In a perplexing case that has baffled authorities and distressed families, six individuals, including two young children, mysteriously disappeared from Berkeley, Missouri. The group, reportedly adherents of an online cult, vanished on July 28, 2023, triggering a comprehensive police investigation. This case has drawn significant attention due to its peculiar nature and the involvement of a controversial online spiritual influencer.
The Berkeley Police Department identified the missing individuals as Mikayla Thompson, 25, Naaman Williams, 30, Gerrielle German, 27, 2-year-old Ashton Williams, Ma’Kayla Wickerson, 36, and 3-year-old Malaiyah Wickerson. They were last seen near Lambert St. Louis Airport. The investigation has revealed these individuals were part of a spiritual cult following the teachings of Rashad Jamal (White), a self-proclaimed prophet with a substantial social media following. Rashad Jamal, currently serving a prison sentence for various crimes in Georgia, has tens of thousands of followers across multiple platforms.
Rashad Jamal White, known for his online entity “The University of Cosmic Intelligence,” has garnered nearly 190,000 followers on TikTok, over 10,000 on X, and 90,000 on Instagram. His teachings, considered controversial and outlandish, include claims that birds are government-operated drones and that the Mississippi River is actually the Nile River. Jamal’s group primarily targets Black and Latino people, promoting ideas about connecting with Earth and their ancient pasts. The University of Cosmic Intelligence also sells various items and offers enrollment packages for its lectures and content.
In a disturbing revelation, several of Jamal’s followers were previously implicated in two separate murders in Alabama. These incidents have raised further concerns about the nature of Jamal’s influence and the potential risks associated with his teachings.
As for the missing group from Berkeley, neighbors reported unusual behavior, including meditation sessions conducted naked in their yard. The Berkeley police highlighted the extreme disconnect the cult members demonstrated from their friends and family, noting that their economic status did not seem to be a factor in their involvement with the cult.
The missing adults are known to have adopted aliases honoring various gods and goddesses, a common theme among Jamal’s followers. The police have documented other behaviors typical of Jamal’s followers, such as a strong presence on social media in support of Jamal, total disconnection from family and friends, quitting jobs, and living off credit cards.
The disappearance of Makayla Wickerson and her daughter Malayiah has been particularly distressing. The family described Makayla as a loving and caring mother, stating that it was highly unusual for her to vanish without contacting anyone. Her family fears that she might have become a victim of human trafficking. Despite their efforts, including filing a missing person report and scouring social media, her whereabouts remain unknown. Makayla’s mother, Cartisha Morgan, expressed her deep concern and urged her daughter and granddaughter to return home.
Authorities continue to seek information regarding the whereabouts of these individuals and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the Berkeley Police Department or their local law enforcement office.
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