In a startling incident, a group of six individuals, including two young children, linked to a prominent online spiritual influencer, vanished from the St. Louis area on August 13, 2023, according to the latest updates from Missouri police.
The Berkeley Police Department is actively searching for Mikayla Thompson, 25, of St. Louis; Naaman Williams, 30, of Washington, D.C.; Gerrielle German, 27, of Lake Horn, Mississippi; 3-year-old Ashton Mitchell of Lake Horn; Ma’Kayla Wickerson, 26, of St. Louis; and 3-year-old Malaiyah Wickerson of St. Louis. The disappearance occurred from a rental home near Lambert St. Louis Airport, as detailed in a recent police press release.
An investigation by authorities revealed that these individuals were part of a spiritual cult following the teachings of Rashad Jamal (White), a man with a substantial online presence. Notably, Jamal has faced legal issues in Georgia and is currently serving a prison sentence.
The group was last seen on August 13, 2023, at a Quality Inn Hotel in Florissant, Missouri, heightening concerns about their safety.
Common Thread: Followers of Rashad Jamal White
The missing individuals, Mikayla Thompson, Gerrielle German, and Ma’Kayla Wickerson, all share a common connection—they openly follow Rashad Jamal White, a self-proclaimed “prophet” and rapper who founded The University of Cosmic Intelligence, an online religious group with a significant following across the United States.
Jamal, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison for child molestation and cruelty to children, maintains a large social media presence, boasting nearly 190,000 followers on TikTok, more than 10,000 on X, and 90,000 on Instagram. He shares unconventional beliefs, including the idea that people are “avatars,” birds are government-operated drones, and the Mississippi River is the Nile River.
Financial Transactions and Alleged Criminal Ties
Jamal’s group, according to their website, offers various items for sale at peculiar prices, alongside enrollment packages for lectures and merchandise, with a request for $9 donations to support his family via YouTube. Notably, Fox News Digital reported in 2022 that several of Jamal’s followers were accused of murders in Alabama, shedding light on potential criminal connections within his social circle.
The Case of Krystal Diane Pinkins and Yasmine Hider
Two of Jamal’s followers, Krystal Diane Pinkins and Yasmine Hider, were convicted of murdering 22-year-old Adam Simjee in Alabama in 2022. Their alleged connections to Jamal through social media raised questions about the influence and activities of his followers.
New Developments: Disappearance and Cult Practices
Berkeley police are now focusing on Rashad Jamal and The University of Cosmic Intelligence in connection with the recent disappearances. Witnesses reported seeing the group, including children, engaging in unusual practices such as naked meditation in their yard.
Police emphasized the cult members’ extreme disconnect from friends and family, indicating a pattern seen among similar cults where members often live off the grid and display a disregard for societal norms.
Aliases and Unusual Behaviors
The missing adults reportedly used aliases inspired by gods and goddesses, a recurring theme among Jamal’s followers. Naaman Williams, for example, referred to himself as Anubis Aramean. Police also noted other concerning behaviors, including a total disconnection from family and friends, quitting jobs, embracing sovereign citizenship, and practicing polygamy.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of these missing individuals to contact the Berkeley Police Department in Missouri (314) 524-3311 or their local law enforcement office. The case raises concerns about the potential influence of online spiritual leaders and the impact on their followers’ lives.