was little my little brother would like kidnap her and bang her against a wall or tree or something. And it was HORRIBLE when that happened. I really felt like he was banging my real live baby against the wall. So I can’t even imagine man this is awful.
It is horrific what those children went through. The boys that escaped probably were not thinking of their siblings, fear is something you cannot in any way, shape or form overcome immediately. The fact that the boys took up to the father is amazing. We cannot imagine what those children went through. Unfortunately, there are sick people in this world and unfortunately we are too uninvolved with our neighbors. The boys escaped the bravery of the two older girls was good the fact that they took it all in and then took it to the police and the court system is amazing. I hope and I pray That they have a receiving help which will be ongoing, most likely for the rest of their lives.
One more thing I don’t understand is why with the five oldest Brothers leave knowing full well what’s going on and not help any other siblings especially the one that he beat Black and Blue? They just went on with their life and left the other siblings behind and told no one! That girl was FAILED by so so many people! She was failed first by her mother then her siblings then by the judge & judicial system!!
Me and my nine brothers and sisters grew up alot like these kids. There was no sexual abuse and no religion, but my father was incredibly violent towards my mother, my siblings and me. Also we were off grid with very few far away neighbors and went years without being allowed to go to school. Every single one of us ran away when we were anywhere from 13 to 17 and finally my dad was given 4 months and comunity service wich was when only the three youngest were still at home and those three were put in foster care. Im almost a little surprised no one was ever killed and now both parents are gone so now I can relax. This guy should get life. There’s to good of a chance that once he gets out he’ll try to get revenge.
I knew someone very like this man. He lived with his large family on an isolated farm, was very religious, brutally beat his children, made them do all the farm chores, mistreated his wife who was herself the product of abuse and meekly submitted to him. I always suspected he may have sexually abused his daughters but have no evidence, just a suspicion. He was an evil man.
This is horrific. I was the victim of someone grooming me as a teenager. I met him in church and married him and he ruled over me using scripture and the purity culture I was raised in. But it pales in comparison to what Rose and her children went through. When his daughter said “I asked Jesus to forgive me too” I cried. No, honey, you have nothing to ask forgiveness for. You did nothing wrong and I hope you have been able to heal and see your worth.
This horrible story has a lot of similarities with a Dutch family. A few years ago one adolescent son managed to escape and ran to the police, after which this deplorable family with their crazy father were found. Their story is told,by themselves, in the tdocumentary ‘De kinderen van Ruinerwold’ ( the children of Ruinerwold), by Jessica Villerius.
This is so sad but it also is so real for me. I was raised in much the same way, the cultish Christian belief system, no contact to outside world, I could go on and on. Even when you finally escape you are never the same, your world is never safe. My heart goes out to the children and adults in this world who’s lives were forever changed by monsters in religious costumes 😢
I lived in a fishing village on the Kenai! Him and the family were camping just outside our village living on pallets covered with blue tarps! When winter started to set in we started patrolling around often checking on all the children! About the time we were about to do something about it they were gone! It wasn’t long after he was arrested! He is pure evil!
It all began after he got away with murdering his wife and child in Florida, and eventually through drugs and alcohol, and ironically at a church service, believed that God had forgiven him and all he had to do was preach His word. All it really did was empower him, and gave him an excuse to be what he always had been – an angry, controlling, and evil murderer who thought he was untouchable, even by God. Those who hide behind and pervert the word of the Lord to justify their evil and despicable acts, especially against their own innocent family, are the biggest and worst sinners of all, who don’t deserve, and should never be, forgiven. I’ve always said that true evil walks by us and among us every single day, and many times it’s the last person you would ever suspect.
How could Roberts father allow this to happen to his grandchildren? If i knew my grandchildren were mistreated, I’d do something about it. How did his sons allow the abuse to continue once they became stronger than their dad? So those older boys escape and left the younger siblings there? What weak men? These evil men always have tiny pupils.
just about the shotgun thing! i had a professor for a criminal class who used to be on a SWAT team after being a ‘regular cop’. he told us a story about a woman who attempted to take her life. a call came in for the sound, and he and another officer showed up, and assumed it was not a big deal. when she opened the door, he asked if she was alright. she turned to lead him inside and that is when he saw the back of her head which was mostly missing. she then collapsed and you can guess. they later discovered that she had gone out via shotgun. she put it against her bathroom counter and sat on the toilet right across. she put it in her mouth, and she used her big toe to pull the trigger. thought that could be relevant, sorry that it’s so graphic.
Regarding KK’s “suicide” around the 10 or 11-minute mark: In theory, depending on the length of her arms and the weapon, she could’ve likely reached the trigger herself. It’s wonky, but it’s doable. But the part that really gets me (aside from the entirety of it, of course) is that the gunshot was behind her ear. That’s possible with a handgun or something — people often mention the impossible angle of the hand, but really, it’s just about turning your head to the side — but I just can’t see how that would work with a shotgun, which, in that situation, can really only be handled directly in front of you, not one-handed and to the side. But, again, I definitely think he killed her, and that coroner’s inquest was bullshit.
I watched a show about McCarthy and the people living there The Papa Pilgrim really caused a lot of trouble for the townfolk,and they drove him out..I started getting anxious perusal this as I had a mentally ill mother that beat me and said and did strange things all the time..I was glad my Dad finally got custody,then he married our crazy vicious stepmother..I don’t know to this day how I’m normal
That picture at 29:52 says it ALL! As do the other pics. Those poor kids. I don’t think I’ve seen one showing normal toothy smile 😀 if you will yet! Smh I’m still perusal. I’m binging on your vids. I just found your ch. I’m really enjoying it. Although very sad/sick cases. They’re intriguing these cult like families etc. Back to perusal. 👍👍👍
My daughter is two, She is full of wander and innocence, i’m trying to teach her about life as she looks at things I’ve taken for granted with wide eyes because that’s the first time she saw a train, and her, and since really showed through last week whenever I had to explain to her why she cannot pet the wild raccoon that was hanging out in our backyard, the last snowfall we had she wanted to play in so I’d let her, she was walking through the snow, but there is a stick or something buried in the snow. She tripped on it and landed face first in the snow and proceeded to tell anybody within a 300 yard radius about her unfortunate experience, I felt terrible and it was an accident with no serious consequences other than we were going to go in the house now and make hot chocolate, I don’t know what kind of monster could do that on purpose, I just hope his end was long and painful