9. The Disappearance Of Charles Southern
In 1987, 39-year-old Charles Southern worked as a college English professor in Chicago. His life took a bizarre turn after he joined a cult-like spiritual sect known as “Conscious Development of Body, Mind, and Soul,” run by a woman named Terri Hoffman. Shortly after Southern underwent one of her meditation sessions, his family found him wandering the streets and rambling incoherently. Southern wound up hospitalized and soon became disillusioned with Hoffman and her sect.
Southern had plans to take a vacation to India in December, but during that month, he mysteriously vanished without explanation. Southern’s family found his passport at his residence, indicating he had not left on his scheduled trip.
There were other disturbing clues, too. A vial containing the poison curare was found in a drawer. Some of Southern’s clothing was folded on a ceremonial stool to resemble a Nigerian tribal symbol for death. SEE ALSO: Top 10 horrific children killers in history of the world – You will be shocked to see their evil deeds! (With Pictures)
Southern’s family also found two notes, which appeared to be his last will and testament. They named Terri Hoffman as the executor of his estate, but the will was so badly written that Southern’s family doubts he was the author. This would not be the only inheritance Hoffman ever collected. Over the years, 11 people associated with Hoffman’s cult have committed suicide or died under suspicious circumstances, and in many of these cases, their wills named Hoffman as the beneficiary. In fact, prior to leaving her his estate, Hoffman’s own husband committed suicide after making a farewell video where he claimed to have terminal cancer. An autopsy showed no trace of cancer in his body.
Nonetheless, there has never been any evidence to file criminal charges against Terri Hoffman, and Charles Southern remains missing.
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