Behind the Bastards - Part One: The Throat-Slitting Evangelical Minister of Jamaica

Release Date: May 27, 2025
Host/Producer: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the premiere episode of "Behind the Bastards," hosts Jack O'Brien and Robert Evans delve into the chilling story of Kevin Antonio Smith, a Jamaican evangelical minister whose descent into madness culminated in a horrifying act of violence during a church service. This episode meticulously unpacks Smith's background, rise within the Pentecostal community, and the dark events that led to his notorious actions.

Setting the Stage

The episode begins with a light-hearted banter between the hosts and their guest, Molly Lambert, who promotes her new book and upcoming podcast. Jack O'Brien sets the tone by highlighting the episode's focus:

Jack O'Brien [00:47]: "Today we're talking about a fun one. Not as depressing as the bad people who make up the rest of your day to day life... but we've got Molly Lambert as a guest."

Introducing Kevin Antonio Smith

The hosts clarify they're not discussing the well-known filmmaker Kevin Smith but another individual sharing the same name—a charismatic Christian pastor from Jamaica.

Jack O'Brien [01:54]: "This guy is a Jamaican pastor who led a charismatic Christian End time sect in Jamaica and lost his mind as a result of COVID lockdowns and wound up trying to have slit dozens of people's throats in moss during a church service."

Early Life and Education

Kevin Antonio Smith's early years are explored, revealing a troubled childhood marked by alleged physical and sexual abuse. Born around the early to mid-1980s in Glyngoff, St. Catherine, Jamaica, Smith was raised by a single mother after his father's untimely death. His educational journey took him to Jamaica College, a prestigious high school, before his family emigrated to Canada in the mid-1990s.

Jack O'Brien [05:00]: "He was definitely born in a town called Glyngoff... one of the most prosperous parts of the island."

Path to Ministry

Settling in Canada, Smith began his preaching career at a remarkably young age. Affiliating with the Apostolic Faith Church, a strict fundamentalist Pentecostal sect, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his compelling oratory skills and charismatic presence. His affiliations suggest a deep immersion into the evangelical community, which played a significant role in shaping his influence.

Jack O'Brien [17:27]: "He comes up in this period right before the Internet's gonna really take off. And he gets scouted at around age 17 by this community..."

Educational Credentials and Controversies

Smith boasts an impressive array of degrees, including a Bachelor of Theology from Vision International University and a Doctorate of Ministry from Mount Olive Bible Institute. However, investigative scrutiny reveals these institutions lack legitimate accreditation, casting doubt on his qualifications.

Jack O'Brien [25:36]: "If you go to Harvard's website, Harvard number one, will not give you two degrees in two years, but doesn't have to tell you the degree's respected. Cause it's a real school."

The hosts dissect the dubious nature of Vision International University, highlighting its questionable accreditation through the UK-based Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC), which is criticized for accrediting fraudulent institutions.

Jack O'Brien [28:10]: "ASIC is not approved in the UK to accredit a school... It's playing with the fact that the same word means different things in two countries."

The Scandal Unfolds

In August 2006, after returning from a preaching trip to the UK, Smith sought companionship through online escort ads. According to allegations by a man named Matt, Smith sexually assaulted him during a private counseling session. This led to Smith's arrest and subsequent legal battles.

Kevin Smith [20:40]: "You're born to be a prophet, and you shall go through it. No level of witchcraft shall ever stop."

The trial, fraught with conflicting narratives, culminated in Smith's conviction for sexual assault, resulting in a six-month jail sentence followed by probation.

Jack O'Brien [46:20]: "He will go to any extent to preserve that facade."

Aftermath and Flight

Post-conviction, Smith fled Canada, returning to Jamaica where he established a local church within the Pentecostal community. Despite his legal troubles, he managed to rebuild his ministry, amassing followers and accumulating wealth.

Jack O'Brien [46:21]: "He leaves Canada for Jamaica. He breaches the terms of his probation, he's supposed to attend counseling, and he's like, no, I'm just gonna go back to Jamaica and start a church."

Conclusion and Tease for Part Two

The episode concludes with the hosts hinting at the gruesome climax of Smith's story, promising a continuation in the next installment that will reveal the extent of his violent actions.

Jack O'Brien [47:27]: "A lot of people getting their throats slit... that's what we got for the start of this episode. How you feeling as we sort of close out part one one?"

Molly Lambert [47:16]: "I truly don't know where this is going."

Key Takeaways

• Kevin Antonio Smith's Rise: From a troubled youth in Jamaica to a prominent figure in the Pentecostal community in Canada, Smith's trajectory showcases the potent influence of charismatic leadership within evangelical sects.

• Questionable Credentials: Smith's academic achievements are scrutinized, revealing affiliations with unaccredited institutions, which underscores the prevalence of fraudulent claims within certain religious circles.

• Legal and Moral Failings: The sexual assault conviction marks a stark contrast to Smith's public persona, highlighting the duplicity often inherent in cult leaders who hide their malevolent tendencies behind a facade of piety.

• Ongoing Influence: Despite his criminal actions, Smith's ability to re-establish his ministry in Jamaica raises concerns about the resilience and reach of charismatic yet unscrupulous religious leaders.

Notable Quotes

• Jack O'Brien [05:00]: "Born in Glyngoff... one of the most prosperous parts of the island."

• Kevin Smith [20:40]: "No level of witchcraft shall ever stop."

• Jack O'Brien [25:36]: "It's playing with the fact that the same word means different things in two countries."

• Jack O'Brien [46:21]: "He leaves Canada for Jamaica... start a church."

Looking Ahead

As the episode wraps up, listeners are left anticipating the next part of Kevin Antonio Smith's story, which promises to uncover the full extent of his violent actions and the impact on his community.

Note: This summary excludes podcast advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the informative segments of the episode.