Obedience to Ashes: Cults, Chaos and Criminal Fires - Part 1

Episode 64

Obedience to Ashes, Part 1
It started with friendship.
With a promise of belonging.
With a charismatic—yet deeply flawed—leader.
But beneath the surface of this group of misfit boys, something much darker was brewing.

In Part 1 of this series, we examine how Kevin Foster recruited the teens who would become his self-proclaimed militia: the Lords of Chaos. We explore how this band of rebels ended up on the wrong side of the razor-thin wire separating camaraderie from cult.

A warped ideology, a hierarchy built on fear, and a toxic need for power would drag them all toward tragedy. From theft to arson—and eventually murder—this group of boys became victims of manipulation, groupthink, and radicalization.

On Crime to Burn, we explore how it happened—and why it matters.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Herbert (Herb) Roberson, Retired Lieutenant of Asheville City Fire Department, Upper Hominy Fire Department, Enka-Candler Fire and Rescue Squad, and Buncombe County Rescue Squad.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and his fire department and rescue squad brothers and sisters. His service and dedication will not be forgotten.

Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 

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Source List: My primary source for this episode was the Book Someone Has to Die Tonight by Jim Greenhill. You can find it on amazon here: https://a.co/d/hwh75F1

• • Greenhill, Jim. Someone Has To Die Tonight. Pinnacle Books (Kensington Publishing Corp.), 2006. 448 pages.

  • Morrison, Keith. NBC News. “Young Lords of Chaos.”
    🔗 https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15990418

  • UPI Archives. “Killer’s Mom Held Without Bond.” July 22, 2000.
    🔗 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/07/22/Killers-mom-held-without-bond/7572964238400/

  • Wikipedia. “Lords of Chaos (criminal group).”
    🔗 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lords_of_Chaos_(criminal_group)

  • Cifatte, Chris. WINK News. “Lords of Chaos Conspirator to be Released from Prison on Saturday.”
    🔗 https://www.winknews.com/news/lee/lords-of-chaos-conspirator-to-be-released-from-prison-on-saturday/article_1769be97-dcf7-552b-8f08-fe90238ee611.html

  • News-Press. “Photos: The Lords of Chaos – A Look Back.” January 30, 2018.
    🔗 https://www.news-press.com/picture-gallery/news/crime/2018/01/30/photos-the-lords-of-chaos---a-look-back/109936410/

  • Cape Coral Breeze. “Appeal Denied for Kevin Foster, Convicted in Lords of Chaos Case.” November 1, 2023.
    🔗 https://www.capecoralbreeze.com/news/local-news/2023/11/01/appeal-denied-for-kevin-foster-convicted-in-lords-of-chaos-case/