Episode 159 - The Final Sacrifice - The Solar Temple Suicides

On an autumn day back in 1994, authorities from a tiny ski village in Canada’s Laurentian Mountains responded to reports of a house fire.What they discovered inside was chilling: two bodies, at first believed to be suicides. But the investigation didn't end there. Three more victims would be discovered, stabbed to death.The very next day, two small towns in Switzerland were rocked by eerily similar tragedies.How to support:For extra perks including extra content, early release, and ad-free episodes -Go to - PatreonHow to connect:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterPlease check out our sponsors and help support the podcast:Zocdoc - Go to zocdoc.com/MADNESS and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor today. Many are available within 24 hours.Better Help - This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp - Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/MADNESS and get on your way to being your best self.Babbel - Get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to babbel.com/MadnessPDS Debt - PDS DEBT is offering free debt analysis to our listeners just for completing the quick and easy debt assessment at www.PDSDebt.com/madVessi - Click vessi.com/MADNESS and use code MADNESS for 15% off your entire order! Free shipping to CA, US, AU,JP, TW,KR, SGHello Fresh - Go to HelloFresh.com/madness50 and use code madness50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free!Special Thanks:Sarah Booth - ActorIMDbInstagramTwitterActor ShowcaseLAST CALL - One Take Split Screen Single TakeTRAILERMike Kropveld - Founder & Executive DirectorInfo-CultResearch & Writing:Matt SnellEditing:Aiden WolfSources:The Order of the Solar Temple: Temple of Death, ed. James R. LewisThe Pleasure of Believing: Toward a naturalistic explanation of religious conversions, by Fabrice ClementThe Order of the Solar Temple (Witness Documentary Series)Radio Canada International: History Canada: October 4,1994: An international cult tragedy beginsThe Guardian: An apocalyptic cult, 900 dead: remembering the Jonestown massacre, 40 years onSalon: Jim Jones' sinister grip on San FranciscoNew York Times: 16 Burned Bodies Found in France; Cult Tie SuspectedThe Guardian: Conductor on trial for cult deathsGetty Images: Cult Survivor Thierry HugueninVuarnet Official WebsiteWorld History Encyclopedia—Knights TemplarWikipedia: Priesthood of MelchizedekNewspapers.com Sources:The Gazette, Montreal, 11 Mar 1993, Thu · Page 4The Gazette, Montreal, 02 Apr 1993, Fri · Page 3The Winnipeg Sun—13 Mar 1993, Sat · Page 9The Gazette, Montreal, 05 Oct 1994, Wed · Page 3The Gazette, Montreal, 06 Oct 1994, Thu · Page 1The Ottawa Citizen 07 Oct 1994, Fri · Page 1The Gazette, Montreal—08 Oct 1994, Sat · Page 4Calgary Herald—24 Mar 1997, Mon · Page 3Edmonton Journal—22 Apr 2001, Sun · Page 42Controversial New Religions, ed. James R. Lewis and Jesper Aagaard Petersen