The year is 1981, a man named David Koresh aka Vernon Howell joined a group called the Branch Davidians and quickly became a prominent voice. Koresh had been raised under Seventh day Adventist Church, so he adapted easily to the theology of the Branch Davidians. Koresh became very preoccupied with the Book of Revelations and Old Testament End Time Prophecy, his teachings proved so. Koresh came into conflict with George Roden, the son and heir of the founders, Benjamin and Lois Roden. Koresh was a calm and polite young man, while George Roden was loud and was viewed as a bully. The two men almost had a ferocious confrontation in 1985, when Roden claimed that his place as leader was threatened and was deeply threatened by Koresh's companionship with his elderly mother. He filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that Koresh had attacked Lois and persuaded her to turn against him. The conflict between Roden and Koresh culminated in a shoot-out in 1987. Roden fled the property with injureies to his hands and chest. Koresh's group was found not guilty after a two-week trial for attempted murder in Waco. Koresh emerged from the conflict as the new leader of the Branch Davidian group. By 1990 Koresh was the head of the Branch Davidians and legally changed his name from Vernon Howell, saying on the court document that the change was "for publicity and business purposes." Koresh said the change came from his belief that he was now head of the biblical House of David. Koresh is the Hebrew translation of Cyrus, the name of the Persian king who let the Jews held hostage in Babylon to return home to Israel.
2 years later in, Roden killed his roommate with an ax in Odessa, Texas, claiming that the man had been sent by David Koresh to kill him. Put on trial for the murder, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity, and was then confined to a mental institution in Northern Texas. Things remained relatively quiet until February 28th, 1993. 52 days later fire swept through the compound killing David Koresh and all of his followers except 9. This was a horrifying end for David Koresh and his followers in the Branch Davidians.
2 years later in, Roden killed his roommate with an ax in Odessa, Texas, claiming that the man had been sent by David Koresh to kill him. Put on trial for the murder, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity, and was then confined to a mental institution in Northern Texas. Things remained relatively quiet until February 28th, 1993. 52 days later fire swept through the compound killing David Koresh and all of his followers except 9. This was a horrifying end for David Koresh and his followers in the Branch Davidians.