Accused U.S. polygamist cult leader a suspect in Mexico triple-slaying

Authorities said Orson William Black Jr. may be behind the killings of three American men -- ages 15, 19 and 23 -- in Mexico. Photo courtesy Chihuahua attorney general's office

Nov. 7 (UPI) — A U.S. citizen described as a polygamous cult leader may be connected to the killings of three Americans in northern Mexico, authorities said Monday.

The Chihuahua state attorney general’s office, in a joint operation with the FBI, raided three houses and two ranches last week where Orson William Black Jr. and his followers lived.

In addition to the 56-year-old Black, who also went by the name Larry William Black, police detained his four wives and 22 other followers, including minors.

U.S. authorities said they have wanted Black for 15 years on Arizona pedophilia charges, since before he fled to Mexico.

Mexican officials suspect he killed three U.S. citizens, men aged 15, 19 and 23, in Mexico, though he hasn’t faced charges for the deaths.

Authorities charged him with human trafficking and illegal possession of wildlife species. During the raid, authorities said they found stuffed exotic animals — including zebras, buffalos, a bear, a lion and red foxes.

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