Another shocking part is the brainwashing. In cults like the Branch Davidians, the leader can make his followers believe in extreme and often untrue ideas. They isolate themselves from the outside world, and their whole perception of reality is distorted by the cult's teachings. This can lead to very dangerous situations like the standoff with the authorities.
The most shocking element is often the level of control cult leaders have over their followers. For example, in the case of the People's Temple, Jim Jones was able to convince people to give up all their possessions and move to a remote area. He also had such a hold on them that they were willing to take their own lives at his command.
The violence and inhumane acts are also very shocking. The Manson Family's random and brutal murders were senseless. These cult members seemed to have lost all sense of morality under the influence of their leader. It's hard to fathom how they could carry out such atrocities.
Another aspect could be the isolation of members from their families and the outside world. By doing this, the cult can more easily indoctrinate them with their extreme beliefs. They cut off normal social relationships so that members become more dependent on the cult for all aspects of their lives.
The brutality of the crimes is often very shocking. For example, in cases like the Vizconde massacre, the whole family was brutally slain in their home, leaving a scene of horror.
One of the most shocking revelations could be the extreme manipulation techniques used by cult leaders. They often isolate members from their families and friends, making them completely dependent on the cult. This way, they can control every aspect of the members' lives, from their finances to their thoughts.
The Jonestown cult is also extremely frightening. Jim Jones convinced his followers to move to Guyana. He then made them drink poisoned Kool - Aid in a mass suicide. The people there were so brainwashed that they didn't even question his order. It was a tragic event that shocked the world and showed the extreme danger of cults.
The unpredictability of their actions is quite shocking too. You can't really predict when a psychopath will strike. They might seem calm one moment and then suddenly act out in a violent and unpredictable way. And they don't follow the normal moral or ethical rules that most of us abide by, which makes their actions so hard to fathom.
Another is '12 Years a Slave'. Based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, it shows the harsh reality of slavery in the United States. The protagonist was kidnapped and sold into slavery, and the movie depicts in detail the inhumane treatment slaves endured, from physical abuse to mental degradation. It's a very hard - hitting film that makes you realize the horror of that era.
The Zodiac Killer's story is also quite shocking. He taunted the police with cryptic messages while murdering people in Northern California. He was never caught, leaving the case a mystery to this day. And then there's the case of Aileen Wuornos, a female serial killer who targeted men. Her story is shocking as it challenges the stereotype of female criminals.
Michael Jackson had his own legal troubles. He was accused of child molestation. These accusations were extremely controversial. While he was acquitted in court, the whole situation had a huge impact on his reputation. His once - squeaky - clean image was severely tarnished, and it led to a great deal of public debate about his innocence or guilt.
One of the most shocking is the case of Ted Bundy. He was a charming yet extremely cruel serial killer who targeted young women. His modus operandi involved luring victims with his good looks and then brutally murdering them. Another is the JonBenét Ramsey case. The murder of the young beauty pageant queen remains unsolved and is full of mystery and disturbing details. The Manson Family murders are also very shocking. Charles Manson led his followers to commit brutal killings in a spree that horrified the nation.
The story of Jeffrey Dahmer is also very disturbing. He was a serial killer and cannibal. His crimes were so grotesque that when he received the death penalty, it was seen as a just end, but his case left a lasting mark on the public's perception of extreme criminality.