Kishkumen was the Nephite assassin who founded the secret oath-bound band later led by Gadianton, active around 52-51 B.C. After the chief judge Pahoran died, his sons contended for the judgment-seat, and the people appointed his son Pahoran; the faction that had backed another son, Paanchi, grew angry when Paanchi was condemned to death for rebellion (Helaman 1:7-9).
That faction sent Kishkumen to the judgment-seat, where he murdered Pahoran as Pahoran sat upon it. Kishkumen had acted in disguise and escaped pursuit by the speed of his flight (Helaman 1:9). He returned to those who had sent him, and they entered a covenant, swearing by their Maker to tell no man that Kishkumen had killed Pahoran; his band then mingled among the people so they could not be found (Helaman 1:11-12).
Two years later Gadianton, expert in speech and in the craft of murder and robbery, became leader of Kishkumen’s band, promising its members power and authority if they placed him in the judgment-seat (Helaman 2:4-5). Kishkumen then sought to kill Helaman, the son of Helaman, who had been appointed chief judge (Helaman 2:3).
As Kishkumen went toward the judgment-seat to carry out the murder, a servant of Helaman who had learned the band’s plans by disguise met him, gave him a sign, and was led to believe he would help. While they walked toward the judgment-seat, the servant stabbed Kishkumen to the heart, and he fell dead without a groan (Helaman 2:9). The band he had formed with Gadianton survived him, spreading among the Nephites and more widely among the Lamanites and enforcing its secret oaths under laws given by Gadianton and Kishkumen (Helaman 6:18, 24).