A remote compound in the deserts of New Mexico became home to one of America’s most disturbing modern cults. Led by self-proclaimed messiah Wayne Bent — later known as Michael Travesser — followers believed he was the second coming of Christ.

Members surrendered their money, families and identities to join the isolated Strong City community. But behind the promises of salvation were allegations of manipulation, psychological control, broken marriages and disturbing “healing rituals” involving underage girls.

Former followers, investigators and prosecutors reveal how Bent convinced educated adults to obey his every command, why families stayed loyal for decades, and how the cult leader’s shocking crimes finally led to a criminal trial that divided the nation.

This true crime documentary explores the rise of the Strong City cult, the courtroom battle that followed, and the devastating emotional fallout left behind for survivors and families.

Wayne Bent: Inside America’s Doomsday Cult | Cult Justice S1E08 | The New Mexico Messiah (The Wayne Bent Story)

**This film is under non-exclusive license from Cineflix. All rights reserved.

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00:00 The Cult Leader Who Claimed to Be God
02:00 Inside the Strong City Doomsday Cult
05:26 “I Am the Second Coming of Christ”
08:19 How the Cult Spread Across the World
11:00 Wives, Families & Total Control
15:55 The Allegations Involving Children
20:46 The Criminal Investigation Begins
24:29 Messiah on Trial
31:04 Victim Testimony Shocks the Courtroom
38:04 The Jury Delivers Its Verdict
41:28 Survivors Reflect on Life Inside the Cult