Satanic Rituals and Murder: The Chilling Crimes of Pazuzu Algarad

The world of true crime has seen its fair share of notorious figures, but few stories are as unsettling as that of Pazuzu Algarad, a self-proclaimed Satanist whose shocking behavior and gruesome acts left a community in North Carolina reeling. His case is a chilling example of how mental illness, substance abuse, and extreme beliefs can culminate in truly horrifying actions.

The Origins of Pazuzu Algarad

Born John Alexander Lawson on August 12, 1978, Pazuzu Algarad grew up in the suburbs of Clemmons, North Carolina. His early life appeared to be relatively unremarkable, but as he grew older, his behavior began to deviate significantly from the norm. He became increasingly isolated, showing signs of severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia and agoraphobia. These issues were exacerbated by his substance abuse, which included heavy drinking and drug use.

In the early 2000s, Lawson legally changed his name to Pazuzu Illah Algarad, a name inspired by the ancient Assyrian demon Pazuzu, who was believed to be the king of the demons of the wind and a bringer of plagues. This change was not merely superficial; it represented a deeper descent into a dark and twisted belief system. Pazuzu claimed to worship Satan and engaged in various rituals that he believed would grant him power and protect him from the authorities.

A House of Horrors

Pazuzu's home in Clemmons quickly became notorious in the local community. Described as filthy, with garbage, animal remains, and graffiti covering the walls, the house was a far cry from a normal suburban dwelling. Neighbors reported strange smells emanating from the property and unusual behavior from Pazuzu and his associates. The house became a gathering place for others who shared his extreme beliefs or who were similarly lost in the throes of addiction and mental illness.

It was within this chaotic environment that Pazuzu committed some of his most heinous acts. He openly boasted to friends and acquaintances about killing people and burying them in his backyard. Despite these claims, it would be years before anyone took his words seriously enough to investigate.

The Grim Discovery

In 2014, after years of rumors and warnings, the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office obtained a search warrant for Pazuzu's home. What they found shocked even the most seasoned investigators. The skeletal remains of two men, Joshua Wetzler and Tommy Dean Welch, were discovered buried in shallow graves in the backyard. Both had been missing for several years, and their disappearances had gone largely unnoticed, as they were both struggling with personal issues at the time.

The investigation revealed that Pazuzu had not acted alone in these murders. He was assisted by his fiancée, Amber Burch, and another woman, Krystal Matlock. Both women were deeply involved in Pazuzu's twisted world and participated in the killings and the subsequent disposal of the bodies. The murders were brutal, carried out in cold blood, and with no apparent motive other than the sheer thrill of violence and control.

The Trial and Aftermath

Pazuzu Algarad was arrested and charged with the murders of Wetzler and Welch, along with multiple other offenses, including accessory after the fact. His appearance in court was as shocking as his crimes; he was heavily tattooed, including the word "Satan" across his forearm, and displayed erratic behavior, often appearing to revel in the attention his case was receiving.

However, Pazuzu would never stand trial for his crimes. On October 28, 2015, he was found dead in his cell at Central Prison in Raleigh, North Carolina, the result of self-inflicted injuries. His death marked the end of a terrifying chapter in the lives of those who knew him, but it left many questions unanswered. Amber Burch and Krystal Matlock were both sentenced to prison for their roles in the murders, with Burch receiving a significantly longer sentence due to her direct involvement in the killings.

The Legacy of Pazuzu Algarad

The story of Pazuzu Algarad is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by untreated mental illness, addiction, and the influence of extremist beliefs. His life and crimes left a lasting impact on the community of Clemmons, where residents still struggle to understand how someone so deeply troubled could carry out such horrific acts without intervention.

This case also highlights the failures of the system in recognizing and addressing the warning signs of someone spiraling into violence. Despite numerous reports of his erratic behavior and threats, it took years for authorities to act, by which time it was too late for his victims.

In the years since Pazuzu's death, his story has become a subject of fascination for true crime enthusiasts, inspiring documentaries and articles that attempt to unravel the complex web of factors that led to his descent into madness. However, for the families of his victims, no amount of media attention can erase the pain and loss they have suffered.

The tale of Pazuzu Algarad is not just a story of a disturbed individual; it is a tragic narrative of how society can fail its most vulnerable members, allowing them to fall through the cracks until the consequences become too dire to ignore.