David Koresh ( born Vernon Wayne Howell ; August 17 , 1959 -- April 19 , 1993 ) was the American leader of the Branch Davidians religious sect , believing himself to be its final prophet .
David Koresh ( born Vernon Wayne Howell ; August 17 , 1959 -- April 19 , 1993 ) was the American leader of the Branch Davidians religious sect .