Jeffrey Don Lundgren, Prophet of Death

The day following the murders, April 18, was spent preparing for the wilderness excursion. Jeff divided the followers into small groups, which left at different times throughout the night so as not to arise suspicion. Jeff instructed everyone to meet up at a restaurant in Pennsylvania for further instructions.

Following the murders, while on routine patrol, Kirtland Police Deputy Ron Andolsek noticed something odd as he drove by the Lundgren's house. A chill ran over his body as he realized the farm appeared to be abandoned. Why, he thought, would the group just pick up and leave in such an obvious hurry?

Jeff decided the group would head for West Virginia, collect their thoughts and await a sign from God that would instruct him on where to find the "golden sword," which some thought to be the "sword of Laban" spoken of in the Book of Mormon (I Nephi 4). Jeff believed that the sword would rest with the golden plates from which Joseph Smith is believed to have translated the Book of Mormon. Jeff eventually settled on a secluded campsite east of Davis, West Virginia, located in the Canaan Valley, approximately sixty miles southwest of Wheeling. The area sits thirty two hundred feet above sea level, surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.

From the moment the group arrived at camp, it was obvious that Jeff was going through drastic changes. Jeff was swollen with pride over the unwarranted slaughter of the Avery family. He relished the fact that his followers were now deathly afraid of him; not because of his self-proclaimed prophet status but because of his callous, cold blooded demeanor. Jeff would often brag to members that had not been present at the murders, how each of the Averys had died, and how he had snuffed out their lives without a shred of remorse.

The camp was soon converted into a military style compound. Foxholes were dug and guards were posted on a rotating basis. The men of the group were instructed to use deadly force if anyone attempted to enter the camp. An anti-aircraft sub-machine gun was also set up in order to shoot down helicopters in the case that law enforcement attempted to drop in unexpectedly.

By mid-summer Jeff's teachings were becoming as radical as his attitude. Married men of the group were ordered to turn their wives over to Jeff in order to be cleansed with his seed. Jeff made it quite clear that anyone who chose not to follow his instructions would meet the same fate as the Averys. Tension in the group was growing on a daily basis. Many of the members were beginning to doubt Jeff's status as a prophet.

On October 13, with winter approaching and funds running low, Jeff decided the group would abandon the campsite and travel to Missouri. A friend of Kathy Johnson owned a barn outside of Chilhowee and gave the group permission to use it. The group stayed at the barn for approximately a week before Jeff decided they should break up for the winter and reconvene in the summer for another wilderness excursion. Each man was instructed to get a job, provide for his family and save money to turn over to Jeff in the spring.