David Koresh

David Koresh was a charismatic cult leader of the Branch Davidian religious sect, located in Dallas Texas. Koresh, along with almost 80 of his followers, died in a fire after a 51-day standoff with law enforcement in Waco, Texas.MSNBC: Waco cult leader's mom killed, aunt charged (January 24, 2009)

The Branch Davidians are a religious sect formed by former members of the Seventh-Day Adventist church. At one time numbering at about 1,400 members, Koresh took over the group after its leader Lois Roden died in the mid 1980s.Frontline (PBS): David Koresh The Branch Davidians believe that the end days are near, and that god has sent prophets to lead their members and reveal directly to them god's plans. After the Waco incident, the Branch Davidians continue to practice and prophesy.Branch Davidians: Outline of teachings The Branch: home page

Koresh's mother, Bonnie Clark Haldeman, died January 23, 2009 after allegedly being stabbed by her sister Beverly Clark. In 2007, Haldeman wrote a book about her son and her experiences with the Branch Davidians, called "Memories of the Branch Davidians: The Autobiography of David Koresh's Mother"MSNBC: Waco cult leader's mom killed, aunt charged (January 24, 2009)