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California cult led by 'master manipulator' committed brutal murders, detective says: 'One body after another'

Published

1 year ago

September 22, 2024

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California cult led by 'master manipulator' committed brutal murders, detective says: 'One body after another'

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Detective Gary Deckard and his team walked into a real-life nightmare on Elm Street.

Shortly after midnight on May 21, 1990, police entered a house at 5223 Elm Street in Salida, a small farming town in California. Inside were the bodies of Dennis Colwell, Darlene “Emmie” Paris, Franklin Raper and Richard Ritchey. All the victims suffered blunt force trauma and multiple stab wounds. Paris had been nearly decapitated.

“When I got to the crime scene, we had two deputies who responded to the first 911 call,” Deckard, the lead investigator, told Fox News Digital. “All these deputies were spooked by what they saw. And these are very big deputies… When I entered the crime scene, I understood why.”

JONESTOWN CULT SURVIVOR RECALLS JIM JONES’ RAPID DRUG USE, PARANOIA BEFORE MASSACRE: ‘A LIVING NIGHTMARE’

Members of “The Cause,” led by Gerald Cruz, killed four people. The case is being examined in the true-crime series, “The Real Murders on Elm Street.” (Investigation Discovery)

“When they went to murder these people, they flipped off the electricity,” Deckard explained. “So it was completely dark in there… It was just a horrific crime scene. One of the female deputies told me it felt like Freddy Krueger was going to come out of the closet. It was one body after another in this small house.”

The quadruple homicide is being explored on Investigation Discovery’s true-crime series, “The Real Murders on Elm Street.” It explores chilling cases across the country that all took place on “Elm Street.” It features interviews with loved ones and investigators, among others.

“People have always wanted to know why anyone would go to a house and savagely kill people,” said Deckard. “Was this the act of an individual or a leader of a group?”

Detective Gary Deckard was the lead investigator in the case. (Investigation Discovery)

The police would soon get their answer.

There was one survivor, a woman named Donna, who managed to escape the attack. She described how the murders were committed by several people who had been dressed in camouflage and wore masks.

“I tried to get as much information out of her as possible,” said Deckard. “What I learned was that Donna arrived at the house. She had nowhere to go that particular night. She arrived with another individual who ended up being one of the victims. She was in one of the bedrooms when the murders started taking place. One of the suspects had taken off his mask. That allowed Donna to see his face.”

“As everybody was being murdered, Donna ran to the garage,” Deckard continued. “There were no lights inside, but she found a pile of clothes. She hid underneath the clothes and the suspects didn’t see her… When she had a chance, she ran down Elm Street and knocked on people’s doors, hoping somebody would hear her screams. Someone finally did. That’s how the 911 call came in.”

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Police would later learn that Gerald Cruz ordered everyone in the home to be killed. (Investigation Discovery)

Many in town gathered outside the crime scene. After getting a description from Donna of the suspect she saw – a Caucasian male with Afro hair – one of the locals said, “It sounds like a guy named Jason. He lives off ‘the Camp.’”

Police were familiar with the residential area known to locals as “the Camp.” Those who lived there kept to themselves.

When police headed there, pieces of camouflage clothing were found hanging on a clothesline. Investigators then headed to a nearby trailer that belonged to Gerald Cruz. He denied knowing anything about the murders but gave a few names of members of his commune.

Authorities soon identified Jason LaMarsh from “the Camp.” He matched the description of the suspect that Donna saw that night. As the investigation continued, police learned that Cruz was the leader of “The Cause,” a group that, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, “was supposed to be the advancement of mankind.” LaMarsh was connected to the group.

Richard Vieira, pictured here, claimed Gerald Cruz ordered him to kill Darlene Paris. (Investigation Discovery)

“Gerald Cruz was a dynamic personality,” said Deckard. “He would take people off the street, those who were maybe unemployed, didn’t have any money. He would then become like their father, promising that he would provide for them. They became so emboldened… that they would do almost anything for him.”

Investigators got a search warrant for Cruz’s home. Inside they found masks, bomb-making materials, a receipt for a knife and satanic literature. Court documents revealed that Cruz’s journals had the signatures and fingerprints of those who were recognized as his followers.

There was also the “Wheel of Punishment.” Deckard said the device was used to torture Cruz’s followers if they ever disobeyed. Some of the punishments included eating off the floor, beatings and sodomy in front of the group.

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On May 20, 1990, Gerald Cruz gathered James Beck, pictured here, Richard Vieira and Jason LaMarsh. He gave them assignments and had them wear camouflage. (Investigation Discovery)

“When we found it at the property, we didn’t know what that wheel was about,” said Deckard. “I interviewed other people who were part of the group that Gerald Cruz oversaw. They described to me that the ‘Wheel of Punishment’ was used if you got in trouble for anything. And Gerald ruled with an iron fist. If you got in trouble, you had to toss up the wheel. Wherever your thumb landed on the wheel, that’s the punishment you got.”

“There were all sorts of punishments,” said Deckard. “But the most bizarre punishment would be having sex with somebody else of the same gender. But it could be a beating, it could be several things.”

According to court documents, Cruz was arrested for possession of explosives. Other followers were taken in.

Ronald Willey, pictured here, was among those ordered to storm Franklin Raper’s home. (Investigation Discovery)

“What we learned was that they had a meeting at ‘the Camp’ where they all mostly resided,” Deckard explained. “During that meeting, they were getting psyched up in preparation to go over and kill Franklin Raper. That was the motive. They did not know anybody else was going to be at the house. But Gerald Cruz’s instructions were to make sure there were no witnesses.”

Court documents revealed that in January 1990, Raper, who was about 50 years old, moved his trailer into “the Camp.” He would go on to have “an acrimonious relationship” with Cruz.

Cruz later told an acquaintance before the murders that he would “like to get his hands on” Raper. Following one dispute, Raper’s car was set on fire.

The episode revealed that Raper was never afraid of Cruz and would not think twice about standing up to him.

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According to court documents, Michelle Evans entered a plea agreement. She was sentenced to one year in prison in exchange for her testimony. (Investigation Discovery)

The series also revealed that Raper was known for bringing people in who had no place to go.

Deckard said Raper was targeted by Cruz and his group. The other victims were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.

According to the episode, Cruz and his followers ambushed Raper in his home. There, they gathered all the victims in the living room. Raper was beaten with a bat so badly that his head and face were “distorted,” said court documents. He had also been stabbed, and his arm was broken.

From left to right, James David Beck, Ronald Wayne Willey, Gerald Dean Cruz, Michelle Lee Evans and Richard John Vieira are seen here in the Stanislaus County courtroom. (Investigation Discovery)

Deckard said that when Paris was screaming and pleading for her life, Cruz told Vieira to “shut her up.”

“Gerald Cruz had so much power over him,” said Deckard.

The episode shared that LaMarsh and Ronald Willey were convicted of four counts of second-degree murder. Both were sentenced to 62 years in prison. Vieira is on death row at San Quentin, along with Cruz and James Beck. Michelle Evans pleaded guilty as an accessory to murder. She was sentenced to one year in prison in exchange for her testimony at trial. She served six months.

Detective Gary Deckard admitted that the case still haunts him decades later. (Investigation Discovery)

To this day, Deckard still has questions.

“Why would somebody forfeit their lives to please one individual, a master manipulator?” he said. “How could someone have so much authority and rule a whole camp as a father and provider for everybody? Why would people just sacrifice their whole lives and kill people they don’t even know? People who have never done anything to them? It was just appalling. I have no answers.”

“The Real Murders on Elm Street” airs Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. on ID. It will be available to stream on Max.

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San Francisco, CA

Floats for San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade get finishing touches

Published

2 minutes ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Floats for San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade get finishing touches

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — ABC7 Eyewitness News got a sneak peak as crews put the finishing touches on the floats you’ll see at Saturday’s San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade.

Since it’s the year of the fire horse, you’ll see a lot of horses and fire symbolism on the floats, housed at Pier 19.

“So Year of the Horse, it’s energy, it’s passion, it’s momentum so a lot of things that we’re really hoping to embody in the new year,” said Stephanie Mufson, owner of San Francisco-based The Parade Guys, which designs and constructs the floats.

She said they’ve been building them for about three months, with the designs starting in November.

MORE: Bay Area artist brings Year of the Horse statue to life for Golden State Warriors

“We’re in the home stretch,” she said. “We’ve got a couple of days left and we’ve got a nice little team that’s cranking out all the finishing work that needs to go into it.”

Derrick Shavers was sanding some wood that will be painted and become cherry blossom trees on a float.

“It’s exciting,” Shavers said. “I look forward to coming every year and just creating and making things shine and sparkle.”

Bon was painting mountains for a float, making sure everything is perfect in time for the parade.

MORE: Meet the 2026 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade mascot, Maverick

“It’s one of the few parades that actually happens at night still,” Bon said. “So we got to make sure all the lighting is in check, and people are safe on the float. It’s all in the details, just for it to walk by you for 10 seconds.”

Ten seconds that bring so much joy to those watching the parade.

Here’s how you can watch the parade on ABC7 Eyewitness News on Saturday, March 7.

Coverage starts at 5 p.m. wherever you stream ABC7.

SF Chinese New Year Parade 2026: How to watch ABC7 Eyewitness News live coverage

If you’re on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

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Denver, CO

Grand Junction, Palisade reach Great Eight in Denver

Published

26 minutes ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Grand Junction, Palisade reach Great Eight in Denver

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — The Class 5A Sweet 16 has arrived, and both Grand Junction and Palisade are still standing with trips to the Great Eight in Denver on the line.

At The Jungle, the No. 2 seed Grand Junction Tigers set the tone early against No. 18 Golden. Defense carried the Tigers from the opening tip as they held the Demons to nine first quarter points while scoring 16 of their own.

Grand Junction added eight points in the second quarter while Golden managed six, sending the Tigers into halftime with a nine point lead.

Golden responded in the third quarter, outscoring Grand Junction 16 to 11 to cut the deficit to five entering the fourth. The Tigers answered in the final period, attacking the rim and converting key shots to win the quarter 19 to 10. Grand Junction secured a 54 to 41 victory to protect its home court and advance to the Great Eight in Denver.

Top seeded Palisade also defended its home floor with a trip to Denver at stake. The Bulldogs opened with nine straight points to energize a packed gym, but Frederick settled in and closed the first quarter on a run to tie the game at nine.

Frederick continued to respond in the second quarter and took an eight point lead into halftime.

Palisade shifted momentum after the break. The Bulldogs tightened defensively, holding Frederick to 21 points in the second half while scoring 39 of their own. Palisade completed the comeback to advance to the Great Eight.

Colorado Mesa University Women Deliver Historic RMAC Tournament Win

In collegiate action, the top seeded Colorado Mesa University women’s basketball team defeated Colorado School of Mines 96 to 51 in the RMAC Tournament, marking the largest margin of victory in the tournament this century.

Olivia Reed-Thyne led the Mavericks with 34 points on 11 of 15 shooting, her third 30 point performance this season. Mason Rowland added 22 points and Hallie Clark contributed 10 as Colorado Mesa matched a program record with its 31st win. The Mavericks will host the semifinals Friday with a berth in the championship game at stake.

Colorado Mesa University Men Survive Overtime Thriller

The Colorado Mesa University men’s basketball team faced New Mexico Highlands University for the third time this season. The Mavericks scored 36 first half points and led by four at the break.

New Mexico Highlands shot 50 percent in the second half, received 21 bench points and outscored Colorado Mesa 43 to 39 to force a late push. With the season in the balance, Ty Allred hit a game tying 3 pointer to make it 75 and send the game to overtime. Allred scored seven points in the extra period as Colorado Mesa earned a 91 to 90 victory to advance to the next round.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.

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Seattle, WA

Seattle leaders mark 100 days until FIFA World Cup with artwork, security plans

Published

32 minutes ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Seattle leaders mark 100 days until FIFA World Cup with artwork, security plans

The countdown to the FIFA World Cup hit a milestone Tuesday, approximately 100 days from the start of the global soccer tournament, which is being played this time in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Seattle is one of 16 host cities for the tournament, with the first game at Lumen Field scheduled for June 15.

Seattle-area hosts could net $3,800 as Airbnb eyes home sharing for FIFA World Cup fans

City leaders at a press conference on Tuesday described specific changes underway to welcome an estimated 750,000 people during the six matches, from adding new artwork in downtown to bolstering security.

“Our aim is actually to revitalize, reinvigorate, rejuvenate the downtown core,” Seattle World Cup Organizing Committee CEO Peter Tomozawa stated.

People who take a trip through downtown Seattle will see that part of that work has started in anticipation of the World Cup, with 53 colorful paintings on the columns of the monorail, showcasing the flags of the countries of the competing teams.

“In just 100 days, people will come back to Seattle and will be using the system to travel back and forth to various events related to [the] FIFA World Cup,” Seattle Monorail Services Megan Ching said.

“The visitors who are coming here for the World Cup are already booking their trips: where to stay, how to get around and what to explore,” added Jorge Gotuzzo with Visit Seattle.

Darkalinos restaurant hopes the events planned for Pioneer Square will convince new customers to return beyond the tournament.

“The summer season is what keeps us going,” General Manager Crystal Hernandez told KOMO News. “We’re going to have a beer garden in the plaza. There will be some live music outside.”

Behind the scenes, work continues to plan for crowd control and security. That means round table meetings and partnerships at the international, federal, state and local levels.

Iran’s participation in Seattle World Cup match up in the air following US strikes

“We’ve been working on the security plan for over three years,” Tomozawa explained. “We hired former SPD Chief John Diaz to design the plan and I have to say this is one of our highest priorities, for sure.”

Downtown Seattle Association President and CEO Jon Scholes adds that businesses are eager to build on the success of the recent Seahawks Super Bowl parade. He said there will be watch parties for the matches at Westlake, Pacific Place and along the waterfront.

“Seattle’s a big event town, and we can do it well and produce a lot of joy for hundreds of thousands of people,” Scholes stated.

The World Cup Organizing Committee mentioned Seattle’s walkability makes it a great location for the tournament. It’s why they also announced a new walking path to connect multiple neighborhoods that will stay beyond the summer.

Seattle to host 4 free FIFA World Cup 2026 fan celebration venues starting June 11

It’s called the Unity Loop, runs about four-and-a-quarter miles and will connect the stadiums, waterfront, Seattle Center, Westlake and the CID, but no specifics were provided.

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