The Turning - Season 3, Episode 1: "The Camp"

Released on July 8, 2025

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Season 3, titled "The Camp," hosts Erica and Aylin Lance delve into the harrowing story of Lindsay Tornambe, a young girl who became entangled in the River Road Fellowship, a rural Minnesota cult. This episode sets the stage for Lindsay's journey from a hopeful teenager to a victim of manipulation and abuse, ultimately leading to her courageous escape.

Lindsay Tornambe's Early Life

Lindsay Tornambe's life before River Road Fellowship was marked by typical childhood joys and aspirations. Growing up in Pennsylvania during the 1990s, Lindsay was a vibrant child with dreams of becoming an Olympic gymnast.

Annabe Tornimbi (08:46): "I loved to entertain people and sing and do all the voices."

Lindsay's family ran a soft pretzel business, and her mother stayed at home, fostering a lively household filled with music and dance.

Annabe (11:13): "I loved to entertain people and sing and do all the voices."

Introduction to River Road Fellowship

In 1996, a pivotal event changed Lindsay's trajectory. Her parents invited Victor Bernard and his wife, Jan, to their home for dinner. Victor, a member of the Way International—a group with cult-like tendencies—presented an opportunity for Lindsay's family to join River Road Fellowship in Minnesota.

Erica Lance (13:56): "Victor was there to talk to Lindsay's parents about a group he had started. He said he and his wife and children and a bunch of other families all lived together on a plot of land in Minnesota."

Life at Shepherd's Camp

Lindsay's initial visit to Shepherd's Camp was idyllic. The camp, nestled among pine trees and lakes, seemed like a utopian community where families farmed together and children enjoyed endless playdates.

Annabe (27:10): "It was beautiful. I mean, the camp was gorgeous. Tall trees everywhere and green grass and a pond that led out into a lake."

However, beneath the surface, strict religious doctrines began to take root. Meals were long and filled with sermons about the impending return of Jesus Christ, instilling a sense of urgency and devotion among the members.

Annabe (29:50): "Every time he preached, it was always, you know, the Lord is coming back, the Lord is coming back."

The Influence of Victor Bernard

Victor Bernard emerged as the charismatic yet authoritarian leader of River Road Fellowship. His dual nature left members both in awe and fear. While his compliments and charismatic speeches inspired devotion, his temper and punitive actions fostered an environment of fear and control.

Annabe (30:59): "He might look you in the eye and compliment you in a way that made you feel amazing... But there were also times where he was so scary and demanding."

Instances of public humiliation and physical punishments, such as Victor throwing chairs or spitting in people's faces, were not uncommon, ensuring unwavering obedience from the members.

The Move to River Road Fellowship

Following a significant meeting in 1998, Victor made a dramatic announcement—he was forsaking his earthly marriage to dedicate himself entirely to the church. This declaration, coupled with an ultimatum presented to Lindsay's parents, led the family to relocate permanently to River Road Fellowship.

Annabe (37:11): "You're either moving to Minnesota and you're joining our church, or you have to cut ties."

The move was portrayed as a binding commitment to their faith and Victor's leadership, stripping the family of their previous lives and possessions in a ceremonial bonfire.

Annabe (40:01): "People started to bring their belongings to the field. One by one, they threw them onto the fire."

Living in the Cult

Life within the cult was a stark contrast to Lindsay's former life. The community enforced strict adherence to their beliefs, demanding the abandonment of personal possessions and enforcing emotional suppression. Children were subjected to rigorous routines, and any display of dissent was met with severe punishment.

Annabe (39:14): "I do remember one time my sister got in a lot of trouble. She'd have been five. Somebody picked her up and shook her so hard that she peed herself."

Lindsay grappled with the loss of her childhood dreams and the pressure to conform to the cult's expectations. The emotional turmoil was compounded by the oppressive environment fostered by Victor and the other adult leaders.

Annabe (16:41): "It's a mixture of sadness, of anger, of sometimes wishing it never happened."

The Turning Point

As Lindsay matured within the cult, the psychological and physical abuse intensified. Despite being one of the youngest members, Lindsay found the strength to question the group's doctrines and eventually became instrumental in exposing the cult's dark underbelly.

Erica Lance (10:19): "Lindsay said while Aelin and I were attending middle school, she'd been selected to join an inner sanctum of her community, an elite group, Inside River Road Fellowship, that required her to give even more of herself away."

Her resilience and eventual escape with a friend not only shattered the facade of River Road Fellowship but also ignited a widespread manhunt that led to the cult's downfall.

Conclusion

"The Camp" serves as a compelling introduction to Lindsay Tornambe's story, highlighting the deceptive allure of River Road Fellowship and the harrowing experiences of those trapped within it. Through heartfelt narration and poignant quotes, Erica and Aylin Lance illuminate the complexities of belief, control, and the indomitable human spirit to seek freedom.

Notable Quotes

• Annabe (07:01): "Sometimes things that seem perfect are anything but."
• Aylin Lance (08:46): "I felt weirdly drawn to her, even though our lives from the outside looked like they moved in almost parallel lines."
• Annabe (22:16): "I had grown up with this [religious activities]."
• Annabe (43:15): "It's hard to describe Victor. I don't think I knew why I loved him. I just knew that everyone did."
• Annabe (44:43): "I think it happened pretty quickly that they sold the house. We packed up our belongings and we made the drive out there to the Shepherd's camp."

Additional Information

"The Turning: River Road" is a ten-part true crime series produced by Rococo Punch and iHeartPodcasts. It is part of the iHeart True Crime+ Apple Podcasts Channel, offering early access, ad-free listening, and exclusive bonus content through a limited-time 30-day free trial.

For more information, visit theturningcocopunch.com or search for "iHeart True Crime+" on Apple Podcasts.