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The Family of David | The Prophet and the Eleventh Floor

The Family of David | The Prophet and the Eleventh Floor

27:42
The Family of David | The Prophet and the Eleventh Floor
Crimeatorium
0:00 27:42

In May 1977, Immanuel and Rachel David moved their seven children into an eleventh-floor suite at Salt Lake City’s International Dunes Hotel. The children rarely ventured outside, received no conventional schooling, and appeared to live entirely within the world their father had constructed.

Born Charles Bruce Longo, Immanuel David claimed to be a prophet and eventually declared himself to be God. Around twenty people accepted his teachings, contributed money, and became members of what became known as the Family of David. As federal investigators examined fraudulent fundraising connected to his followers, Immanuel disappeared into the mountains outside Salt Lake City.

Three days later, Rachel gathered the couple’s seven children inside their hotel suite. Before that morning ended, the David family would become the center of one of the darkest and most haunting events in Utah history.

This episode examines the rise of Immanuel David, the isolation of his family, and the beliefs that continued to exert their influence long after his death.

Music:

CO.AG Music https://www.youtube.com/@co.agmusic1823

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Key Takeaways

  • In May 1977, Immanuel David (born Charles Bruce Longo) moved his family of seven children into an eleventh-floor suite at Salt Lake City's International Dunes Hotel, where they lived in isolation with no conventional schooling.
  • Immanuel David claimed to be a prophet and eventually declared himself to be God, attracting around twenty followers who contributed money to support the Family of David.
  • Federal investigators were examining fraudulent fundraising connected to Immanuel's followers when he disappeared into the mountains outside Salt Lake City.
  • Rachel David gathered the couple's seven children in their hotel suite, leading to one of the darkest events in Utah history that occurred that same morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Immanuel David?

Born Charles Bruce Longo, he claimed to be a prophet and eventually declared himself to be God, leading a group called the Family of David.

Where did the David family live?

They lived in an eleventh-floor suite at Salt Lake City's International Dunes Hotel starting in May 1977.

How many children did Immanuel and Rachel David have?

They had seven children together.

How many followers did the Family of David have?

Around twenty people accepted Immanuel's teachings and became members of the Family of David.

What happened to Immanuel David?

He disappeared into the mountains outside Salt Lake City while federal investigators were examining fraudulent fundraising connected to his followers.