Angela Smith

Angela Smith, a former personal assistant to Karen Zerby and a member of The Family International, was murdered by Ricky Rodriguez before he committed suicide in 2005. Smith was his nanny when he was growing up.

Fast Facts

1. Murdered: January 8, 2005
2. Age at death: 51
3. Formerly known as Susan Joy Kauten
4. Changed name to Angela Smith in 1993
5. Reportedly among a group within The Family International who have been accused of sexual abuse of children¹

The Family International

Previously known as the Children of God, The Family International (or The Family) is a Christian mission group that is often referred to as a cult. Among allegations of sexual abuse within The Family are claims that Rodriguez was sexually abused by Smith and his mother, Karen Zerby, when he was a child. He left The Family in 2001 before deciding to get revenge for his mistreatment. Rodriguez tracked Smith down and stabbed her in his apartment. He reportedly planned on killing his mother, but instead committed suicide.¹

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