The California Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, has affirmed the death penalty for Glenn Taylor Helzer, a self-proclaimed prophet and leader of the religious group “the Children of Thunder.” This ruling, announced on January 23, 2024, marks a significant moment in a case that has captivated public attention due to its combination of religious fanaticism and brutal violence.
Glenn Taylor Helzer, along with his brother Justin Helzer and associate Dawn Godman, orchestrated a murder spree in 2000 that claimed the lives of five individuals in Marin and Contra Costa counties. The Helzer brothers’ descent into criminality began after Glenn Helzer left his job as a stockbroker in 1998, started using drugs, and proclaimed himself a prophet on a divine mission. This mission, he claimed, was to initiate the second coming of Jesus Christ by waging a war against Satan.
The Supreme Court ruling, authored by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, rejected the defense’s arguments that the trial judge had improperly dismissed a juror and that the police search of Helzer’s home was excessively broad. The juror in question expressed strong reservations about the death penalty, estimating only a 1% chance she could vote for such a sentence. The court found that the juror’s removal was justified, as she did not convincingly demonstrate an ability to be impartial.
The murder spree orchestrated by Helzer began with a plot to extort money from Ivan and Annette Steinman, a wealthy elderly couple who were former clients of Helzer’s. After the Steinmans were coerced into signing checks, Glenn Helzer murdered Annette, and Justin Helzer killed Ivan. The brothers then gave the money to Glenn’s girlfriend, Selina Bishop, who was later killed along with her mother, Jennifer Villarin, and Villarin’s companion, James Gamble, to cover up the crimes. The bodies of the three victims were found dismembered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.
Glenn Helzer pleaded guilty to the five murders and sought a life sentence, but was sentenced to death in 2005. Justin Helzer was also sentenced to death but committed suicide in 2013. Dawn Godman, who took part in the crimes, testified for the prosecution and was sentenced to 38 years to life in prison.
The Helzer case reflects the dark intersection of religious delusion and violent crime. Helzer’s belief in his divine mission and his ability to convince others of this narrative played a central role in the tragic events. The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores the gravity of the crimes and the justice system’s response to such heinous acts.
While the affirmation of Helzer’s death sentence by the California Supreme Court brings a legal closure to the case, the profound impact on the families of the victims remains. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by individuals who exploit religious beliefs for violent ends.
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