True Crime Obsessed Podcast Episode 437: The Curious Case of the Doomsday Cat Cult
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Hosts: Julia Benzival and Patrick Hines
Introduction
In episode 437 of True Crime Obsessed, hosts Julia Benzival and Patrick Hines delve into the unsettling story of the "Doomsday Cat Cult." This detailed examination uncovers how a seemingly benevolent cat rescue organization serves as a front for a manipulative and dangerous cult led by Cheryl Walker Ruthven. The episode navigates through the intricate web of abuse, brainwashing, and financial exploitation orchestrated by Cheryl, illustrating the profound impact on the lives of those involved.
Meet the Hosts and Current Projects
The episode begins with Julia and Patrick engaging in their characteristic banter, sharing personal anecdotes and promoting their social platforms and Patreon page. They briefly touch upon other documentaries they are passionate about, such as the "Karen Reid" and "Fox Hollow murders," setting the stage for their deep dive into the cat cult narrative.
Notable Quote:
- Julia Benzival at [00:32]: "I want to thank you for bringing this documentary into my life."
The Formation of the Cult
Cheryl Walker Ruthven emerges as the central figure of the cult. Initially part of a Pentecostal-style church known as Gates of Praise, Cheryl's charismatic and domineering personality leads her to break away and establish her own group, Freedom Fire Ministries.
Key Points:
- Cheryl's fiery preaching style attracted around 200 followers.
- Her desire for power led her to create a separate entity, intensifying her control over members.
Notable Quote:
- Mary Lancaster at [06:52]: "Her charismatic, fire and brimstone style preaching has attracted around 200 followers."
Cheryl's Manipulative Tactics
Cheryl employs a combination of religious fervor and personal manipulation to exert control. She leverages her followers' need for community and acceptance, blending Christian doctrines with her own twisted interpretations that elevate her to a prophetic status.
Key Points:
- Cheryl enforces total obedience, punishing dissenters publicly.
- She manipulates members into adopting numerous cats, positioning them as divine vessels essential for salvation during an impending apocalypse.
Notable Quote:
- Mary Lancaster at [03:19]: "If she said take these cats, you couldn't say no. You did not have the right to say no."
Impact on Families and Relationships
The cult's influence extends beyond its immediate members, deeply affecting their families. Cheryl's ex-husband, Mark Walker, finds himself at odds with her as she attempts to sever his relationship with their children, who are being indoctrinated into the cult.
Key Points:
- Mark and Cheryl's divorce leads to joint custody, but Cheryl gradually gains more time with the children.
- Cheryl accuses Mark of being abusive to justify her increasing control over the children.
- The cult manipulates the children, including tactics aimed at indoctrinating them to view Mark as evil and necessitating his demise.
Notable Quote:
- Markers at [14:57]: "Neither did."
The Doomsday Plot
A pivotal moment occurs when Rick Madrid, a cult member, is manipulated into almost committing murder. Cheryl's indoctrination reaches its peak as she equips Rick with an AR15, directing him to target Mark under the guise of divine intervention.
Key Points:
- Cheryl's use of violence and coercion exemplifies the cult's lethal potential.
- Rick's internal conflict and subsequent departure highlight the challenges of escaping such manipulation.
Notable Quote:
- Mary Lancaster at [17:24]: "I am a reincarnated temple whore named Asherah."
Cult Operations and Financial Exploitation
Cheryl's leadership is marked by financial deceit and exploitation. She demands exorbitant contributions from members under the pretense of supporting the cat rescue, funneling funds directly to herself while promoting the acquisition of numerous cats.
Key Points:
- Members are coerced into adopting up to 50 cats, prioritizing them over personal relationships and responsibilities.
- Cheryl's financial manipulations include theft of tax returns and misuse of adoption funds meant for children with special needs.
Notable Quote:
- Mary Lancaster at [51:38]: "We would have to buy particular cat food, the particular cat litter."
Escaping the Cult: Rod's Story
Rod, an ex-husband living in British Columbia, Canada, provides insight into the difficulty of extricating oneself from the cult's grip. Despite his initial skepticism, Cheryl's relentless manipulation forces him into a web of deceit and financial ruin, culminating in the loss of his children.
Key Points:
- Rod's attempt to leave the cult is met with Cheryl's cunning manipulations, including fraudulent legal tactics to retain control over the children.
- His sister, Carol, plays a crucial role in gathering evidence and supporting Rod's efforts to reclaim custody.
Notable Quote:
- Julia Benzival at [63:08]: "You always have to fight for your kids."
The Cat Rescue Facade
Cheryl rebrands her cult's operations as "Eva's Eden," masquerading as a humane and dedicated cat rescue shelter. This guise permits her to continue exploiting both the animals and her followers under the radar of law enforcement.
Key Points:
- The facade of a cat rescue allows Cheryl to maintain control while rationalizing the cult's activities.
- Members are burdened with the upkeep of an excessive number of cats, leading to both human and animal suffering.
Notable Quote:
- Mary Lancaster at [51:51]: "Cheryl would stand up and say, when you take these cats home, they are your number one priority."
Legal and Societal Implications
The episode discusses the challenges faced when attempting to legally dismantle such cults. Cheryl's ability to operate under the radar through small-scale operations and financial manipulation presents significant hurdles for authorities.
Key Points:
- The legal system often struggles to address coercive control without overt evidence of wrongdoing.
- Cheryl's strategic financial maneuvers, including tax evasion, complicate efforts to hold her accountable.
Notable Quote:
- Patrick Hines at [76:43]: "Because the law doesn't recognize coercive Control at all."
Conclusion and Reflections
Julia and Patrick conclude the episode by emphasizing the insidious nature of cults disguised as charitable organizations. They reflect on the importance of recognizing manipulation tactics and the critical need for intervention to protect vulnerable individuals and families.
Key Takeaways:
- Cults can masquerade as benign organizations, making them difficult to identify and dismantle.
- Financial exploitation and emotional manipulation are common tactics used to maintain control over members.
- Support systems and awareness are essential in preventing and addressing the impacts of such organizations.
Notable Quote:
- Mary Lancaster at [73:12]: "That's still stuck in a very deep, dark place with someone who manipulates you and tells you if you leave, these bad things will happen to you."
Final Thoughts
Episode 437 of True Crime Obsessed provides a chilling exploration of the "Doomsday Cat Cult," revealing how love for animals can be twisted into a vehicle for control and abuse. Through detailed narratives and expert insights, Julia Benzival and Patrick Hines shed light on the complexities of escaping such manipulative environments, offering valuable lessons on vigilance and the importance of support in combating cult influence.
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