5 Disturbing Occult Crimes That Shocked the World

True Crime

5 Disturbing Occult Crimes That Shocked the World

In the realm of true crime, some stories stand out not just for their brutality, but for their connection to the occult. This article delves into five of the most disturbing occult crimes that have left a lasting impact…

March 10, 2025 • 3 min read • Art Grindstone

Art Grindstone is the hard-nosed storyteller behind Unexplained.co, a veteran investigator whose life’s work sits at the crossroads of the paranormal, fringe science, and the shadows most people try not to look into. With decades spent chasing impossible stories — black-budget psychic programs, vanished Cold War experiments, desert rituals that sparked UFO waves, and the strange phenomena buried in America’s forgotten backroads — Art brings a rare combination of skepticism, awe, and journalistic precision. He’s not here to debunk. He’s not here to blindly believe. He follows the evidence wherever it leads — even when it leads someplace deeply uncomfortable. Known for his immersive, cinematic style and his ability to turn obscure research into gripping narrative, Art has built a devoted following across podcasts, long-form features, documentaries, and serialized investigations. His interviews are direct. His analysis is unflinching. His voice has become a staple in the modern paranormal renaissance — the guy people turn to when a story is too strange, too complex, or too dangerous for anyone else to touch. Off-mic, Art works with a distributed network of researchers, archivists, and field operatives who help surface the stories mainstream media ignores. On-mic, he transforms their findings into meticulous, high-impact reporting that refuses to insult the intelligence of true believers. His philosophy is simple: Take the phenomenon seriously. Treat the audience with respect. Tell the story as if the world depends on it — because sometimes it does. When Art Grindstone digs into a case, he isn’t just chasing a mystery. He’s tracing the fault lines of reality itself.

In This Report(6)

In the realm of true crime, some stories stand out not just for their brutality, but for their connection to the occult. This article delves into five of the most disturbing occult crimes that have left a lasting impact on society, revealing the dark underbelly of human nature.

Key Takeaways

The influence of the occult can lead to horrific crimes.
Many of these cases involve individuals with troubled backgrounds.
The intersection of mental illness and criminal behavior is a recurring theme.
Societal reactions to these crimes often reflect broader cultural fears.

1. The House of Horrors: Pazuzu Algarad

Pazuzu Algarad, born John Lawson, transformed his North Carolina home into a nightmarish sanctuary for outcasts. His life was marked by emotional distress and a rejection of societal norms, leading him to embrace a dark lifestyle that included self-medication and bizarre beliefs about hygiene.

Background: Born in 1978, Pazuzu changed his name at 23, inspired by a demon from The Exorcist.
Lifestyle: He believed that dirt and natural oils made him stronger, bathing only once a year and filing his teeth into sharp points.
Crimes: In 2014, police discovered skeletal remains in his backyard, leading to charges of murder and accessory after the fact.
Outcome: Pazuzu died in prison in 2015, while his accomplices received lengthy sentences.

2. The Craigslist Killer: Miranda and Elliot Barber

Miranda Barber, alongside her husband Elliot, became infamous for their chilling crime spree that began shortly after their marriage. Their story is a harrowing example of how a troubled past can lead to a life of crime.

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Background: Miranda had a traumatic childhood and claimed to have committed multiple murders while involved in a satanic cult.
The Crime: In November 2013, they lured Troy LaFerrera through a Craigslist ad, ultimately killing him in a brutal attack.
Aftermath: Both were arrested and sentenced to life without parole, marking the end of their reign of terror.

3. The Fall River Murders

The late 1970s saw a series of brutal murders in Fall River, Massachusetts, linked to a satanic cult. This period marked the beginning of the infamous satanic panic in America.

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