Sherry Shriner was a self-proclaimed “Messenger of the Highest God” and the founder of the Alien Reptile Cult, a group of online followers who believed in her bizarre conspiracy theories about aliens, demons, zombies, and the end of the world. She died on January 28, 2021, from a coronary heart attack, according to her obituary. But what was the story behind this controversial figure and her cult? How did she influence the lives and deaths of her devotees? And what legacy did she leave behind?
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Sherry Shriner’s Early Life and Education
Sherry Shriner was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1965. She studied at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1985, where she was inspired by the famous television evangelist Jerry Falwell, who founded the university. She graduated with a degree in Journalism, Political Science, and Criminal Justice from Kent State University in 1990. She dreamed of becoming an anchor in one of the New York television networks, but she was frustrated when she failed to get an internship at CNN’s Washington Bureau.
Sherry Shriner’s Online Cult and Conspiracy Theories
Sherry Shriner started her online cult in the early 2000s, when she claimed to have prophecies from her Liberty University days, when Satan allegedly contacted her. She created a Yahoo group, a website, a radio show, and a Facebook page, where she shared her prophecies and weird beliefs with thousands of followers. She hid her face and only posted audio messages, creating a mysterious aura around herself.
Some of her conspiracy theories included:
- The world is being taken over by reptile aliens, who can shapeshift into human form and infiltrate the government, the media, and the entertainment industry. Some of the alleged reptilians were Queen Elizabeth II, Barack Obama, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber.
- A superpowered substance called orgone can destroy demons, clones, and zombies, and protect the faithful from the evil forces. Sherry Shriner sold orgone blasters and pendants to her followers, claiming they were the only weapons against the alien invasion.
- Jesus is Satan, and the Bible is corrupted by the reptilians. The only true god is Yahuah, and the only way to heaven is to follow Sherry Shriner’s teachings and commands.
- The end of the world is near, and the followers of Sherry Shriner must prepare for the final battle against the Antichrist and his army of zombies. Sherry Shriner predicted several dates for the apocalypse, but none of them came true.
Sherry Shriner’s Role in the Deaths of Steven Mineo and Kelly Pingilley
Sherry Shriner’s cult had a dark side, as it allegedly led to the deaths of two of her followers, Steven Mineo and Kelly Pingilley. Steven Mineo was a devoted fan of Sherry Shriner, who moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania to be closer to her. He met Barbara Rogers, another follower of Sherry Shriner, online, and they started a relationship. However, Sherry Shriner did not approve of their romance, and accused Barbara of being a reptilian agent sent to spy on Steven. She also claimed that Barbara had a chip implanted in her brain that controlled her actions.
Sherry Shriner’s accusations caused a rift between Steven and Barbara, who felt isolated and harassed by the cult. On July 15, 2017, Steven and Barbara had a heated argument, during which Steven allegedly asked Barbara to shoot him in the head, saying he wanted to die. Barbara complied, and shot Steven with his own gun, killing him instantly. She then called 911 and confessed to the crime, saying it was a suicide pact gone wrong. She was arrested and charged with third-degree murder.
Kelly Pingilley was another follower of Sherry Shriner, who lived in Australia. She was a mother of two, who suffered from depression and anxiety. She became obsessed with Sherry Shriner’s teachings, and spent hours listening to her radio show and chatting with other cult members. She also bought orgone products from Sherry Shriner, hoping they would cure her mental illness. However, her condition worsened, and she became paranoid and suicidal. She believed that she was possessed by demons, and that Sherry Shriner was the only one who could save her.
On January 3, 2018, Kelly Pingilley took her own life, leaving behind a note that said, “I love you all, but I have to go. Sherry knows why.” Her family and friends were shocked and devastated by her death, and blamed Sherry Shriner for brainwashing her and driving her to suicide.
Sherry Shriner’s Death and Legacy
Sherry Shriner died on January 28, 2021, from a coronary heart attack, according to her obituary. She was 56 years old at the time of her death. She left behind a daughter, a son, and a grandson. She also left behind a cult that still exists online, with loyal followers who continue to believe in her prophecies and conspiracy theories. Her website, radio show, and Facebook page are still active, and are managed by her family members.
Sherry Shriner was a controversial figure, who influenced the lives and deaths of many people with her online cult and conspiracy theories. She was a charismatic leader, who used her skills and knowledge to create a loyal fan base. She was also a dangerous manipulator, who exploited the fears and vulnerabilities of her followers, and caused them harm and suffering. She was a self-proclaimed “Messenger of the Highest God”, but she was also a mortal human, who died of natural causes. She was Sherry Shriner, the alien reptile cult leader.