Stigmata - Issue 05

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: NUMBER FIVE
Date: FALL-WINTER 1978
Price: $1.00

This issue of STIGMATA presents "THE PROJECT STIGMA REPORT ON THE CONTINUING INVESTIGATION INTO THE OCCURRENCE OF ANIMAL MUTILATIONS." It includes a map detailing the locations of these mutilations across the United States for the period of July-October 1978. The magazine also announces the upcoming edition, STIGMATA #6, expected by July 1, 1979, and provides contact information for Project Stigma in Paris, Texas.

MORE

The "MORE" section confirms the persistence of animal mutilation events, describing them as occurring in "waves" in restricted areas like Rio Arriba in New Mexico, Benton in Arkansas, and Lincoln in Missouri. The list of incidents from July through October 1978 is presented, detailing specific counties and states. The magazine asks readers to report any further mutilations they are aware of, emphasizing that their knowledge may not be exhaustive.

• July 1978:
• Arkansas - Washington Co.
• Missouri - Lincoln Co.
• New Mexico - Rio Arriba Co. (2)
• Texas - Deaf Smith Co. (2)

• August 1978:
• Arkansas - Benton Co.
• Colorado - Garfield Co.
• Colorado - La Plata Co.
• Colorado - Washington Co.
• Missouri - Lincoln Co.
• Wisconsin - Lincoln Co.

• September 1978:
• Idaho - Boundary Co.
• Kansas - Wilson Co.
• Missouri - Jackson Co.
• New Mexico - Taos Co.

• October 1978:
• Arkansas - Benton Co. (4)
• Colorado - Logan Co. (2)
• Montana - Cascade Co. (?)
• New Mexico - Rio Arriba (4)
• Washington - Pierce Co. (2)
• Washington - Snohomish (2)

Additionally, three incidents from May 1978 are added to the chronology: Arkansas (Washington Co.), New Mexico (Rio Arriba Co., a horse near Lindreth), and Washington (Snohomish Co.).

A CLOSER LOOK

This section delves into specific cases from various states:

Arkansas

In Benton County, a persistent wave of mutilations has puzzled the sheriff's office. Despite media attention, including from The New York Times, suggestions of cult activity have been discounted. No UFOs or unusual phenomena were reported. Sheriff's Lt. Don Rystrom stated that "Nobody's seen anything or heard anything." One calf was found mutilated in August, followed by four in October. Veterinarians at Oklahoma State University found only a small amount of pericardial fluid, and the university claims it cannot train a vet to perform such "surgery." By November 6th, two more mutilations were reported in Benton County, and one in adjoining Washington County.

Colorado

Logan County: A horse and a cow were reported mutilated in October 1978, marking the first official reports for the county. Around September 1st, investigator Grant Callison spoke with local police who indicated that mutilations had diminished but not stopped. Ranchers were reluctant to report incidents due to publicity. A Logan County sheriff's spokesman denied that officially unreported mutilations had occurred. Two mutilations were reported in Washington County in August, and rumors of mutilations in southern Yuma County (east of Logan) exist but were not officially reported.

La Plata County: A six-month-old calf was found mutilated near Mancos on August 31, 1978. The animal had been seen alive two days prior. The sheriff's office and a local veterinarian investigated. The vet described it as a "real" mutilation, possibly involving a "cult," and speculated the animal was tranquilized, kept standing while parts were removed, then made to run until it died. No blood or tracks were found. The carcass was unusually clean, with missing eye, tongue, rectum, sex organs, and part of the lips. Two small puncture wounds were noted on the neck. The location was in heavy timber. Few mutilations are reported in the Durango-Cortez area, though one case was reported near Dove Creek in 1975.

Mississippi

Mutilations have occurred in at least three Mississippi counties: Copiah, Hinds, and Lincoln. Copiah County reported up to eight incidents, with Sheriff Earl Guess calling it "the weirdest thing I've ever witnessed." Sheriff Guess had observed an unidentified helicopter. The investigation involves John Edwards of the Mississippi Livestock Theft Bureau. Lincoln County, adjoining Copiah, also had mutilations, as did Pike County to the north.

Missouri

A wave of mutilations occurred in Lincoln County, Missouri. The town of Elsberry received considerable publicity, with T-shirts proclaiming it "Mutilated Cow Country." At least half a dozen mutilations were reported in Lincoln County through August. Investigators David Perkins, Cari Seawell, and Bill McIntyre found a witness who saw a UFO over a field the night before a mutilation was discovered. A dog that barked during the UFO sighting later disappeared.

New Mexico

Rio Arriba County: Following up on previous reports, Officer Gabe Valdez expected more incidents. On October 4, 1978, three cows and a two-month-old calf were found mutilated about 18 miles southwest of Dulce. The cows appeared classically mutilated, but the calf's tongue was missing, and its carcass was scavenged by coyotes, unlike the untouched cows. The animals were found on the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation. Tribal Police Chief Raleigh Tafoya, who had been previously affected, owned one of the cows. The incisions were described as less clean and precise than usual, possibly indicating novice mutilators. Circular areas, about 18" in diameter, were found on at least one cow where hair was removed and skin blackened. Hair was falling out in tufts.

In 1967, the "Gas-buggy" nuclear device site in Rio Arriba County was mentioned. Gabe Valdez estimates over half of the Rio Arriba mutilations occurred in "gas country." A horse mutilation near Lindreth in May was reported by a law officer. The carcass was covered in dead flies. Numerous chipmunks and rabbits were found dead nearby.

Taos County: A bull mutilation occurred in mid-September. While other killings of cattle, rabbits, and fowl were blamed on stray dogs, the bull, found dead near Rodarte, was missing eyes, genitals, anus, and tongue. Deputy Joe Gonzales reported knife-produced cuts and lack of hair on the chest and head. Predators had avoided the carcass.

Texas

Deaf Smith County: This county leads in reported cattle mutilations. Sheriff Travis McPherson noted a series of UFO sightings around the time of the mid-1978 mutilation wave. Several cars and a tractor reportedly died near strange lights. Rumors of mutilations in Randall, Donley, and Moore counties exist but lack data.

Washington

Cattle mutilations were reported in Snohomish and Skagit Counties. The major story involved up to 22 horse or dog mutilations in Pierce County over 24 years. In September, at least three horses were castrated, and ten were missing. County Commissioners sought stiff penalties.

Sources: The magazine lists numerous newspapers and individuals as sources for the reported incidents across various states.

MIND BLOWING SOUL-SUCKERS??

This section explores more unusual speculations, including the concept of a "thought form" created by occultists through "black magic." This entity, if it became too powerful, might demand "blood sacrifice" and "life essence." The speculation suggests that federal government/military forces might be aware of and even funding this secret society. The article references "state sorcerers" and the use of magic and technology to obtain life force from animal victims to feed this thought-form, which is described as a "Monster From The Id."

Another discussion stems from a caller on the "Lou Staples Tonight" radio show in Dallas in February 1975. The caller, who visited a "Voodoo Museum" in New Orleans, learned that practitioners of "black and 'white' magic" were involved in mutilations to obtain energy or power. The museum personnel suggested a battle between opposing forces, possibly involving both sides in the mutilations to further their own aims.

The magazine explicitly states that these are speculations and does not necessarily subscribe to them, inviting readers with conclusive proof to contact them.

MISC. MUTE MEANDERINGS

This section reports on an incident in the western U.S. where two people encountered a UFO, one was abducted and examined, and a calf was levitated into the craft and dismembered. An investigation, including hypnotic regression, is underway.

Project Stigma is requesting information from federal agencies under the Freedom of Information Act regarding mutilations and investigations. They are collaborating with others on this effort.

Writer and playwright Izzy Zane reports that a Colorado county sheriff candidate claimed his opponent, the incumbent sheriff, received a letter from "the government" stating that mutilations were "okay" and should be ignored. The incumbent denies this.

There are indications that the State of Idaho is involved in a mutilation probe, and an investigator told a California writer about a cover-up. Undersheriff Jack McNeel of Garfield Co., Colorado, sends samples to Idaho where "all" such evidence is "being compiled." Sheriff Robert Hart later denied knowledge of this.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the widespread and persistent nature of animal mutilations across the United States. The magazine meticulously documents incidents, locations, and dates, providing a comprehensive report on the phenomenon. While presenting factual accounts, STIGMATA also engages with speculative and fringe theories, including extraterrestrial involvement, occult practices, and potential government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various possibilities and encouraging reader participation in reporting new incidents and providing evidence. The magazine is committed to investigating these phenomena and seeking information from official sources, even if such efforts are met with resistance or denial.

This issue of STIGMATA, identified by the number 11, focuses on the intersection of psychic abilities and unexplained phenomena, particularly the "awful truth" surrounding animal mutilations. The preliminary report details the utilization of psychics and sensitives by police agencies and in investigations, emphasizing the need to combine subjective psychic impressions with objective fact-finding.

Psychic Investigations and Animal Mutilations

The article "Psychics and the 'Awful Truth'" discusses the role of psychics in crime investigations and their application to the animal mutilation phenomenon. It notes that while some psychic analyses are successful, many are not, and that psychic powers cannot always be controlled on demand. The methodology advocated involves gathering information from multiple psychics and correlating subjective impressions with objective data. The report indicates that many psychics find the mutilation phenomenon frightening and are reluctant to probe deeper. The impressions gathered so far suggest various theories: governmental testing programs, cultist activity, or extraterrestrial involvement. The magazine solicits further impressions from psychics for Project Stigma.

"Mute Testimony" from the Victims

This section presents photographic evidence of animal mutilations, with captions indicating locations and dates: Natrona County, Wyoming (April 1978) and Van Zandt County, Texas (March 1975). The images show the gruesome state of the deceased animals.

Letters to the Editor

Two letters offer personal accounts and theories. Leon J. Sale recounts an incident from his childhood in the 1930s involving a hog slaughtered in a pasture with a burned ring, observed after a shiny object flew overhead. Vincent R. White posits that animal mutilations are 95% extraterrestrial (E.T.) caused, suggesting that E.T.s require biological material for a "bio-interface control program" to maintain the human race's health, viewing humans as unaware laboratory animals within a larger interstellar hierarchy.

A request is made for information regarding articles on mutilations from the MOUNT VERNON NEWS in late 1974 or early 1975. Another note mentions a report from the TOPEKA DAILY CAPITOL (June 8, 1970) about Kansas State University scientists finding that bright lights calm cattle.

Odd Entities

This section examines several cases from South America and Puerto Rico involving mysterious entities and potential connections to animal mutilations. It refers to reports in "Flying Saucer Review".

One case from Otoco, SW Bolivia, in 1968, describes Senora Valentina Flores observing a being killing sheep with a tubular instrument. The being attacked Flores before departing in a craft with a "most extraordinary noise." 34 sheep were found dead, missing digestive organs. The entity is compared to one photographed with a UFO in Italy in 1952.

A Puerto Rican account from 1977 describes a 34-ft.-tall humanoid observed by Adrian de Olmos Ordonez. The creature, wearing a helmet and "rucksack," emitted an "electric drill" sound and rose into the air. Cattle in the area became agitated, and dogs barked intensely. While no direct mutilations were reported in this specific instance, similarities to the Bolivian event are noted.

Another case from Western Bolivia in 1975, investigated by Wendelle C. Stevens, involved shepherds observing a disc-shaped craft zapping sheep with white light. Three figures emerged and touched the sheep with a wand. The herders later found 34 dead sheep that were bloodless and had empty brain cavities. The report questions whether this is a coincidence or varying accounts of the same event.

Sources for these accounts include "Flying Saucer Review" and a report by Wendelle C. Stevens.

Animal Reactions

This section compiles numerous accounts of peculiar animal reactions to mutilated carcasses. The speculation is that there is something about these carcasses that other animals can detect but humans cannot, possibly due to injected chemicals or biochemical agents, or even radiation. The catalog includes:

• Logan County, Colorado (June & Sept. 1976): Coyotes approached mutilated heifers but retreated, maintaining a distance.
• Kimball County, Nebraska (August 1975): A single coyote approached within 10-12 feet of a carcass.
• Adams County, Idaho (June 1975): Carcasses remained untouched for days, despite normally attracting predators within 24 hours. Bear tracks were found, but the bears did not touch the carcasses.
• Carbon County, Utah (October 1975): Coyote tracks were found around a carcass, which remained untouched.
• Jones County, Texas (December 1974): Coyote prints were all around a carcass that lacked even "one tooth mark" after ten days.
• Furnas County, Nebraska (October 1975): After ten days, no predator had touched a carcass except to pull off a small piece of hide. There were no flies, despite warm weather, and the odor was not unbearable. A comparison is made to a cow that died during calving, whose ribcage was cleaned out by coyotes.
• Garfield County, Colorado (April 1976): Sheriff Ed Hogue's German Shepherd refused to go near a mutilated animal, only circling it.
• Madison County, Montana (Summer 1976): A deputy's dog refused to leave the vehicle while investigating a mutilation, exhibiting fear.
• Madison County, Iowa (October 1975): A mutilated cow was found. The owner had previously seen lights "flashing on and off" and his herd reacted with extreme fear when he approached.
• Little River County, Arkansas (August 1977): A herd stampeded away from a mutilated carcass.
• Fremont County, Idaho (October 1975): A normally vicious dog did not bark when a mutilation occurred on the property.
• Twin Falls County, Idaho (October 1975): Dogs at two different locations did not bark during a night of mutilation.
• Crowley County, Colorado (September 1975): A dog exhibited extreme distress and tried to get into a house during a bull mutilation.
• Butte County, California (October 1975): Cattle refused to enter a pasture area where a calf was later found mutilated.
• Snohomish County, Washington (May 1978): Dogs refused to go closer than 25 feet to a mutilated pregnant cow.

The section concludes by noting that while predators do feed on some carcasses, the precise incisions differ from predator bites. It also mentions numerous cases of dogs exhibiting unusual behavior during mutilation nights.

Mutilate This Bull? You & What Army?

This short piece describes an incident in Paris, Texas, in May 1976, where a 1,000-lb. bull escaped and was pursued for 24 hours. Despite multiple rifle shots to the skull, the bull was only killed by shotgun blasts, illustrating the difficulty of subduing large, agitated animals, which may be relevant to understanding the task of mutilators.

Uruguayan Dog-Zap

This case examines an event in Northwestern Uruguay in February 1977, following a series of UFO sightings. Rancher Angel Maria Tonna and his family observed a "fire-disc" UFO. Their 3-year-old police dog, Topo, approached the object, then sat down and whined. In the following days, Topo refused to eat or drink and died. An autopsy revealed that the fat under the dog's skin had apparently melted and come through the pores, and massive rupturing of blood vessels had occurred, suggesting exposure to abnormally high temperatures. The vet noted the liver was yellow, indicating a high fever. The dog's hair was not burned, and there were no external bruises. The rancher also suffered a reddened and irritated arm, possibly from radiation exposure. The report suggests that similar conditions (very high temperatures produced internally) have been proposed in some livestock mutilations in the U.S.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the use of psychic abilities in investigating unexplained phenomena, the persistent mystery of animal mutilations, and the potential involvement of extraterrestrial or unknown entities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection of data from various sources, including psychic impressions, while stressing the importance of rigorous, objective analysis and correlation. The magazine positions itself as a platform for exploring these controversial topics, presenting evidence and theories from different perspectives, and soliciting reader contributions. There is a clear emphasis on the unexplained nature of animal mutilations and the unusual reactions of other animals, suggesting a phenomenon that defies conventional explanation.

This issue of THE MUFON UFO JOURNAL, dated Copyright 1978, is identified as issue number 21 and is priced at $8.00 per year. The journal is published by the MUFON UFO JOURNAL and is based in Seguin, Texas, USA. The primary focus of this issue is the persistent enigma of unidentified and unmarked helicopters frequently observed at cattle mutilation sites.

CHOPPERS: Speculations on Mystery Helicopters

The lead article, "CHOPPERS," addresses the consistent presence of these mystery helicopters near mutilation sites. It presents six predominant speculations regarding their origins and purposes:

1. Disguised UFOs: The helicopters are actually UFOs themselves, disguised as terrestrial aircraft to divert attention from non-terrestrial activity.
2. Secret Cult: They originate from a powerful, well-organized, and well-financed "cult" or network of organizations with occult tendencies, possibly acting with benevolent intentions.
3. Government Testing: The helicopters are part of a U.S. government program involved in chemical-biological-bacteriological warfare testing, using cattle mutilations as a cover.
4. Government Monitoring: The U.S. government is as curious as the public and is present to monitor the activities of the actual mutilators, implying prior knowledge of such events.
5. Government Deception: The U.S. government possesses significant knowledge about the mutilators and is actively trying to mislead investigators and the public into believing the government itself is responsible, possibly by blaming cultists and pseudo-occultists.
6. Reader Suggestions: The journal invites readers to suggest other alternatives.

Conjecture number 5, the idea of government deception, served as the catalyst for this exposition. The article notes that this idea is being investigated in a case involving multiple phenomena on a "Colorado Ranch."

Multiple Phenomena on Colorado Ranch

This ongoing investigation, being conducted by three Ph.D.s including R. Leo Sprinkle and John S. Derr (authors of a preliminary report), involves a series of bizarre and significant paranormal occurrences. These include anomalous noises, disembodied voices, Bigfoot-like creatures, non-terrestrial humanoids, abundant UFO sightings of various craft, confrontations between humans and apparent UFO occupants, fires, power failures, and cattle mutilations. The identities of the percipients and their location are kept anonymous at their request. Sprinkle, Derr, and their colleague Peter W. Van Arsdale are leading this investigation. Project Stigma will continue to monitor the helicopter aspect of this problem.

LATE NEWS

Project Stigma Acquisition and Funding

Project Stigma is acquiring a four-wheel-drive Dodge Maxi-Van to enhance field investigations and mobile data-gathering. The vehicle is undergoing conversion and is expected to be a full-time mobile investigative unit in 1979. Project Stigma is actively seeking funding from wealthy individuals and foundations to cover expenses for communications equipment, instrumentation, conversion components, and on-the-road costs for the investigative team. They are committed to full-time field investigations if financing permits and provide a contact address for potential contributors: P.O. Box 1094, Paris, TX 75460.

Wisconsin Mutilation Case

Izzy Zane reports on a cattle mutilation in Lincoln County, Wisconsin, involving 28 cows in August. Near the site, an 18-foot burned fungus circle was discovered in Washburn County, over 100 miles away. The burned substance in the circle was described as "like graphite," a phenomenon also reported during the Elsberry, Missouri, mutilation/UFO incident. While no UFO reports were associated with Spooner (near the circle), a UFO was indicated over Lincoln County, Wisconsin, earlier in August. The article clarifies that Elsberry is in Lincoln County, Missouri.

New Mexico Mutilation Case

Howard Burgess provides news from Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Two 4-year-old cows were found mutilated two days apart, within 14 miles of each other, near the Santa Clara Indian Pueblo. The mutilations occurred on nights with heavy rain (November 10-11 and November 12-13), which is unusual as most New Mexico mutilations have happened in good weather. A helicopter was heard over the pueblo on the morning of November 13th.

Colorado Incidents

Two older incidents in Colorado are mentioned where observers reported seeing landed helicopters and mutilators-in-action, described as men in military-like uniforms. The journal anticipates reporting more on these cases and a deputy's shootout with a harassing helicopter.

CULPRITS: Examining Mutilation Causation

This section examines three "suspects" that have been proposed as causes for cattle mutilations, suggesting they may have been overlooked or unjustifiably ignored:

1. Buzzards: Veterinary pathologist Dr. Larry Jones of Texas A&M University ruled that potential mutilations in Walker County, Texas, were due to an "infectious process," with buzzards then "mutilating" the carcasses. (Source: THE HUNTSVILLE ITEM, 3/12/75).
2. Vampire Bats: An antique dealer from Lubbock, Texas, Dan Pritchett, argued that a wave of vampire bats surging across the southern U.S. border had conducted the mutilations. (Source: DENISON HERALD, 4/14/76).
3. Civet Cats: Wyoming rancher Myron Martin believed civet cats, a feline-like carnivore, were responsible for some livestock mutilations. The article notes that zoologists state the civet cat's range is restricted to Asia and Africa. (Source: THE RECORD STOCKMAN, 6/3/76).

The journal concludes that while buzzards and vampire bats have their tendencies, they never encountered a civet cat they didn't like, implying a lighthearted dismissal of these theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained phenomena associated with cattle mutilations, particularly the role of mysterious helicopters. The journal actively investigates and reports on these cases, seeking funding and public engagement for its research. There is a clear skepticism towards conventional explanations, with a strong emphasis on exploring unconventional theories involving UFOs, government cover-ups, and paranormal activities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various hypotheses and ongoing investigations while maintaining a critical yet curious perspective on the subject matter. The dismissal of the 'culprits' section suggests a preference for more complex or unusual explanations over simple animal predation or known wildlife.