Story perspectives

Pastor John Bridges Investigated Over Two Wife Homicides

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. police are investigating pastor John Bridges of Missouri after wives’ 1972 Louisville and 1993 Gresham deaths were reclassified as homicides.
Louisville Metro Police exhumed Joyce “Mable” Bridges in 2015, ruling her July 5 1972 death a homicide.
Gresham Police ruled Astrid Bridges’ July 2 1993 death a homicide and named John Bridges a suspect.
Investigators served a search warrant at Bridges’ Missouri home and request tips via the Louisville Metro Police tip line.

History

Historical Context

On November 18, 1978, Jim Jones ordered the murder-suicide of 918 Peoples Temple members in Jonestown, Guyana, including 300 children. The tragedy set a benchmark for U.S. awareness of cult violence and spurred investigations into religious leaders’ misconduct. Decades later, Missouri pastor John Bridges faces police scrutiny as they re-examine the 1972 and 1993 deaths of his wives, prompting calls for stricter clergy background checks.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. police are investigating pastor John Bridges of Missouri after wives’ 1972 Louisville and 1993 Gresham deaths were reclassified as homicides.
Louisville Metro Police exhumed Joyce “Mable” Bridges in 2015, ruling her July 5 1972 death a homicide.
Gresham Police ruled Astrid Bridges’ July 2 1993 death a homicide and named John Bridges a suspect.
Investigators served a search warrant at Bridges’ Missouri home and request tips via the Louisville Metro Police tip line.

1 / 2