Anonymous
05-02-2002, 01:23 AM
CBS 11 Investigates Accused Cult Leader
It's an open case that no one is investigating. Ten people are dead, and one Dallas woman always seems to get richer when they die. Eye Team Reporter Bennett Cunningham reports in a CBS 11 exclusive that a family member is breaking a 15 year silence, hoping that someone can help solve a bizarre Dallas mystery. /////
In the early 1980's, Terri and Don Hoffman seemed like the perfect couple with a nice house and nice kids. But soon after the marriage, Don received terrible news. His son says Don believed he had terminal, non-operable cancer.
In September of 1988, Don committed suicide. According to the family, Terri insisted on having Don cremated immediately, but instead, an autopsy was ordered. What they found seemed inconceivable. According to the family, the autopsy report showed no signs of cancer, and Rick believes Terri brainwashed his father./////
From her home, Terri Hoffman led a group of followers, called Conscious Development of Body, Mind and Soul. Some called it a cult, using hypnosis, or maybe even hallucinogenic drugs. Don was a follower, and his family believed Terri had the ability to control peoples minds, making them believe things that weren't true. /////
It's believed 10 of her followers have died under strange circumstances. In 1979, 14 year old Deveareax Cleaver of Dallas, a strong swimmer, drowned in Hawaii. In 1989, a Dallas couple committed suicide-- all followers of Terri Hoffman. Some left her substantial amounts of money and assets like rare paintings that were found in her home. ///
Some of the families CBS 11 spoke with were afraid for their lives to go on camera. No criminal charges have ever been filed against Terri Hoffman in the deaths of any of her followers. CBS 11 tried to contact Mrs. Hoffman, she wouldn't comment, except to say Rick Hoffman's comments are spiteful. And in the past she's stated that these families are trying to take revenge on her because they can't accepts the deaths of their loved ones.
extracted - http://www.cbs11tv.com/StoryDisplay.asp?StoryID=8960
It's an open case that no one is investigating. Ten people are dead, and one Dallas woman always seems to get richer when they die. Eye Team Reporter Bennett Cunningham reports in a CBS 11 exclusive that a family member is breaking a 15 year silence, hoping that someone can help solve a bizarre Dallas mystery. /////
In the early 1980's, Terri and Don Hoffman seemed like the perfect couple with a nice house and nice kids. But soon after the marriage, Don received terrible news. His son says Don believed he had terminal, non-operable cancer.
In September of 1988, Don committed suicide. According to the family, Terri insisted on having Don cremated immediately, but instead, an autopsy was ordered. What they found seemed inconceivable. According to the family, the autopsy report showed no signs of cancer, and Rick believes Terri brainwashed his father./////
From her home, Terri Hoffman led a group of followers, called Conscious Development of Body, Mind and Soul. Some called it a cult, using hypnosis, or maybe even hallucinogenic drugs. Don was a follower, and his family believed Terri had the ability to control peoples minds, making them believe things that weren't true. /////
It's believed 10 of her followers have died under strange circumstances. In 1979, 14 year old Deveareax Cleaver of Dallas, a strong swimmer, drowned in Hawaii. In 1989, a Dallas couple committed suicide-- all followers of Terri Hoffman. Some left her substantial amounts of money and assets like rare paintings that were found in her home. ///
Some of the families CBS 11 spoke with were afraid for their lives to go on camera. No criminal charges have ever been filed against Terri Hoffman in the deaths of any of her followers. CBS 11 tried to contact Mrs. Hoffman, she wouldn't comment, except to say Rick Hoffman's comments are spiteful. And in the past she's stated that these families are trying to take revenge on her because they can't accepts the deaths of their loved ones.
extracted - http://www.cbs11tv.com/StoryDisplay.asp?StoryID=8960