The shocking events surrounding Kevin Ontoneil Smith, a self-proclaimed prophet and alleged cult leader, have left Jamaica in a state of disbelief. On October 17, 2021, Smith’s Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in Albion, St James, became the site of a horrifying human sacrifice ritual. Two congregants, Taneka Gardner and Michael Brown, were brutally killed during the ceremony, marking a dark turn in Smith’s spiritual empire. The incident culminated in a deadly police raid, resulting in the death of another congregant, Kevaughn Palmer, and the arrest of 42 church members, including Smith. Just eight days later, on October 25, Smith’s life came to a tragic end when the car transporting him and three police officers crashed on the Linstead Bypass in St Catherine. Smith and Constable Orlando Irons died on impact, while the other officers survived. Autopsies later revealed that Smith had caused the crash, effectively committing suicide. Smith’s rise to prominence began at the age of 17 when he was ordained as a minister. By 2011, he had returned to Jamaica with the title “Dr” and established himself as a spiritual leader. His church, which he referred to as the “ark,” became a hub for his increasingly extreme practices. In March 2021, Smith charged congregants $100,000 each to enter the ark, where they endured harsh living conditions. The October 17 incident was preceded by a cryptic Facebook post from Smith, urging his followers to board the ark for a three-day convention. Instead, they were met with violence and death. Smith’s manipulative tactics and rigid financial rules had long raised red flags among those who knew him. Merlene Lewin, a resident near the church, recalled how Smith fined congregants for late attendance and improper attire. Despite his charm and intelligence, Smith’s actions revealed a darker side. His death and the subsequent charges of murder, wounding with intent, and illegal possession of a firearm have left a lasting impact on Jamaica’s religious community. Reverend Merrick “Al” Miller, who knew Smith in his early years, expressed his devastation at the turn of events, emphasizing the need for vigilance in spiritual leadership. The Jamaica Observer’s documentary, ‘Cult Pastor Kevin Smith: Dead or Alive?’, delves deeper into this chilling saga, with Part 2 set for release on October 26, 2025.