Shocking rescue operation reveals chilling abduction by ‘Knights of the Crystal Blade’ cult members

In a bone-chilling revelation, Utah police unearthed a disturbing scene in the remote desert, rescuing two young girls hidden in barrels, victims of a harrowing kidnapping orchestrated by members of the cult known as ‘The Knights of the Crystal Blade.’ Bodycam footage, released by YouTube channel Explore With Us, captures the shocking moment officers discovered the girls abandoned in freezing temperatures.

The ordeal began when the ex-wife of cult member John Alvin Coltharp reported the children missing. Coltharp, described as a ‘doomsday prepper,’ fled with all four children following a custody loss in a divorce proceeding. An Amber Alert was issued in December 2017, leading authorities to the remote Lund area, approximately 275 miles south of Salt Lake City.

The bodycam footage reveals the heart-stopping moment police approached two blue barrels in the desert, spotting one of the girls inside. Found barefoot and clad in thin clothing, the children had endured hours inside the 50-gallon water drums.

A courageous child spoke with officers, revealing the presence of more girls hidden in a red storage container. Further investigation led to the discovery of the other two children concealed in a single-wide trailer.

All four girls were rushed to the hospital for treatment, with one requiring transportation to Primary Children’s Hospital due to her severe condition.

The shocking details unfolded as police delved into the case. It was revealed that Coltharp and cult leader Samuel Shaffer had married each other’s underage daughters. Shaffer, admitting to trying to hide the girls in the barrels, faced severe legal consequences.

Initially sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for first-degree felony rape of a child and a second-degree felony count of child abuse, Shaffer later pleaded guilty to felony sodomy on a child, receiving an additional sentence of 15 years to life in prison, to run concurrently with his previous term.

Coltharp pleaded guilty to sodomy and child bigamy charges, securing a sentence of at least 25 years behind bars.

The horrifying incident sheds light on the insidious actions of cult members and the traumatic experiences endured by the kidnapped girls. It serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to protect vulnerable individuals from the clutches of dangerous cults.

 If you or someone you know has concerns regarding child welfare, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.422.4453 for confidential support and guidance.