David Koresh (1959-1993) - Find a Grave Memorial

Cult Leader. Born in 1959 to Bonnie Haldeman, he lived with his grandparents and they were the acting parents in his life. As a child, he was called Vernie. He suffered from dyslexia, which resulted in bad grades, and he never finished high school. He enjoyed the Bible and music. At the age of 20, he joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Having different ideas from the church leaders, he was asked to leave the church. In 1981 he joined the religious sect the Branch Davidians, who had settled 10 miles out of Waco, Texas in 1935. Lois Roden the prophetess was in her sixties. After her death in 1986, Howell and Lois' son George began a power struggle to become head of the sect. Being unsuccessful, he left with his followers and went to East Texas. They returned to Waco in 1987 armed and prepared to fight. In the fight, George Roden was shot. Howell and his followers were put on trial for attempted murder. The followers were acquitted and Howell's trial was declared a mistrial. In 1990 he legally changed his name to David Koresh and became the leader of the Branch Davidians. The name change came from the belief that he was the head of the biblical House of David. Koresh fathered 16 children with multiple women. The compound was called Mount Carmel. On February 28, 1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)and the Federal Bureau of Investigation attempted to execute a warrant for Koresh at Mount Carmel. They had been investigating charges of illegal weapons and child abuse. The Davidians resisted the warrant; a shootout occurred and ten people were left dead, including 4 BATF agents. The Davidians stayed inside the compound for 51 days. During that time, negotiations continued for a peaceful surrender. On April 19, 1993, the FBI raided the compound, and the structure burned to the ground in a conflagration. Koresh and 74 cult followers lost their lives. The victims included women and children.

Bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson