David Koresh | |
|---|---|
Koresh in 1987 | |
| Born | Vernon Wayne Howell August 17, 1959 |
| Died | April 19, 1993 (aged 33) |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound to the stomach or fire wounds sustained in the Waco siege |
| Body discovered | Branch Davidian ranch McLennan County, Texas, U.S. |
| Resting place | Memorial Park Cemetery 32°21′23″N 95°22′03″W / 32.35640°N 95.36750°W |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, guitarist, religious leader of the Branch Davidians |
| Known for |
|
| Spouse | Rachel Jones |
| Children |
and 12 others |
| Parents |
|
David Koresh (born Vernon Wayne Howell; August 17, 1959 – April 19, 1993) was the American leader of the Branch Davidians religious sect.
Koresh was responsible for the 51-day Waco siege.
On April 19, 1993, fifty-one days after the siege began, the FBI fired tear gas at/in the cult's compound and it caught on fire. At least 85 Branch Dividians died that day, including Koresh. Branch Dividian Steve Schneider shot and killed Koresh, then killed himself, according to the FBI.
Koresh was born on August 17, 1959 in Houston, Texas to a 15-year-old single mother, Bonnie Sue Clark. He joined the Branch Davidians in 1982.