Docuseries revisits Andrea Yates case and the family’s religious teachings

Time reports that The Cult Behind the Killer: The Andrea Yates Story, a three-part Investigation Discovery docuseries available on HBO Max beginning Jan. 6, reexamines the 2001 drowning of Andrea Yates’s five children and places particular emphasis on the belief system the Yates family followed.

The series features Andrea’s former husband, Rusty Yates, and former followers of preacher Michael Woroniecki, who describe teachings delivered through sermons, handwritten letters and cassette tapes that they say exerted control through fear and isolation. Moses Storm, a former follower featured in the docuseries, said, “When I watch news coverage and documentaries about Andrea Yates, it doesn’t do it for me.

They are missing a huge part of the story: Michael Woroniecki.” The film presents correspondence and recordings, including a letter from Rachel Woroniecki shown in the series and a Woroniecki recording that states, “If you want to submit to His Kingdom, then you must conform.

Key Topics

Culture, Andrea Yates, Michael Woroniecki, Rusty Yates, Investigation Discovery, Hbo Max