About this episode

The episode discusses the cult known as 'The Children of God' and the quest for justice by Ricky Rodriguez against the abuses he and others suffered.

In the late 1960's, "The Children of God" indoctrinated members into a religious movement; teaching that their perverse sexual exploits were God's will. Founder David Berg's son, Ricky, was meant to become the heir to his father's radicalized empire, but instead, Ricky sought justice for himself and the others that had suffered abuse while in the cult. Instagram: @CousinsonCrimePodcast Email: CousinsonCrime@gmail.com Theme Music by AleXZavesa For Bonus Content, Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/CousinsOnCrime Check out our merch store! https://cousinsoncrime-shop.fourthwall.com/? Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Rodriguez https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/jan/23/usa.paulharris https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Family_International https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Zerby https://youtu.be/KSs1JL0 EM?si=USiht5v5u Iqo6BN https://youtu.be/Yp4r_lPtfuc?si=DiDHyM9SlXXc0SaU

People in this episode

Host: Cousins on Crime

Topics covered

• cult
• abuse
• religion
• justice
• sexual exploitation
• children
• movement

Keywords

• Children of God
• cult
• David Berg
• Ricky Rodriguez
• abuse
• religious movement
• justice
• sexual exploitation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Children of God, The Family International

More episodes of Cousins on Crime

• 191: The Murder of Laura Lee Crane · June 3, 2026 · 37 min
• 190: The List Family Massacre, Part Two · May 27, 2026 · 46 min
• 189: The List Family Massacre, Part One · May 20, 2026 · 51 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Cousins on Crime podcast page.