Stigmata - Issue 07

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: 7
Volume: FALL 1979
Date: Fall 1979
Price: ONE DOLLAR

This issue of STIGMATA, titled 'THE PROJECT STIGMA REPORT ON THE CONTINUING INVESTIGATION INTO THE OCCURRENCE OF ANIMAL MUTILATIONS', delves into the complex and often frustrating efforts to understand and investigate a series of animal mutilations occurring across the United States.

The Next Stigmata & Supplemental Newsletter

The publication announces that STIGMATA No. 8 is planned but may not appear until several months into 1980. To receive it, readers are instructed to send $1.00 to Project Stigma, P.O. Box 1094, Paris, Texas 75460. In lieu of another full issue this year, a one-or-two-page supplemental newsletter will be issued to provide the latest investigative news and updates on plans for a special report concerning the helicopter/mutilation connection. To receive this newsletter, a stamped, self-addressed no. 10 envelope is required.

"20-20"'s Mutilation Report - Out of Sight

The magazine notes the cancellation of ABC-TV's '20-20' report on animal mutilations, which had been in development for three months and involved significant resources. While one source cited 'lack of funds' as the reason, another disagreed, suggesting the cause lay elsewhere. STIGMATA expresses hope that '20-20' will reconsider or at least divulge their findings.

Mutes & Responsibilities

This section details the establishment of an animal mutilation investigation in Santa Fe, New Mexico, funded by a grant of over $40,000 from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Kenneth M. Rommel, a retired FBI agent, was appointed director. The report traces the history of mutilations in New Mexico, noting a peak in 1975 and subsequent years, with a notable drop-off in early 1977, followed by occurrences in Colorado. A renewed onslaught in New Mexico began in April 1978.

The article highlights the perceived powerlessness of authorities and the intervention of Republican Senator Harrison Schmitt. On December 21, 1978, Schmitt wrote to U.S. Attorney General Griffin Bell, expressing concern about a 'continued pattern of an organized interstate criminal activity' and requesting Justice Department involvement. Bell replied on January 10, 1979, stating that Philip Heymann was asked to investigate and noting that the provided materials indicated 'one of the strangest phenomenons (sic) in my memory'.

A conference was held in Albuquerque on April 20, 1979, to gather investigators. However, the magazine suggests that some observers believed the conference's purpose was to monitor investigators rather than foster dialogue. The results for participants varied, with some experiencing 'slack-jawed astonishment' and others finding the affair 'not dull'.

Senator Schmitt reiterated his concerns, noting that the destruction of property through mutilations, while seemingly systematic across states, was not an obvious federal crime unless it occurred on federal lands. U.S. Attorney R. E. Thompson and local FBI agent Sam Jones were introduced, with Jones assigned day-to-day responsibility for the investigation on behalf of the Department of Justice, implying FBI involvement.

Federal Jurisdiction and Investigation

Forrest Putman, head of the FBI's Albuquerque office, commented on federal jurisdiction, stating the FBI's authority was limited to federal Indian lands and BLM or national forest lands, though cooperation with other agencies was possible. Senator Schmitt and Philip Heymann of the Justice Department agreed that federal lands other than Indian lands could be included. Despite this, the FBI ultimately decided against launching its own investigation.

The responsibility was passed to Santa Fe District Attorney Eloy Martinez. The article notes that while coordination might improve in New Mexico, other affected areas are left to fend for themselves. Rommel, despite lacking formal jurisdiction in other states, intended to communicate with other areas and establish a centralized information depository.

Attempts by other U.S. Senators, including Frank Church and James McClure, to elicit federal response were also mentioned. The magazine speculates that intelligent people within federal agencies might possess significant knowledge about mutilations but choose not to reveal it, possibly to protect perpetrators or due to an inability to act.

Colorado and Federal Response

In 1975, Senator Floyd Haskell requested FBI and Justice Department intervention regarding a siege of mutilations in Colorado. Project Stigma obtained FBI files showing Haskell's letter to Theodore P. Rosack, then head of Denver's FBI office, citing interstate activity as justification for FBI involvement. Then-FBI Director Clarence M. Kelley replied that the actions did not constitute a violation of Federal law within the FBI's investigative jurisdiction. The DENVER POST reported the FBI declined to enter the probe due to a lack of evidence of interstate movements, a claim STIGMATA disputes, calling the circumstantial evidence compelling.

The article mentions unsubstantiated allegations of FBI investigations in other areas and notes that the FBI did gather information in 1975. Palmer Hoyt, a former editor of the DENVER POST, believed the FBI, CIA, or other agencies were protecting the mutilators or were unresponsive.

State and Local Investigations

STIGMATA emphasizes the need for state and county investigators, both 'official' and 'civilian', to pool their efforts and exchange information without relying on aid from the state level. It stresses that this is not a conventional law enforcement problem and requires reaching beyond usual methods and jurisdictions. Civilian investigators are encouraged to learn from law enforcement experience, and law enforcement officials are urged to engage with civilian investigators.

The magazine suggests that there is value to be learned from this experience, potentially revealing deeper truths about human roles or even the nature of UFO phenomena. It concludes that barriers to knowledge and understanding exist but can be overcome.

1979 Mutilations - Arkansas

Arkansas experienced a significant number of potentially mutilated animal carcasses in 1979, more than any other state, with reports from 15 counties. These included a 10-day-old pig and several horse-slashing incidents. While there is no unanimity on the authenticity of these cases, State Police Sgt. Doug Fogley expressed doubt about 'classic' mutilations in 1979, though he felt authentic cases occurred in 1978. Reports often described the precision of the mutilations as 'surgical' or 'super-surgical'.

Some sources suggest that publicity following the Albuquerque conference may have prompted hoaxers. A meeting in Little Rock on August 14th involved humane society members and state agencies, with Kenneth Rommel advising that 'professionals' should investigate. Fogley requested media cooperation to avoid attracting 'every kook out of the woodwork'.

Between August 11 and 14, nine potential cow mutilations were reported near Little Rock. A silver helicopter was spotted in Faulkner County, and a blue unmarked chopper was seen near a Conway County mute site. The former was suggested to be a military craft en route to a Titan II missile silo, recalling similar reports from Montana in 1975-1976.

On August 13th, Conway County veterinarians suggested that the mutes were the work of natural scavengers, primarily buzzards, and that reports were 'fashionable'. The article states it will continue to monitor developments.

Texas

In Bexar County, Texas, a young bull was killed and mutilated on July 15th. The genitals and anus were removed, the tail cleanly cut off, both eyes were gone, and there was a puncture wound in the jugular vein. Local residents reported seeing cultists meeting and dancing around bonfires in nearby river bottoms, drawing a parallel to the film 'Race With The Devil'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of animal mutilations, the apparent lack of decisive action or jurisdiction from federal agencies like the FBI, and the challenges faced by investigators. The editorial stance appears critical of official responses, suggesting a potential cover-up or at least a significant lack of transparency and willingness to investigate thoroughly. There is a strong emphasis on the need for independent investigation and cooperation between official and civilian researchers, with a belief that barriers to understanding can and should be broken. The publication positions itself as a source of ongoing investigation and information dissemination in a field often met with skepticism and official indifference.

Title: UFO REPORT
Issue: 11
Volume: 1
Date: July 1979
Publisher: UFO Report
Country: USA
Price: $2.00
Cover Headline: ANIMAL MUTILATIONS: THE COVER-UP CONTINUES

This issue of UFO REPORT delves deeply into the disturbing phenomenon of animal mutilations, presenting a series of cases from various locations in the United States, primarily in 1979. The magazine highlights consistent patterns across these incidents, suggesting a coordinated effort or a phenomenon that defies conventional explanation. The reports often involve precise surgical removal of specific body parts, a notable lack of blood, and the absence of any signs of predator activity, leading investigators to suspect non-animal involvement.

Colorado Cases

Huerfano County

The issue begins with a report from Huerfano County, Colorado. On March 26, 1979, Sergio Abila discovered a cow mutilated near Red Wing. His wife, Dora, reported to Animal Mutilation Probe Director David Perkins that the udder had been removed with a "cookie cutter" precision, and there was no blood. The cow had recently given birth, and the calf was found nearby, but other cattle were absent from the area.

In mid-May of the same year, a 1300-lb prize rodeo bull named "Fool's Gold," owned by Mr. and Mrs. John King, was found mutilated in a remote pasture. The bull had been moved after fighting with other bulls. The ranch hand discovered the carcass on May 19th. Mr. King estimated the bull had been dead for 5 to 7 days. David Perkins investigated and noted the following details from photos and interviews: the rectum was "cored" with a perfectly round cut and no blood; one testicle was removed with a grapefruit-size hole in the groin; a burned circle, approximately 1½ inches in diameter, was on the upper thigh of the right hind leg; and the left ear was removed with an incision extending into the head. Small flakes of splattered blood were on the bull's neck and chest, but no other blood was on the ground. Notably, the carcass attracted no predators, not even flies. Sheriff Harold Martinez observed blood from the mouth, suggesting the tongue might be missing.

This was the third mutilation in the King's herd, with two others occurring in 1975. The Kings had also experienced missing cattle, with 50 head disappearing in Wyoming in 1973 and another 50 in Colorado in 1975. Another bull, "Mr. Charlie," vanished in 1978.

On May 24, 1979, an Animal Mutilation Probe (AMP) team observed a dark green or black helicopter flying over the King Ranch. The craft made no sound and was flying at approximately 1500 feet.

David Perkins also reported two more suspected mutilations: a bull 15 miles northwest of Walsenburg on June 25th, and a cow and calf found near Gardner on June 29th.

El Paso County

Information from El Paso County highlighted the role of livestock removal services. Drexel Lawson, who runs such a service, reported seeing "dozens" of mutilated carcasses, many of which are not reported to authorities. He had picked up 20 mutilated carcasses in El Paso and Lincoln Counties over the previous two years. At least half a dozen cases occurred in El Paso County since May 1, 1979.

On May 25, 1979, Wendel Hertel, a rancher west of Calhan, observed two or more helicopters hovering over remote rangeland. The next morning, he found the mutilated carcass of his $1,000 Geldzieh cow. The udder was cleanly removed, with no tracks or blood. Numerous accounts of dark helicopters flying around ranches in El Paso County were reported during late spring.

Other livestock removal services in Roswell, New Mexico, also reportedly picked up mutilated carcasses, though these were often unreported.

Oklahoma Case

Washington County

In Washington County, Oklahoma, the mutilated carcass of a cow was discovered on the Oscar King ranch near Dewey on July 9, 1979. Both eyes were missing, and the udder had been removed in an "almost perfect circle." No blood was in evidence.

New Mexico Cases

Eddy County

Four expensive horses, all mares and one foal, died under unusual circumstances south of Carlsbad, New Mexico. It was estimated that three died on January 19, 1979, with two appearing classically mutilated. The foal was removed from one mare. The next morning, a fourth horse was found dead and mutilated. Another horse, found dead but not mutilated on Monday, was discovered mutilated on Tuesday. Carlsbad veterinarian M. C. Reynolds suggested "acute toxic hepatitis" due to severe liver deterioration, a symptom noted in other mutilated carcasses, but offered no further explanation for the mutilations.

A confidential source indicated another mutilation occurred in Eddy County around the beginning of the year, with sightings of unidentified helicopters. In May, a "makeshift altar" of skulls, rocks, and jewelry was found. In June 1979, the Artesia, NM DAILY PRESS reported that Sheriff Granger's office was investigating three mutilated goats and a dozen dead hens in the area of the January horse mutilations.

John Neill, a former investigator, expressed no confidence in future investigations in Eddy County and criticized a mutilation conference he attended, suggesting it was primarily for grant money.

Torrance County

The first reported mutilation in Torrance County in 1979 involved a 6-month-old steer found on January 29th. The penis was removed, and the intestines were extracted through a hole in the scrotum. The ears were "beveled out...with precision." Circular hairless patches were found on the animal, with small lacerations. The jugular vein was punctured, the neck was broken, and there was no blood in the heart. State Patrolman Gabe Valdez identified Chloropromazine (a tranquilizer) and a blood-clotting agent in samples, stating the perpetrators were "highly sophisticated" and "well-organized."

A second Torrance County mutilation involved a five-year-old cow around April 1st. Sheriff Bobby Chavez reported clamp marks on the hind legs and suggested the animal might have been dropped. Tripod tracks were found 25 feet away.

Taos County

On January 12, a 5-year-old heifer was discovered near Ranchitos, close to a UFO sighting site. One eye, the tongue, anus, and reproductive organs were removed. This carcass was found frozen, challenging the notion that mutilations only occur in warm weather. State Policeman Gabe Valdez stated the animal was "definitely tranquillized" before blood was pumped out and parts removed.

Guadalupe County

A cow near Dilia was found dead with its udder neatly sliced off. A similar mutilation occurred in the Dahlia area in the fall of 1978. Barbed wire fences were cut and torn down in the vicinity.

Rio Arriba County

AMP Director David Perkins investigated two reported mutilations in the Regina area, learning of perhaps 12 others in the past year. The mutilations were described as "classic."

Santa Fe County

Near Los Alamos, AMP Director David Perkins inspected a tribal police logbook noting "unidentified aircraft" in late 1978. On May 11, 1979, a mutilation occurred on Santa Clara land. The rectum and genitals were excised from a pregnant cow, and a hole was cut in the udder. Investigators noted scratches on the carcass and broken branches. A photographer's light meter malfunctioned at the site. An unmarked, twin-engined airplane circled the investigators' car three times as they departed. A large UFO was also reported in Santa Clara Canyon in April 1979.

Kansas Cases

Atchison County

A mini-wave of mutilations occurred in Atchison County, with three cases in January (1 cow, 2 sows) and one in March (calf). Officers were convinced the mutilations were human-made.

Harper County

In February, an 850-lb. heifer was found dead northeast of Harper, with one eye and hind portions cut out. A large amount of blood was found in a nearby creek, and four-wheel-drive vehicle tracks were noted. A similar case occurred near White City in March.

Clark County

Three mutilated cows were found in Clark County since May 14, 1978. Sheriff Loftis Messer attributed the mutilations to cats, possibly a bobcat, based on track casts and hair. He believed the cows died of other causes and the cats were scavenging. The "teats and ovaries" were cleanly removed with no blood. Water was nearby in each incident, and the sheriff theorized the cows sought water to relieve a stomach disorder.

Nebraska Cases

Madison County

On July 14, 1979, a 3-month-old heifer was found killed in Norfolk-area farmer Harry Miller's pasture. One ear was cut off, and the intestines were "neatly cut out."

Pierce County

On July 17, 1979, two mutilated calves were discovered near Osmond. Each was missing genitals, one ear, both eyes, and an oval patch of hide. The sheriff noted similarities to the Madison County case, suggesting "weirdos" were responsible.

South Dakota Cases

Shannon County

During a Project Stigma/Animal Mutilation Probe conference, a lack of reports from the Western Dakotas was noted. A mutilation occurred on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, involving a cow with the udder and genitals removed. Skid-like tracks were found in the snow near one site, and a helicopter was heard but not seen.

Reviews

UFO TERMS by Robert Stevenson Somerville

This book is described as a comprehensive glossary of ufology, covering various facets of UFO research, including animal mutilations and Project Stigma. It presents arguments for and against the reality of mutilations and their link to UFOs, aiming to provide a basic understanding for those who lack the time or inclination to follow developments. The author's research is extensive, and the book is recommended for beginners and veteran researchers alike.

MESSENGERS OF DECEPTION by Jacques Vallee

Jacques Vallee's book addresses the nature of the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that "classic" animal mutilations are linked to the broader UFO picture, which he views as fraught with deception and manipulation. The review echoes an earlier opinion that mutilators are highly skilled at deception, capable of making people believe almost anything.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and consistency of animal mutilations, the frequent association with unidentified aerial phenomena (particularly helicopters), and the persistent suspicion of a cover-up or deliberate obfuscation by authorities. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these phenomena, presenting detailed case studies and questioning official explanations. There is a clear implication that these events are not random acts of nature or simple predation but rather something more organized and potentially sinister, with a possible link to extraterrestrial or advanced technological activity.

Title: STIGMATA SUPPLEMENT NUMBER ONE
Issue Date: January 1980
Publisher: PROJECT STIGMA
Country: USA
Focus: This supplement delves into the complex and often controversial topics of UFOs and animal mutilations, presenting various theories, case studies, and editorial commentary.

Analysis of UFO Phenomenon and Human Manipulation

The issue begins by exploring the theories of Jacques Vallee, particularly his ideas presented in "MESSENGERS OF DECEPTION." Vallee suggests that the "manipulators" of the UFO phenomenon may be strictly human, not necessarily originating the phenomenon itself, but manipulating the belief in and reaction to UFOs for their own objectives. The text highlights Vallee's suggestion of a "double-barreled deception" where UFOs themselves might be perpetrating a deception by presenting "occupants" as messengers from outer space, while human groups exploit this deception. Vallee proposes that the UFO phenomenon acts as a "control system" on humanity, potentially influencing the collective unconscious. The motives of these human manipulators are speculated to be either benevolent, fostering wonder and empathy, or malevolent, leading to a reliance on external saviors and potential domination.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek is mentioned as having reviewed "MOD" and, while collaborating with Vallee on "THE EDGE OF REALITY," offers a critical perspective. Hynek suggests Vallee may be over-emphasizing the role of UFO and contactee-oriented cults and ignoring crucial aspects of the phenomenon itself. Vallee's work is described as speculative, with a cautious approach using terms like "suppose" and "what if," which the authors find reasonable, as belief is deemed unnecessary, undesirable, and unsupportable in this context.

The International Scene: Animal Mutilations

The publication shifts focus to "The International Scene," detailing occurrences of animal mutilations outside the U.S. Reports include an outbreak in Panama in May, mysterious animal deaths in the Canary Islands involving the removal of blood and hearts from dogs and goats, and cattle mutilations in Alberta, Canada, including an attack on a $45,000 Simmental bull, which the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is investigating.

Images are presented with captions: one shows Probe Director David Perkins examining a mutilated carcass in Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico, in May 1979. Another image depicts a mutilated animal in Clark County, Kansas, in April 1979, with Sheriff Loftis Messer believing it to be the result of a cat attack.

Helicopter Connection and Skepticism

A significant portion of the supplement addresses the link between unmarked helicopters and animal mutilations. Mark Acuff of "THE NEW MEXICO INDEPENDENT" is criticized for dismissing the connection as "preposterous." Project Stigma's Tom Adams is noted for announcing a paper on the appearance of unidentified helicopters at or near mutilation sites, stating that their preliminary report covered only a fraction of the over 200 helicopter/mute cases in their files. The evidence for this connection is described as "overwhelming."

The editorial stance defends the claim that helicopters have been present at hundreds of mutilation scenes, even if their purpose remains unknown. It criticizes journalists who doubt the helicopter/mute link or the occurrence of mutilations as being out of touch with "reality."

Letters from Readers

Several letters from readers provide further insights and concerns:

• Tommy Roy Blann recounts his experience at a conference on livestock mutilations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, expressing apprehension among investigators and law enforcement officials regarding the FBI's involvement. He claims the FBI's approach was insincere, noting their involvement in 1975 and their reappearance at the conference under false pretenses. He also mentions a "retiring" FBI agent, Ken Rommel, heading an investigation in New Mexico and reportedly not wanting independent investigators involved.
• Tommy Roy Blann also details a threatening encounter with Carl Whiteside, Deputy Director of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, regarding statements made about the CBI's handling of reports. Whiteside is identified as a "focal point" for mutilation material from law enforcement officials nationwide since 1975 and has gathered significant material on unmarked choppers.
• Carol Werkmeister contrasts predator mutilations with those attributed to sharp instruments, stating that predator attacks typically leave rougher wounds and do not involve the eyes, genitals, udder, or ears. She also reviews "THE NIGHT MUTILATORS" by Gene Duplantier, deeming it a "carelessly-concocted effort" not recommended except for collectors.

Project Stigma Operations and Future Plans

The supplement announces that "STIGMATA" will become a quarterly publication in 1980, starting with issue No. 8. Price increases are noted, with a one-year subscription for the four 1980 issues costing $5.00. The publication of a "HELICOPTER REPORT," a catalog of unidentified helicopter accounts near mutilation events, is still in preparation and expected in the first half of 1980. The report was delayed to prioritize the publication of STIGMATA No. 8. Two cattle mutilations in Western Nebraska are mentioned, with an unmarked helicopter sighted at both sites.

Readers are encouraged to submit comments and opinions for future publication. The "OCCURRENCES, RUMOURS AND THINGS-IN-THE-WORKS" section notes the increased interest in mutilations emanating from Canada, particularly Alberta and Saskatchewan, which have seen at least 30 reported cases. It also mentions past activity in Arkansas and scattered reports in late 1979 from Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Iowa, and Illinois.

Future developments are rumored to include an anthology of commentary on the mutilation phenomenon, a bibliography, a fund for research, and an in-depth documentary by a Colorado TV station. The supplement also hints at a potential issue with OMNI magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the multifaceted nature of the UFO phenomenon, the possibility of human manipulation and deception, and the persistent mystery surrounding animal mutilations. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to explore complex theories while remaining skeptical of unsubstantiated claims. There is a strong emphasis on the evidence linking unmarked helicopters to mutilation sites and a critique of media skepticism. The publication positions itself as a source for detailed information on these topics, particularly those not widely reported, and encourages reader participation and support.