Mississippi Mother and Child Among Six Missing After Allegedly Joining Online Cult

A Mississippi woman, Gerrielle German, and her three-year-old son, Ashton Mitchell, are reported missing since early July 2023, after purportedly joining an online cult based in the St. Louis area. The case, which involves at least six missing individuals, has raised alarms over the potential dangers of online cults and their influence.

Gerrielle German and her son were reported missing by German’s mother, Shelita Gipson, who expressed deep concern for their safety. Gipson described her daughter’s behavior as unusual in the period leading up to her disappearance, noting that German talked about embarking on a “spiritual journey.” This journey, according to Gipson, might be linked to Rashad Jamal, a self-described new age influencer and prophet with a substantial following across various social media platforms.

The Horn Lake Police Department, under the guidance of Capt. Jody Keene, revealed that German’s ex-husband reported her departure was for a spiritual quest. German and her child were last seen in August at a residence in Berkeley, Missouri. Keene indicated that a friend had dropped them off at this location and that German’s phone records showed her last two calls were made in the St. Louis area, near Berkeley.

The disappearance of German and her son is part of a broader investigation involving Ma’Kayla Wickerson, 36, of St. Louis; Ma’kayla’s 3-year-old daughter, Mikayla Thompson, 24, of St. Louis; and Naaman Williams, 29, of Washington, D.C. Reports from neighbors in the area suggest unusual activities, including open-air sun worshipping, hinting at the group’s cult-like behavior.

The case has drawn the attention of the Berkeley Police Department and the FBI, particularly due to concerns about human trafficking. The involvement of Rashad Jamal, who is currently serving an 18-year sentence in Georgia for child molestation, adds a troubling dimension to the situation.

Shelita Gipson, who last spoke to her daughter in July 2023, described the ordeal as out of character for her daughter and is seeking answers. The case has been highlighted by the group Missing People of America on their Facebook page, emphasizing the link to Jamal, known for his online presence as a self-proclaimed prophet and TikTok influencer.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the missing group to contact the Berkeley Police Department. This case underscores the growing concern about the influence of online cults and the potential risks they pose, especially to vulnerable individuals seeking spiritual guidance or community.

The investigation is ongoing, with local and federal agencies collaborating to uncover the whereabouts of German, her son, and the other missing individuals. The case highlights the complexities and challenges law enforcement faces in addressing the phenomenon of online cults and their real-world impacts.