Stigmata - Issue 06

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: NUMBER SIX
Volume: SPRING-SUMMER 1979
Date: Spring-Summer 1979
Publisher: Project Stigma
Price: $1.00

This issue of STIGMATA, published by Project Stigma, is dedicated to the ongoing investigation into animal mutilations. The cover prominently features the headline announcing "THE PROJECT STIGMA REPORT ON THE CONTINUING INVESTIGATION INTO THE OCCURRENCE OF ANIMAL MUTILATIONS."

Announcements and Upcoming Reports

ANNOUNCING ANOTHER STIGMATA - SOON!
The publishers announce that due to the proliferation of events regarding the mutilation investigation in 1979, a seventh edition of STIGMATA (#7) will be published before October 1, 1979. This upcoming issue will report further on the Albuquerque mutilation conference and its aftermath, and will delve into some of the 1979 mutilations. It will also report on a newly-announced mutilation probe to be conducted under the auspices of the District Attorney in Santa Fe, New Mexico. STIGMATA #7 will include photographs. Readers interested in submitting publishable comments regarding the Albuquerque conference are encouraged to do so. To receive STIGMATA #7, readers are instructed to send $1.00 to Project Stigma, P. O. Box 1094, Paris, Texas 75460.

HELICOPTERS - A SPECIAL REPORT
Project Stigma is preparing a special report that will largely consist of a catalog of reports of unidentified helicopters observed at or near mutilation sites. The organization has knowledge of over 200 such sightings and is seeking data on those not yet reported. The report aims to convincingly illuminate the connection between "mystery choppers" and "mystery choppings." Readers will be asked to indicate their preference for an 8½" X 11" report or an 8½" X 11" STIGMATA, as opposed to the current 8½" X 7" size. An announcement regarding this helicopter report and catalog will be made in the upcoming STIGMATA #7.

A CONFERENCE ON MUTILATIONS

This section details a conference on livestock mutilations held in Albuquerque on Friday, April 20, 1979, sponsored by U.S. Senator Harrison Schmitt (R-New Mexico) and U.S. Attorney R. E. Thompson of Albuquerque. The meeting was attended by law enforcement officials, the media, independent investigators (including representatives from Project Stigma), and interested members of the public. Thanks are extended to Senator Schmitt for hosting and to his aide, Wayne Ciddio, for organizing the event. It is noted that due to insufficient information provided to Senator Schmitt's office, many pertinent investigators were not invited, potentially limiting attendance.

During the formal proceedings, attendees offered observations and opinions. An afternoon closed session was held among law enforcement officers. While many conferees were disappointed by the poorly-organized and superficial public session, they found the affair worthwhile for the opportunity it provided for scattered investigators to meet and exchange ideas.

The conference's primary focus was on the notion that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) should become officially involved in the mutilation problem. The article notes the suggestion that the FBI may have already been conducting a secret, in-depth probe. A case for FBI involvement was argued based on the possibility of interstate transportation to commit the acts. However, it was also alleged that the FBI might only be authorized to participate if mutilations occurred on U.S. Forest Service or Indian lands, or if unmarked aircraft were involved.

Project Stigma investigators Tom Adams and Gary Massey circulated a paper at the conference summarizing accounts of "mystery helicopters" at or near mutilation sites. They emphasize the relevance of the helicopter element to the investigation. The article mentions that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allegedly undertook scrutiny of these accounts as early as 1975, but the FAA, in response to Project Stigma's Freedom of Information Act requests, denied possessing any information on the matter, despite having announced their investigation in the media.

The article expresses skepticism about the FBI's claim of no jurisdiction in mutilation cases, suggesting that any viable progress will likely come from independent researchers and investigators working with diligent members of the media and courageous law enforcement officials.

An "official" investigation has been announced by District Attorney Eloy Martinez of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is hiring retiring FBI agent Ken Rommel, funded by a grant from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, to lead a full-time mutilation probe in New Mexico. Project Stigma pledges to support this effort as long as it remains sincere, objective, and reasonably open.

Coverage of 1979 mutilations will be provided in the next STIGMATA (Fall 1979), including horse mutilations in Carlsbad, NM, cattle mutilations in Kansas, and incidents in New Mexico and Colorado. Reports on mutilations on Indian lands in New Mexico and South Dakota, and other summer developments, are also promised.

MUTILATIONS - 1977 & 1978

This section provides a chronological listing of reported animal mutilations by month and location for the years 1977 and 1978. It details specific incidents across numerous counties in states such as Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Idaho, Iowa, Oregon, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming, Alabama, Oklahoma, Virginia, Mississippi, Montana, California, and also includes one incident in Dartmoor, England.

Following the chronological lists are two maps illustrating the geographical distribution of these reported mutilations for 1977 and 1978. The accompanying text clarifies that the indicated areas are those where mutilations have occurred, but the maps do not reflect the true intensity of the phenomenon in any given area.

A CLOSER LOOK

This section provides detailed case studies of specific animal mutilation incidents:

1977 - January, Kentucky - Grayson County: Clifford Large reported five cattle dead and two mutilated. Local vet Dr. William Payne attributed the mutilations to humans. In a separate case on the Don White farm, a single cow was found mutilated, reportedly killed by a shotgun blast. Don White's son, Allen, reported observing a high-intensity light illuminating the farm days before the mutilation. A victim calf was found at the bottom of a cliff with its rectum and sexual organs removed, and a large rock placed on its carcass.

1977 - October, Washington - Snohomish County: Investigator Jerry Phillips reported on the mutilation of a colt belonging to rancher Jack Henning. The colt was found dead with a heart-shaped hole, missing its rectum, genitals, and approximately 40 lbs. of flesh. A vet determined the colt died from blood loss via an unknown procedure, with no blood on the ground and no tracks found. The area was described as if the colt had been "dropped out of the air." A cobweb-like material developed over the wound, and other animals exhibited unusual behavior around the carcass.

1977 - December, Utah - Salt Lake County: Mrs. Gloria Dow reported her horse was found down and severely mutilated. An autopsy performed by Dr. Craig White revealed extensive removal of skin and muscles from the face, including the eye and ear, and a slab fracture on the facial bone. The genital organs were severely mutilated, with the anus completely removed. Dr. White noted the animal was alive during the mutilation. Mrs. Dow suspected a satanic cult was responsible, recounting an incident involving tarot cards and threats from a couple who claimed to be "satan worshippers."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of STIGMATA are the persistent occurrence of animal mutilations, the investigation into these phenomena, and the role of "mystery helicopters." The magazine highlights the efforts of independent researchers and organizations like Project Stigma in gathering data and pursuing leads, often in the face of perceived official indifference or lack of jurisdiction from agencies like the FBI. There is a strong emphasis on documenting specific cases with detailed findings, including veterinary reports and witness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of persistent inquiry, advocating for thorough investigation and transparency, while also acknowledging the unusual and often inexplicable nature of the events described. The publication also serves as a platform for announcing future reports and soliciting reader contributions, indicating an active and engaged community of interest.

This issue of STIGMATA, identified as issue number 5 and volume 2, with a raw date of Fall-Winter 1978, is published by Project Stigma. The magazine focuses on the phenomena of livestock mutilations, UFO sightings, and related unusual events, often exploring potential government involvement and media coverage.

Key Articles and Reports

Washington - Snohomish County Mutilation (May 1978)

This section details a disturbing case where a 900-lb. pregnant Hereford cow owned by William Hordyk was found dead and mutilated. Investigator Jerry Phillips reported that a precise, professional cut, approximately 3x5 inches, was made where the left ear had been, and the left eyeball was missing. More significantly, a cut extended from the tail to the middle of the belly, with the rectum, sexual organs, and udder neatly removed. A hole, about 1.5 inches in diameter, was found in the center of the udder, leading directly into the unborn calf. Mr. Hordyk, who has butchering experience, described the cut as being made in a single, continuous motion, with the hide beveled inward. Notably, there was no blood on the animal or the ground, and the cut around the udder was only skin-deep, not penetrating the stomach lining. The Hordyk's dogs refused to go near the carcass, which exuded a terrible stench. Phillips also noted that a compass held over the grave of the cow would not settle down, with the needle always pointing towards the grave.

Missouri - Lincoln County Reports (April - August 1978)

This section notes that Lincoln County, Missouri, experienced a substantial amount of publicity regarding livestock mutilations, UFO and unidentified helicopter sightings, anomalous odors, and even an encounter with a 4-ft.-tall "ape" in June. These events received significant nationwide attention.

Media Coverage and Publications

• The magazine highlights two publications that have covered these incidents:
• International UFO Reporter (IUR): Published by the same group allied with the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). The August 1978 issue featured an account of a UFO sighting in the Elsberry area and an article on UFO and mutilation activity. However, the article is noted for downplaying the UFO activity, mutilations, and any potential link between them. The publication expresses weariness with attempts to refute classic mutilation validity by selectively excising data, suggesting that the UFO/mutilation link remains circumstantially valid.
• Pursuit: The journal of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained. The Winter 1979 edition featured "Mutilations: The Elsberry Enigma," which is described as a simple recounting of evidence and anecdotal accounts from the Elsberry area, without drawing unwarranted conclusions. It includes a chronological listing of events and details on Fortean occurrences.

South Carolina - Orangeburg County Mutilation (December 1978)

Farmer Richard Fanning reported an incident on December 6, 1978, where he, his wife, and another couple saw a circle of light with four smaller lights hovering over treetops near his hog pen. The following Friday, he found one hog dead, standing up, which fell over when kicked. A second dead hog was found nearby with its jawbone removed. Fanning described the body as "like jelly" and weighing only about 50 pounds, down from its usual 200 pounds, stating "no animal got that hog." He expressed being scared and described it as the "weirdest thing I've ever seen in my life."

Letters from Readers

The "Letters" section features several reader contributions:

• Michael A. Hoffman (Geneva, New York): Hoffman speculates that "evil sorcerers" have been around for centuries, unleashing what beneficent sorcerers had chained. He believes pre-Christian European nature religions kept these "killing ones" under control until Christianity, which led to a "Faustian notion of perfecting and superceding nature." He suggests a form of Black Magic cooperates with this, attacking people and animals, and that repressed psychic intuition can be "farmed."
• Editors Note: The editors note that Hoffman's items relate to "muti" or "multi" killings in South Africa, where body parts are ground into powder for medicine. A cow near Durban was possibly mutilated for this purpose.

• Bill Damm, Sheriff of Custer County, Montana: Sheriff Damm expresses skepticism about the mutilation phenomenon, attributing it to coyotes, magpies, and other animals picking at carcasses, particularly the eyes, sex organs, and tongue. He acknowledges that drugers might have carved up animals, but believes this is the extent of it. His Sheriff's Association reached the same conclusion.

• Vincent R. White (Kansas City, Missouri): White suggests that the government is heavily invested in understanding the mutilation phenomenon, possibly as part of counter-intelligence efforts to misdirect and misinform the public. He hypothesizes that cultist phenomena might be financed and stimulated as part of this misdirection.

• Anonymous Letter (Douglas County, Colorado): This letter, dated October 12, 1978, proposes a theory that cattle mutilations are highly skilled excisions performed under the auspices of the U.S. Government to determine the amount and extent of plutonium spill (or other noxious materials) from the Rocky Mountain Arsenal near Denver. The letter cites several points: plutonium spills at the Arsenal reported in Denver newspapers, allegations of higher cancer rates among workers, a residential area declared unfit for habitation, the types of parts taken (reproductive/mucous tissue), a buffalo mutilation at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, a mutilation inside the NORAD installation, a military surgical instrument found at a site, veterinarians' opinions that parts were removed surgically, a co-worker witnessing army personnel performing excisions, Sheriff Yarnell's activity and sighting of a helicopter, numerous helicopter sightings near mutilation sites, and the description of helicopters as small, one-or-two-man craft. The letter also notes the sudden cessation of coverage by local papers and the silence of law enforcement officials.
• Editor's Note: The editors acknowledge that the anonymous letter's perspective is geographically narrow and simplistic but do not entirely dismiss the pertinence of "plutonium spills" or similar environmental ordeals, especially in light of research linking mutes and nuclear issues.

Mutes in the Media

• This section details ongoing media projects related to animal mutilations:
• Sandler International Films of Hollywood is gathering material for an updated documentary film, "UFOs Past, Present and Future," including interviews in Colorado and New Mexico. The film is expected to be distributed via syndication in the fall of 1979, with Dr. Jacques Vallee as the narrator.
• ABC-TV News has been filming an investigative report on animal mutilations for its "20-20" program, expected to air in the summer. Project Stigma investigators were impressed with the sincerity of the "20-20" crew.
• Project Stigma is in contact with reporters from the National Enquirer and Weekly World News, both working on mutilation-related articles. A freelancer is working on a piece for Look, and an article by Fritz Thompson appeared in IMPACT, the magazine of the Albuquerque (NM) Journal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are livestock mutilations, UFO sightings, and the potential involvement of government agencies in investigating or even orchestrating these events. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations and a focus on uncovering hidden truths. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, while also critically evaluating the information presented, particularly concerning the CUFOS's approach and the geographical limitations of some reader theories. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters and reports, while reserving the right to edit for publication. There is an underlying suggestion that the government may be actively involved in studying, and possibly manipulating, information related to UFOs and mutilations, potentially using media and disinformation campaigns to obscure the truth.

Object Characteristics

Descriptions of objects include a "circle of light" with "smaller lights (two red, two green)" that were observed hovering over treetops and later followed a vehicle. These lights were described as "noiseless apparitions." In another instance, a helicopter was described as being "small, one-or-two-man craft" and capable of operating "in effectively total darkness" and creeping "along at a few miles per hour inches off the ground in very congested terrain." One witness described a helicopter shining a spotlight that was blinding. A compass was noted to behave erratically over a grave site, suggesting possible electromagnetic effects.

Themes

Livestock Mutilation, UFO Sightings, Helicopter Sightings, Government Cover-up, Fortean Phenomena

Tags

cattle mutilation, UFO, helicopter, Washington, Missouri, South Carolina, Colorado, government investigation, cover-up, plutonium spill, animal mutilation, paranormal, mystery, phenomena, media report

Key Incidents

• 1978-05-16: Snohomish County, Washington - A pregnant Hereford cow was found mutilated with precise cuts, removal of organs, and a hole leading to the unborn calf. No blood was present.
• 1978-12-06: Orangeburg County, South Carolina - A hog was found dead with its jawbone removed and significant weight loss, attributed by the farmer to non-animal causes.

Notable Quote

"I believe that the pre-Christian European nature religions were keeping the "killing ones" under control until the advent of Christianity. Then Europe slowly became saddled with a Faustian notion of perfecting and superceding nature. And with this dead-ly philosophy came a form of Black Magic which actively cooper-ated in the attack on people and animals just as technology ac-tively attacks the biosphere."

Speaker: Michael A. Hoffman

FAQ

• Question: What was the nature of the cattle mutilation in Snohomish County, Washington in May 1978? Answer: A pregnant Hereford cow was found dead with a precise, professional cut from tail to belly, with reproductive organs and udder removed. A hole was discovered in the udder leading to the unborn calf, and the cut around the udder was skin-deep with no blood.
• Question: What unusual phenomena were reported in Lincoln County, Missouri in 1978? Answer: Lincoln County experienced reports of livestock mutilations, UFO and unidentified helicopter sightings, anomalous odors, and an encounter with a 4-ft.-tall "ape".
• Question: What is the stance of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) on cattle mutilations? Answer: CUFOS has been described as having an opaque attitude, with a staff member advising an investigator not to "bring cattle mutilations into the picture" and to be careful not to relate UFOs with mutilations when speaking as a representative.
• Question: What theory is proposed for the cattle mutilations in Douglas and Elbert Counties, Colorado? Answer: A theory suggests the mutilations are highly skilled excisions performed under the auspices of the U.S. Government to determine the amount and extent of plutonium spill (or other noxious materials) from the Rocky Mountain Arsenal.