1985. 20/20 introduces us to the possibility of satan-linked crimes being committed in the U.S.A., after viewers asked for an investigation through the mail.
“Now police have been skeptical, just as we are…but there is no question that there is something going on out there…”
The satanic groups are identified in three ways; self-styled satanists, religious satanists and satanic cults. This segment appears to show that while all are risky, it is satanic cults where the law-breaking begins.
The report starts in Long Island where a teenager was stabbed to death in apparent ritual before moving to Arizona, 140 dogs were found slaughtered. We hear more about rituals discovered, crimes committed, and Satanic graffiti across the U.S. and Canada.
Mike Warnke a former satanic priest tells us about why he became involved, he just wanted to be someone special. Finally the evidence linking these crimes to devil worship is overwhelming and some in law enforcement start to see the clues. Meshing this with popular culture the sheer number of books, movies, musical groups associated with Satan becomes ominous. We hear a clip of the Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven, which played backwards clearly states ‘My Sweet Satan’.
Michael Wescott assistant Attorney General and the father of a victim both blame the Satanic Bible at a recent case, though the book does not explicitly condone violence. A clip is played from Anton Lavey, founder of the Church of Satan, as he describes in his own words a very selfish religion.
While satanic religion and belief has not been shown to be the direct cause of crimes mentioned, our newscasters wonder how long the links can be denied.
This stock footage courtesy of Geraldo’s television history.