Stigmata - Issue 11

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: 11
Volume: Fourth Quarter
Date: 1980
Publisher: PROJECT STIGMA
Country: U.S.A.
Price: $1.50

This issue of STIGMATA, dated Fourth Quarter 1980, presents "THE PROJECT STIGMA REPORT ON THE CONTINUING INVESTIGATION INTO THE OCCURRENCE OF ANIMAL MUTILATIONS." It details subscription and back issue costs, with 1981 subscriptions set at $5.00 and 1980 back issues at $1.50 each.

The Three R's - On The Attack

The lead article critically examines three pieces of writing that promulgated the idea of "classic mutilations" being caused by natural predators and scavengers. These include Kenneth M. Rommel, Jr.'s "OPERATION ANIMAL MUTILATION - Report of the District Attorney, First Judicial District, State of New Mexico" (June 1980), David Rorvik's "Cattle Mutilations: The Truth At Last" in PENTHOUSE (September 1980), and James Randi's "Mutilation Madness" in OMNI (July 1980).

The authors of STIGMATA express that their "worst fears" have been confirmed by Rommel's report. Rommel's project, spanning May 1979 to May 1980, documented 27 potential livestock mutilations in New Mexico. He personally investigated 15 cases and reviewed 12 others, also examining 90 prior cases. Rommel's report allegedly decries the lack of "surgical incisions" and points to animal tracks, hair, and droppings as evidence against non-natural causes. However, STIGMATA argues that Rommel's investigation neglects the "mystery helicopter" element and provides an incomplete summary of activity in states outside New Mexico. Rommel's report is over 300 pages long and includes photographs.

Project Stigma decided against a point-by-point refutation of Rommel's report, deeming it more productive to focus on direct investigation of the phenomenon. They dismiss Rommel, Rorvik, and Randi as irrelevant.

Rommel's report is criticized for its susceptibility to opinion and interpretation. The authors highlight two major weaknesses: the avoidance of the "mystery helicopter" element and the credulous summary of activity in other states. Rommel queried officials in twenty states, accepting their replies that indicated no problem, despite STIGMATA's own findings to the contrary in states like Mississippi, Virginia, and Washington.

• Specific state summaries are critiqued:
• Colorado: Rommel claims to discredit the 1967 Snippy horse case, but STIGMATA asserts the total body of evidence cannot be dismissed.
• Arkansas: Rommel states mutilations began in April 1978, but STIGMATA has reports from 1977.
• Idaho: Rommel was informed of "several" mutilations in 1976, one in 1978, and one in 1979, all attributed to predators or publicity-seekers, which STIGMATA finds "incredible" given the 1975 outbreak.
• Illinois: Rommel mentions three cases in Christian County between 1976-1978, but STIGMATA notes potential mutilations in several other counties since 1975.
• Iowa: Rommel reports authorities believe about 12 cases are "human-induced" cases are a "local situation," with no confirmed mutilations by veterinarians.
• Louisiana: Rommel notes 15 "unexplained" cases but does not reveal details from official communications.
• Texas: Rommel dismisses cases where specimens were examined by Texas A & M University, but STIGMATA points out that nearly a fourth of the state's counties have reported mutilations.
• Wyoming: The state vet attributes all mutilations to predators, but STIGMATA references its own previous reports and notes that a Wyoming investigator would refute Rommel's claims.

David Rorvik and James Randi are presented as allied in supporting Rommel. Randi, a magician and investigator associated with CSICOP, is described as debunking paranormal claims with glee. Rorvik authored "IN HIS IMAGE: THE CLONING OF A MAN" and his PENTHOUSE article relies on the Rommel report and James Stewart's paper on "collective delusion." Rorvik also "mutilates" the Snippy case, claiming UFO sightings occurred months before the incident, which STIGMATA refutes based on its own investigation dating back to 1970. STIGMATA argues that mutilations did not begin to be reported with vigor until six years after the Snippy incident.

Rorvik also refers to a report by Dr. Nancy Owen, suggesting that "classic mutilations" involve the removal of specific body parts, a claim STIGMATA disputes.

Both Rorvik, Rommel, and Stewart are criticized for ignoring the "mystery helicopters" element, which STIGMATA considers a pertinent aspect of the mutilation problem. The magazine notes that it has compiled a report cataloging over 200 incidents involving unidentified choppers observed near mutilations.

Rommel's report barely mentions unidentified helicopters, despite their prevalence in northeastern New Mexico in late 1975, which led to an FAA investigation.

STIGMATA concludes that while not all cases should be attributed to helicopters, the phenomenon must be explained. The failure of "The Three R's" to address helicopter data substantiates the inconsequence of their presentations.

To Set The Record Straight

This section addresses Rommel's misquotation of STIGMATA in his report. Rommel quotes from the "January issue of Stigmata" (sic), but the quote is actually from the one-page "Stigmata Supplement Number One" (January 1980). The quote concerns tentative plans for an anthology of commentary on mutilations and the abundance of writers promising books on the subject. STIGMATA points out Rommel's errors in quoting "anthology" as "anthrology" and "dollar" as "dollars," questioning if these are inadvertent or part of a program to discredit the "pro-mute" community.

The Arkansas Report

This section details a report by Anthropologist Dr. Nancy H. Owen of the University of Arkansas, titled "Preliminary Analysis of the Impact of Livestock Mutilations On Rural Arkansas Communities." Funded by the Arkansas Endowment For the Humanities, the 31-page report is considered commendably objective, unlike James Stewart's paper on "collective delusion." Owen's report is seen as a valuable contribution from the social sciences perspective. It is noted that Dr. Owen's family is from New Mexico, and she assisted Ken Rommel with his report.

Dr. Owen's investigation focused on Benton County, Arkansas, to identify ranchers reporting mutilations. She initially suspected newcomers or novice cattlemen might be more susceptible to media-driven explanations. However, her findings indicated that approximately 60% of ranchers were over 50 years old and experienced, and two-thirds were Arkansas natives or had prior livestock experience. STIGMATA contends that experienced farmers can distinguish between genuine mutilations and predator damage, a view Rommel disputes.

Mutes In The Movies

Two motion pictures are mentioned as dealing with livestock mutilations: "Earthright," produced by World Amusement Company, starring Raymond Burr, Jan-Michael Vincent, and Cybill Shepherd, and an Alive Enterprises film titled "Cows."

The Cult Connection

Since mid-1980, there has been a revival of interest in the possibility that occult or pseudo-occult groups are responsible for some animal mutilations. This interest echoes a similar focus in 1975 when investigator Donald Flickinger pursued claims by inmates Kenneth Bankston and Dan Dugan about a group called "the Occult." Their scenario, which linked mutilations to a Weathermen bombing and plutonium theft, ultimately fell apart under scrutiny.

In 1979, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigated cult possibilities behind mutilations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. In 1980, Iowa authorities reportedly focused on a cult link for isolated incidents. A New Mexico investigator was also seeking evidence of cult involvement.

A series of events in mid-1980 Canada involved an organization called "Sons In Satan's Service" (S.I.S.S.) attempting to rent a stadium for a "service," which was reportedly an initiation ceremony for potential members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of animal mutilations, the critique of various explanatory models (natural predators, human perpetrators, cults, and UFO-related phenomena), and the examination of specific reports and media coverage. STIGMATA's editorial stance is critical of explanations that dismiss or downplay the anomalous aspects of mutilations, particularly those that ignore the "mystery helicopter" phenomenon. The publication positions itself as an independent investigative community focused on direct investigation, often challenging the findings of established figures and reports, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous research and objective analysis, as seen in its review of Dr. Owen's report.

This issue of the UFOBC Bulletin, dated August 1980, delves into the disturbing phenomenon of cattle mutilations and explores the potential involvement of satanic cults and occult groups. The publication features detailed reports from Canadian investigators, including the RCMP, and incorporates information from US-based investigations and media reports.

S.I.S.S. and Canadian Investigations

The bulletin begins by detailing an incident where approximately 1,000 members from the USA and Canada were invited to attend an event, but the booking was cancelled due to suspicions about the nature of the S.I.S.S. organization. It is reported that S.I.S.S. is a satanic cult involved in sacrifices, potentially including human sacrifices in the USA, and that members may include individuals from the medical profession. The issue highlights two bull mutilations that occurred in August and early autumn of 1980 near the residence of a farmer, with the RCMP officer investigating the case exhibiting unusual behavior by advising the victim to spread the news.

A Canadian investigator reports on developments related to S.I.S.S., including a telephoned death threat received on September 11th, warning the investigator to cease their inquiries into animal mutilations and S.I.S.S. The caller stated, "You know the digging you're doing into animal mutilations and into the S.I.S.S.? Well, you'd better lay off or you may end up like one of the mutilated cattle yourself!". The investigator also recounts a peculiar visit from a man and his wife, who identified themselves as Don and Elizabeth Upshur. Don Upshur claimed to be a pilot in the Canadian Air Force stationed at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The investigator found their behavior and statements, particularly Don's claim of being a jet pilot despite an apparent fear of heights, highly suspicious.

Further investigation revealed that Don Upshur was indeed a pilot at the Moose Jaw air force base. The investigator contacted him, inquiring about his interest in UFOs and animal mutilations, and then directly asked if he knew anything about S.I.S.S. Upshur's startled reaction, "How do you know about that?", and subsequent statement, "You know too damned much", followed by hanging up, intensified the suspicion.

In another incident, a girl herding cattle near the site of a previous bull mutilation was shot with a shotgun. This occurred in close proximity to a deserted farmhouse where S.I.S.S. reportedly holds ceremonial meetings. The victim refused to discuss the incident with the investigator or the police.

US Cult Activity and Animal Sacrifice

The bulletin then shifts to the US scene, referencing articles from the KANSAS CITY (Missouri) TIMES in August 1980 that described possible cultist activity along the Missouri River near St. Joseph, Missouri. These reports included the discovery of an open grave and a jogger witnessing a "satanic ritual" in caves, where authorities found white crosses and the word "Sabeth" painted inside. The San Francisco Police Department had informed the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office about an investigation into a group of 10 to 15 cultists believed to be traveling the country, performing satanic rituals including animal mutilations and human sacrifice.

An article from the BELVIDERE (New Jersey) NEWS on July 16, 1980, highlighted increased activity of occult groups in Sussex and Morris counties. These groups reportedly obtain animals from pounds or shelters, or take them from owners. The rituals described include sexual abuse of black female cats, biting off their heads, using dogs, bleeding animals, and consuming their blood. The article also mentions the discovery of hundreds of animal bodies in various stages of mutilation and decay in Budd Lake, New Jersey, and smaller-scale sacrifices in other Sussex towns.

Eric Plasa, director of law enforcement for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is featured for his investigations into these cults. An article in the SUNDAY NEWS MAGAZINE titled "The Cult Hunter" detailed his work. Plasa's investigations have involved infiltrating cults, including the Santeria cult imported from Africa via Cuba. He described dramatic rescues of animals moments before or during carnage. One incident involved bursting in on 15 cultists in the Bronx who were preparing to consume the blood of 62 decapitated animals.

Plasa noted that in his contacts with the Babalawos, the high priests of Santeria, his "grip on reality was being shaken," leading him to question his own understanding of the cosmos.

Ritualistic Practices and Discoveries

The raid in which 62 animals were rescued occurred on Saturday, June 7, 1980. ASPCA special agent Tom Langdon described the Santeria cult's practices of biting, tearing off, or cutting off animal heads, draining blood into vessels, and consuming it. In March 1979, a "voodoo altar" was discovered in Miami, Florida, featuring a human skull topped with a goat's head and a decapitated chicken head. In March 1980, remnants of a ritual were found in the Cook County Forest Preserve near Chicago, including six decapitated chickens, two goats with their insides removed, a fish, candles, jeans, and underwear. Rev. J. Gordon Melton suggested that the presence of goats indicated a possible Santeria ritual.

Other discoveries include seven cats found stacked in a pyramid shape near Bluefield, West Virginia, in February 1974, with their tongues removed. In April 1980, two dogs and seven cats were found "mutilated and stacked" in Somerville, Massachusetts, with one dog beheaded and another staked through the head, and the cats apparently burned alive.

Jay's Journal and Cult Scenarios

The publication of Beatrice Sparks' paperback book "JAY'S JOURNAL" in December 1979 is discussed. The book purports to be the diary of a 16-year-old boy who committed suicide after joining a secret occult society called "O", which engaged in bloody rituals, including cattle mutilation. Linda Moulton Howe consulted a Catholic counselor who dismissed the idea of pagan organizations being involved, suggesting that young people turn to witchcraft and pagan rituals due to confusion, and that the ceremony in "JAY'S JOURNAL" might be unique to a specific cult.

Canadian Opinions on Cult Involvement

The bulletin includes opinions from Canadian experts on the "cult" scenario. An article from THE MELVILLE (Saskatchewan) ADVANCE by Rev. Colin Clay, an acknowledged cult expert, states that there is a definite possibility that cattle mutilations are the work of "satanic" cults. He presents two viable theories: (a) the work of mentally-deranged individuals, or (b) the work of "satanic" cults using removed organs in their rituals. He notes that the "black" side of witchcraft and devil-worship are ancient practices, predating the Old Testament, and have historically been opposed by Christians and Jews. The fundamental principle of witchcraft and devil-worship is based on enjoying "the world, the flesh and the devil," contrary to Christian commandments.

Anton La Vey, the "High Priest" of modern Satanism in North America, is quoted regarding the association of magic with amulets and superstitious objects. His Church of Satan in San Francisco is described as having a black decor and being registered as a legal religion.

David Wilkerson estimates over 400 groups of witches in the United States, with a considerable number active in Canada. These groups often follow traditional rituals, using a naked female volunteer as an altar and sometimes abusing consecrated communion hosts. A token form of "human sacrifice" may occur, and rituals are often performed naked.

The bulletin notes that the careful removal of sensory organs in recent cattle mutilations suggests they were incorporated into rituals, possibly by drying, grinding, and adding to a liquid for consumption, symbolizing a union with sensual feelings.

It is suggested that these mutilations are unlikely to be performed by overt satanic or witchcraft groups, but rather by small, secret "covens" of 8-10 people. These individuals are described as middle-aged, reasonably affluent couples who are bored with daily life and seeking erotic, bizarre, and highly secretive experiences. They may not be strict satanists but are fascinated by the "pleasure" aspect of satanism. It is imperative for these groups to maintain secrecy.

Another Canadian researcher, summarizing findings for Project Stigma, suggests that in Alberta, Christian cultism is more prevalent than satanic, witchcraft, or voodoo cultism. He argues that most cultists prefer less dangerous activities like huddled meetings with candles, and that the history of animal sacrifice does not support the type of activity seen in the "mute" cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of cattle mutilations and their potential links to occult and satanic cult activities. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence from both Canadian and US sources. There is a clear focus on documenting specific incidents, individuals, and organizations involved in or investigating these phenomena. The bulletin aims to inform its readers about the complex and often disturbing nature of cult practices and their possible connection to unexplained events like animal mutilations, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some of the theories presented.

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: Vol. 3, No. 11
Date: August 1980
Publisher: Thomas R. Adams
Price: $2.00

This issue of STIGMATA, a publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena, delves into the persistent mystery of animal mutilations. It presents a collection of reader letters, commentary, and follow-up reports on ongoing investigations, offering a multifaceted perspective on a topic that continues to perplex researchers and the public alike.

Letters to the Editor

The "Letters" section features a significant contribution from a "Michigan reader" who strongly posits that aliens are responsible for animal mutilations. The reader offers several speculative reasons for this alien activity: curiosity about Earth's animal life, a potential taste for certain animal parts, or perhaps an attempt to instill fear or impress humans with their surgical capabilities. The reader also addresses the presence of helicopters at mutilation sites, suggesting that aliens capable of interstellar travel could easily replicate helicopter technology, possibly to confuse observers or to make it appear as though humans are responsible.

Another letter, from Tommy Roy Blann of Lewisville, Texas, dated August 1980, offers a critical perspective. Blann questions the common explanations for mutilations, finding it "highly unlikely" that simple predation, pranksters, or natural causes fully account for the evidence. He suggests that the phenomenon might involve individuals who are skilled at locating already dead animals and then performing the mutilations for unknown motives, but he implies this alone does not satisfy all findings.

Commentary and Analysis

The issue includes a critical review of Kenneth Rommel's 297-page report on fifteen personal mute investigations. The reviewer acknowledges the report's data but finds it lacking as a definitive study, stating it "only briefly scratches the surface." The reviewer also suggests that Rommel's report may exhibit a "vendetta against certain outspoken individuals" and that it selectively used research to support its conclusions. While agreeing with some of Rommel's findings, particularly that some mutilations are due to predation, scavengers, pranksters, or natural causes, the reviewer insists that a number of cases remain unexplained and cannot be categorized. The reviewer finds it suspicious that knife cuts are often reported on animals that have already died of natural causes, implying a pattern of someone being present at the right time to perform these acts in isolated locations, a phenomenon noted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and veterinary pathologists.

Notes, Commentary and Follow-Ups

This section provides updates and corrections on previous reports:

• Correction: Regarding a documentary titled "A Strange Harvest," the magazine corrects a previous statement about the Judy Doraty case. While initially reported that the entire family observed a calf being lifted into a UFO via a light beam, it is clarified that only Mrs. Doraty herself witnessed the levitation while outside her car; other witnesses remained inside.

• UFO-Abduction/Mutilation Case: The issue details an incident in Colfax County, New Mexico, in the spring of 1980. A woman and her son reported witnessing UFOs and subsequently found themselves aboard a craft where they witnessed animal mutilation. After reporting the incident, the witnesses were hospitalized. The boy was reportedly fine, but the woman attempted suicide twice, and there were concerns that she may have had something implanted during an "examination." A prominent UFO investigative organization is probing this occurrence.

• Support for Psychic Investigations: STIGMATA reaffirms its support for using competent psychics in analyzing mutilation data. It mentions Peter Jordan's report, "GLIMPSES THROUGH A LOOKING GLASS," which compiles readings from four psychics on unexplained cattle mutilations. While Jordan admits confirmation is difficult, the report is seen as a starting point, and he has also authored an article on livestock mutilation for SCIENCE DIGEST.

• Follow-Up on 'Mrs. L.': The magazine provides an update on the case of a woman referred to as "Mrs. L.," previously featured in STIGMATA No. 4 under the title "Ordeal In Arkansas." Her identity and location in South Texas are now known, and she has contacted MUFON for assistance. The case is under investigation, with hopes for a full story soon.

• Book Updates: An updated version of Mervin Casey's 1976 novel, "THE MUTILATORS," is now available. Additionally, articles on mutilations that were reportedly scheduled for LIFE and NEW WEST magazines have apparently been shelved.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent enigma of animal mutilations, exploring potential explanations that range from mundane causes to extraordinary extraterrestrial involvement. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, critically examining reports and theories while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge. The magazine encourages investigation into unexplained phenomena and provides a platform for diverse viewpoints, including those of readers and researchers, while also offering corrections and updates on ongoing cases. There is a clear interest in UFOs, alien encounters, and the use of unconventional methods like psychic investigation to understand these mysteries.