Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 5, No. 6, 2006, Page 39
Mills, 58, and Tyler “The Hulk” Bingham, 59, should be executed. The jury earlier found
them guilty of engaging in racketeering and committing murder while serving prison
sentences. A prosecutor said the decision, which also means that the two now have no
chance of parole, ―sends a message that convicts can‘t kill other convicts.‖ He added that
Bingham‘s close escape from execution is something that Bingham will ―take into
consideration before he sends a message out to declare another race war.‖ Two lesser gang
members were recently convicted of conspiring to murder black inmates.
Aryan Nations
The recent murder convictions of four leaders of the prison-based Aryan Nations is not
likely to lead to the group‘s demise, according to experts. ―This gang is like a hydra,‖ said
Laurie Levenson, a former federal prosecutor now teaching at Loyola Law School. ―These
guys have been around a long time, and they‘re going to get new leaders.‖ Other observers
suggested that trial evidence revealing how the gang operated will help authorities limit its
effectiveness.
Asatru/Ironwood Kindred
Virginia in July executed Michael Lenz, convicted of murdering a fellow prison inmate in
1990 during an Asatru religious ceremony. Lenz established a prison chapter of Asatru —
an ancient religion with gods from Norse mythology — that he named Ironwood Kindred.
The victim was allegedly involved in struggle for power within the Kindred. A co-defendant,
also sentenced to death, committed suicide while on death row, in 2004. Stephen McNallen,
director of the Asatru Folk Assembly, a leading Asatru group, believes there are 10,000–
20,000 followers in the U.S. Experts say Asatru, which McNallen parallels to Native
American religions, has become increasingly popular with white supremacist prison groups.
Aum Shinrikyo (Aleph)
Aum Shinrikyo faction leader Fumihiro Joyu says he and his supporters are considering
dropping educational materials that promote the personality cult of founder Shoko
Asahara, jailed and awaiting execution, and then decide on a new name for the group. ..
Meanwhile, security officials say Aum remains dangerous because it still adheres to Asahara
teachings that condone murder
The Japanese Supreme Court has denied former key Aum Shinrikyo official Shinichi
Koshikawa's appeal of a 10-year prison sentence for murder. He was charged with
conspiring with Aum leader Shoko Asahara — known also as Chuzo Matsumoto — to
strangle a fellow cult member. The court also upheld the death sentence meted out to
Masami Tsuchiya, once a doctoral candidate in chemistry, for his involvement in making
sarin and other poisons used in Aum attacks. Remarking on Tsuchiya‘s refusal to appear in
court, a judge said, ―I cannot feel a willingness to reform from a defendant who rejects
hearings.‖ The convictions of other Aum members for a variety of crimes, for which they
were sentenced to death or life in prison, are still being appealed. .Police raided the home
of the imprisoned Asahara‘s wife in connection with a bank account they believe members
have used to launder money deposited to support her and her family. Aum is required by
the court to compensate victims of the group‘s criminal activities. ..State security officials
believe that Archary, one of Asahara‘s daughters, said to be popular among Aum purists
who worship him as a god, will become the cult‘s leader. ..The leader of one of Aum‘s two
current factions, Fumihiru Joyu, emulating early 1990s pilgrimages by Asahara, recently
led 70 followers on a three-day trip to visit temples, mountains, and other ―sacred
grounds,‖ apparently hoping to strengthen his support among members, currently split
between him and fundamentalists loyal to Asahara.
Aum Shinrikyo guru Shoko Asahara’s daughter has asked a court to appoint as her legal
guardian the journalist who first exposed Aum crimes. Her lawyer said: ―She wants to be
Mills, 58, and Tyler “The Hulk” Bingham, 59, should be executed. The jury earlier found
them guilty of engaging in racketeering and committing murder while serving prison
sentences. A prosecutor said the decision, which also means that the two now have no
chance of parole, ―sends a message that convicts can‘t kill other convicts.‖ He added that
Bingham‘s close escape from execution is something that Bingham will ―take into
consideration before he sends a message out to declare another race war.‖ Two lesser gang
members were recently convicted of conspiring to murder black inmates.
Aryan Nations
The recent murder convictions of four leaders of the prison-based Aryan Nations is not
likely to lead to the group‘s demise, according to experts. ―This gang is like a hydra,‖ said
Laurie Levenson, a former federal prosecutor now teaching at Loyola Law School. ―These
guys have been around a long time, and they‘re going to get new leaders.‖ Other observers
suggested that trial evidence revealing how the gang operated will help authorities limit its
effectiveness.
Asatru/Ironwood Kindred
Virginia in July executed Michael Lenz, convicted of murdering a fellow prison inmate in
1990 during an Asatru religious ceremony. Lenz established a prison chapter of Asatru —
an ancient religion with gods from Norse mythology — that he named Ironwood Kindred.
The victim was allegedly involved in struggle for power within the Kindred. A co-defendant,
also sentenced to death, committed suicide while on death row, in 2004. Stephen McNallen,
director of the Asatru Folk Assembly, a leading Asatru group, believes there are 10,000–
20,000 followers in the U.S. Experts say Asatru, which McNallen parallels to Native
American religions, has become increasingly popular with white supremacist prison groups.
Aum Shinrikyo (Aleph)
Aum Shinrikyo faction leader Fumihiro Joyu says he and his supporters are considering
dropping educational materials that promote the personality cult of founder Shoko
Asahara, jailed and awaiting execution, and then decide on a new name for the group. ..
Meanwhile, security officials say Aum remains dangerous because it still adheres to Asahara
teachings that condone murder
The Japanese Supreme Court has denied former key Aum Shinrikyo official Shinichi
Koshikawa's appeal of a 10-year prison sentence for murder. He was charged with
conspiring with Aum leader Shoko Asahara — known also as Chuzo Matsumoto — to
strangle a fellow cult member. The court also upheld the death sentence meted out to
Masami Tsuchiya, once a doctoral candidate in chemistry, for his involvement in making
sarin and other poisons used in Aum attacks. Remarking on Tsuchiya‘s refusal to appear in
court, a judge said, ―I cannot feel a willingness to reform from a defendant who rejects
hearings.‖ The convictions of other Aum members for a variety of crimes, for which they
were sentenced to death or life in prison, are still being appealed. .Police raided the home
of the imprisoned Asahara‘s wife in connection with a bank account they believe members
have used to launder money deposited to support her and her family. Aum is required by
the court to compensate victims of the group‘s criminal activities. ..State security officials
believe that Archary, one of Asahara‘s daughters, said to be popular among Aum purists
who worship him as a god, will become the cult‘s leader. ..The leader of one of Aum‘s two
current factions, Fumihiru Joyu, emulating early 1990s pilgrimages by Asahara, recently
led 70 followers on a three-day trip to visit temples, mountains, and other ―sacred
grounds,‖ apparently hoping to strengthen his support among members, currently split
between him and fundamentalists loyal to Asahara.
Aum Shinrikyo guru Shoko Asahara’s daughter has asked a court to appoint as her legal
guardian the journalist who first exposed Aum crimes. Her lawyer said: ―She wants to be
