One body after another': Detective reveals brutal murders committed by California cult led by 'master manipulator

On Elm Street, Gary Deckard and his team encountered a real-life horror.

At 5223 Elm Street in Salida, California, four people were found dead shortly after midnight on May 21, 1990. The victims, Dennis Colwell, Darlene "Emmie" Paris, Franklin Raper, and Richard Ritchey, all suffered from blunt force trauma and multiple stab wounds. Paris's head had been nearly severed.

"According to Deckard, the lead investigator, two deputies arrived at the crime scene after responding to the initial 911 call. These deputies were frightened by what they witnessed, and they were large men. Deckard explained why he understood their fear when he entered the crime scene."

"Deckard explained that when the group arrived to commit murder, they turned off the power, leaving the room in complete darkness. The crime scene was gruesome, and one of the female deputies stated that it felt as though Freddy Krueger was about to emerge from the closet. The small house contained one body after another."

"The Real Murders on Elm Street" is a true-crime series on Investigation Discovery that examines a quadruple homicide that occurred on "Elm Street." The show explores chilling cases from across the country that all took place on this infamous street. It includes interviews with loved ones, investigators, and other individuals involved in the cases.

"Why would anyone go to a house and brutally murder people?" Deckard questioned. "Was this the work of an individual or a group's leader?"

The police would soon get their answer.

Donna, a woman who survived the attack, described the murders as being carried out by several individuals dressed in camouflage and wearing masks.

"Deckard stated, "I attempted to gather as much information from Donna as possible. What I discovered was that she arrived at the house with no place to go that night. She was with another individual who became one of the victims. Donna was in one of the bedrooms when the murders began. One of the suspects removed his mask, allowing Donna to see his face.""

"While everyone was being murdered, Donna ran to the garage. There were no lights inside, but she found a pile of clothes. She hid underneath the clothes and the suspects didn't see her. Later, when she had a chance, she ran down Elm Street and knocked on people's doors, hoping somebody would hear her screams. Someone finally did. That's how the 911 call came in."

A Caucasian male with Afro hair was seen by Donna at the crime scene. One of the locals recognized him as Jason, who resides near 'the Camp.'

The residential area known as "the Camp" was well-known to the police. The locals kept to themselves in this area.

As police arrived, they discovered camouflage clothing hanging on a clothesline. Following this, investigators went to a nearby trailer owned by Gerald Cruz. Despite denying any involvement in the murders, he provided a list of commune members.

Soon after the authorities identified Jason LaMarsh from "the Camp," it was discovered that he matched the description of the suspect that Donna saw that night. As the investigation progressed, it was learned that Cruz was the leader of "The Cause," a group that, according to court documents obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital, aimed to advance mankind. LaMarsh was found to be connected to the group.

"Deckard stated that Gerald Cruz was a charismatic individual who would approach unemployed and destitute individuals on the street, assuming a paternal role and vowing to support them. As a result, these individuals became highly dependent on him and were willing to do almost anything to please him."

A search warrant was obtained by investigators for Cruz's residence. Upon searching, they discovered masks, bomb-making materials, a receipt for a knife, and satanic literature. Court records indicated that Cruz's journals contained the signatures and fingerprints of individuals recognized as his followers.

The "Wheel of Punishment" was used to torture Cruz's followers if they disobeyed, with punishments including eating off the floor, beatings, and sodomy in front of the group.

"According to Deckard, when we discovered the wheel at the property, we were unsure of its purpose. I spoke with other individuals who were part of the group overseen by Gerald Cruz. They informed me that the "Wheel of Punishment" was used if someone misbehaved. Gerald was known for his strict rule, and if someone got into trouble, they had to toss up the wheel. The punishment was determined by where their thumb landed on the wheel."

"Deckard stated that there were various punishments, but the most unusual one would be engaging in sexual activity with someone of the same gender. However, it could also be a beating or something else."

Court documents reveal that Cruz was arrested for possessing explosives, along with other followers.

"According to Deckard, the group had a meeting at "the Camp" where they primarily resided. During this meeting, they were preparing to go over and murder Franklin Raper. Their motive was to do so. They were unaware that anyone else would be present at the house. However, Gerald Cruz's instructions were to ensure that there were no witnesses."

In January 1990, Raper, who was approximately 50 years old, relocated his trailer to "the Camp." Later, he would develop an "acrimonious relationship" with Cruz.

Before the murders, Cruz confided to an acquaintance that he wanted to harm Raper. After a disagreement, Raper's car was set ablaze.

The episode showed that Raper was never scared of Cruz and would not hesitate to confront him.

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The series disclosed that Raper was recognized for admitting individuals with no shelter.

Raper was specifically targeted by Cruz and his group, while the other victims were unfortunate to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In the episode, Raper was attacked by Cruz and his followers in his home. They gathered all the victims in the living room. Court documents stated that Raper was beaten with a bat so severely that his head and face were "distorted." He also suffered stab wounds and a broken arm.

When Paris was begging for her life, Cruz instructed Vieira to silence her.

"Gerald Cruz had so much power over him," said Deckard.

LaMarsh and Ronald Willey were convicted of four counts of second-degree murder and were sentenced to 62 years in prison. Vieira, Cruz, and James Beck are on death row at San Quentin. Michelle Evans pleaded guilty as an accessory to murder and was sentenced to one year in prison, serving six months.

To this day, Deckard still has questions.

"What compels someone to give up their life to satisfy one person, a master manipulator?" he questioned. "How can someone possess such power and control an entire camp as a father and provider for all?" he wondered. "Why would individuals willingly sacrifice their entire lives and take the lives of others they have never wronged?" he exclaimed. "It was simply unbelievable. I have no explanation."

On September 23 at 9 p.m., ID will air "The Real Murders on Elm Street." The episode will also be available for streaming on Max.