VICTIMS VOUCH FOR REALITY OF SATAN WORSHIP HUNDREDS HOLD VIGIL TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF SATANISM

RUPERT, Idaho Several hundred people have gathered in the Rupert City square in support of those whose lives have been damaged by satanic abuse.

Several hundred people, possibly as many as 500, Rupert Police chief Paul Fries estimated, gathered at the Friday night vigil sponsored by the Mini-Cassia Area Ministerial Association. They say ritual abuse and murder is going on in the area.

''I'm here to say yes, it is real. It's been happening for centuries,'' said a young woman named Patty, who added she survived it.

Those who ritually abuse others are like cockroaches. ''Turn on the light and they scatter,'' she said.

Members of the occult are organized, and learn how to control people with fear, passing on the cycle from adult to child and adult to child. But it is possible to escape, she said.

''You need to find a higher power, whether it comes through religion or not,'' she said. ''And you need support. Break the silence.''

A woman named Cynthia said she was abused for eight years and has been in therapy for 11. ''It takes courage to heal,'' she said.

Rumors of satanic worship have continued since an infant later named Baby X was found at a Minidoka County landfill in 1989. Its body had been dismembered and burned. Cynthia suggested that Baby X be named.

''I know wherever she is now, she is happy. But she needs a name,'' Cynthia said.

Organizers of the vigil have written a petition asking Gov. Cecil Andrus to investigate the case of Baby X, who partially inspired the vigil.

A local boy also was recently found to have drawn pictures which could depict sexual abuse or satanic rituals. The boy was first thought to know something about the death of Baby X. But Minidoka County officials said he could not give any legal evidence to help in the investigation.