The Turning - Season 3, Episode 6: "The Choice"

Host: iHeartPodcasts and Rococo Punch
Release Date: July 29, 2025

Introduction

In Season 3, Episode 6 of The Turning, titled "The Choice," listeners delve deep into the harrowing yet inspiring journey of Lindsay Tornambe. At just 13 years old, Lindsay was thrust into the oppressive environment of the River Road Fellowship, a cult led by the manipulative Victor Bernard. This episode chronicles her life within the cult, her eventual escape, and the monumental decision that would not only alter her fate but also dismantle the cult from within.

Life Within River Road Fellowship

Lindsay's ordeal began when she was sent away to live with the Maidens, a subgroup within the River Road Fellowship, at the tender age of 13. Victor Bernard, the cult leader, orchestrated ritualistic ceremonies that bound Lindsay and other young girls to him both mentally and physically. This prolonged abuse, lasting over a decade, was meticulously hidden from the outside world.

Lindsay (03:01): "Lindsay was 13 years old when she was sent away to live with the Maidens."

Within the cult, Lindsay faced relentless psychological manipulation. Victor emphasized that she always had a choice, a tactic to instill a false sense of autonomy while maintaining his control.

Lindsay (04:07): "Scared because Lindsay knew that her mom still talked with leaders in River Road Fellowship... Even though her parents were followers, the longer Lindsay was away from Victor, the easier it was for her to pull away from the group."

Return to Normalcy and Adjusting to the Outside World

After leaving the cult at 23, Lindsay returned to her family's home in Pennsylvania. However, reintegrating was anything but smooth. Her siblings had grown older, making the familial atmosphere feel estranged and unfamiliar.

Lindsay (03:04): "For a long time, all she wanted was to go home. Now at 23, she was home, back at her family's house in Pennsylvania. But her family felt like strangers, especially her siblings, who are so much older now. Everything felt strange."

As Lindsay ventured into the outside world, she encountered cultural phenomena she had never been exposed to, such as the Internet and mainstream media. This sudden influx of information was overwhelming and often frightening.

Lindsay (03:23): "I remember learning about Craigslist because I needed a car... I remember watching Dancing with the Stars. When September rolled around, that was the first time I saw images for 9/11."

Coping Mechanisms and Seeking Connection

In her quest to find belonging and normalcy, Lindsay took up various jobs, including working in a gym cafeteria, as a nanny, and a server. These roles provided her with a semblance of independence but also exposed her to the complexities of social interactions.

Lindsay (06:03): "Lindsay needed a job, so her parents' landlord found her one in the cafeteria of a local gym. And she took other jobs as they came her way."

However, lacking a foundational understanding of trust and personal boundaries, Lindsay engaged in reckless behaviors, believing that pleasing others was the key to acceptance—a mentality ingrained by Victor.

Lindsay (07:35 - 10:19):
"I believed anything anybody told me. Literally, like had no sense of why would they lie to me. I just thought everyone would be telling the truth."
"Because I was like, so gullible. Still am a little to this day."

Her relationships often ended in disappointment and exploitation, further exacerbating her sense of isolation and vulnerability.

Lindsay (09:00 - 10:19):
"The only way to make men happy was to have sex with them... It's just a miracle that I didn't."
"I just need to feel something during those years... It was really high highs, really low lows."

Recognition of Trauma and Seeking Help

A pivotal moment in Lindsay's journey occurred at a house party with her cousin Kathy, where the reality of her abuse began to surface. It was here that Lindsay was confronted with the painful truth of her experiences.

Lindsay (16:19 - 18:47):
"I started telling them a little bit about what happened... Kathy looked at me and she's like, Lindsay, you were raped... I never thought of that word, never realized that that's what had happened to me."

Realizing the magnitude of her trauma, Lindsay sought solace and validation from her family, only to be met with disbelief and defensiveness.

Lindsay (37:41 - 39:50):
"My sister yelling at me that I was making this up... I remember talking to the cop in Pine County in my bedroom at my parents' house."

Taking Action: Reporting the Abuse

Determined to seek justice, Lindsay initiated contact with various authorities, including writing to the FBI and public figures. Her relentless pursuit, however, was met with bureaucratic inertia.

Lindsay (25:11 - 26:15):
"I wrote letters to the president. I wrote a letter to Katy Perry because she had grown up religiously. I wrote a letter to the FBI."

Eventually, Lindsay and her friend Jess took the brave step of reporting their experiences to the police, unveiling the sinister activities of Victor Bernard.

Lindsay (26:18 - 27:12):
"I was raped by him. All those years since I was 13... I walked out the door... I was trying to get help and tell my story. And it felt like nobody was believing me."

Interacting with Authorities and Facing Challenges

Lindsay's interactions with law enforcement revealed a systemic reluctance to act, especially since the abuse did not cross state lines. This legal limitation posed significant hurdles in bringing Victor to justice.

Lindsay (32:53 - 33:32):
"They said because the abuse never crossed state lines, they couldn't do anything... It felt like justice would never happen."

Her frustration was palpable as countless phone calls and follow-ups yielded little progress, deepening her sense of hopelessness.

Lindsay (24:42 - 25:11):
"It felt like we were getting nowhere... It just felt like nobody was believing me."

Turning Point: Media Involvement

The breakthrough came when an investigative journalist reached out, offering a platform to amplify Lindsay's story. This media attention was the catalyst needed to escalate the case against Victor Bernard.

Lindsay (40:17 - 40:59):
"Somehow he heard about our story and he wanted to know if we'd be willing to talk with him... it's when everything started changing."

Conclusion: Lindsay's Impact and the Crumbling of River Road Fellowship

Lindsay's unwavering determination and courage in exposing the atrocities of the River Road Fellowship led to an international manhunt for Victor Bernard. Her actions not only sought personal justice but also liberated countless others still ensnared by the cult.

Narrator (32:58 - 33:32):
"Scores of other people were still being abused by him. She changed her name for a while because it reminded her too much of Victor... She thought about joining the military... she started making friends who were in the military, too."

Lindsay's journey from a traumatized cult member to a whistleblower underscores the profound impact one individual's courage can have in dismantling systemic abuse and fostering healing.

Notable Quotes

• Lindsay on Realizing Her Trauma:
  “I never thought of that word, never realized that that's what had happened to me.” ([16:38])

• Lindsay on Seeking Help:
  “I was trying to get help and tell my story. And it felt like nobody was believing me.” ([37:41])

• Alin Lance Lesser on the Investigation:
  “These are the coldest of cold cases, but everything is about to change.” ([14:35])

Final Thoughts

"The Choice" is a poignant exploration of resilience and the pursuit of justice. Lindsay Tornambe's story is a testament to overcoming unimaginable adversity and the profound difference one person can make in confronting and dismantling systemic evil.

This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the essence of Episode 6, "The Choice," offering listeners a comprehensive overview of Lindsay Tornambe's courageous journey.