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David KoreshAmerican religious leader, leader of the Branch Davidian religious sect
Date of Birth: 17.08.1959
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of David Koresh
David Koresh, born Vernon Wayne Howell on August 17, 1959, in Houston, Texas, was an American religious leader and the leader of the religious sect called the Branch Davidians. He believed himself to be the final prophet on Earth and eventually proclaimed himself as the Son of God.
Early Life
Koresh's mother, Bonnie Sue Clark, was a single mother and only 14 years old when he was born. His biological father, Bobby Howell, left Clark two months before Koresh's birth and never had any contact with him. Koresh's mother later lived with an alcoholic partner for some time. In 1963, at the age of 4, Koresh was placed in the care of his grandmother Earline Clark, while his mother returned to him with her new husband, Roy Haldeman, and had another son named Roger.
Koresh described his childhood as lonely and claimed that he was sexually assaulted by older boys at the age of 8. He struggled academically due to dyslexia and ended up in a correctional class after being expelled from Garland High School. At the age of 11, he already had a strong knowledge of the New Testament, and at 19, he had a relationship with a 15-year-old girl who became pregnant with his child.
Religious Journey
Koresh became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and fell in love with the pastor's daughter. During prayer, he claimed to have received a sign from God when he opened the Bible to Isaiah chapter 34. Convinced that he had received a divine revelation, Koresh approached the pastor and declared his intention to marry his daughter. However, he was rejected and eventually expelled from the congregation.
In 1981, Koresh moved to Waco, Texas, where he joined the Branch Davidian religious sect. In 1983, he declared himself to be a prophet. Koresh became involved in a conflict with George Roden, the son of the sect's leader, Lois Roden, due to his desire to become the new leader. As a result, Koresh and 25 of his followers established a camp 90 miles from Waco, where they lived in harsh conditions for two years, recruiting new followers. During this time, Koresh married Rachel Jones.
In 1985, Koresh traveled to Israel, where he claimed to have a vision that he was the modern-day King Cyrus. He then adopted the name David Koresh, in honor of King David and the Hebrew word "Koresh" meaning Cyrus. In 1990, he legally changed his name.
Controversies and Tragic End
Koresh's sect believed in polygamy, and he engaged in sexual relationships with underage girls. In 1987, he and his followers were accused of attempting to murder George Roden, but the charges were later dropped. In 1989, Roden killed another rival, Wayman Dale Adair, who considered himself the true Messiah, and was subsequently placed in a psychiatric hospital.
In 1993, the Branch Davidian compound in Waco was raided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, leading to a 50-day siege by the FBI. The standoff ended with a fire in which Koresh, along with 54 adults and 21 children, were found dead. The official version stated that the fire was started by the sect members themselves.
After Koresh's death, his mother, Bonnie Clark Haldeman, was murdered in 2009 by her sister Beverly Clark in Chandler, Texas.
