Today, we’re diving into a tragic story that exposes the dark underbelly of religious extremism: the murders of Brenda and Erica Lafferty. This is a story that stems from a faith rooted in violence and a culture that often places women in roles as mothers, wives, and homemakers—caring little for their feelings or welfare. It's a story where practices like polygamy and forced marriage can often emerge from deeply held beliefs.
Brenda and Erica Lafferty’s murders were committed by Brenda’s husband Allen’s brothers, Dan and Ron. They claimed their motive was a “removal revelation” spoken to them by God, a chilling command to eliminate those who stood in their way.
While the men responsible for the murders of Brenda and Erica do not represent the entire Mormon community, they were followers of the FLDS, or the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints, a sect that broke away from mainstream Mormonism in the 1930s. The FLDS has its own strong spiritual beliefs, and the heinous nature of Brenda and Erica's murders makes this story all the more chilling.
The Faith: A History Rooted in Conflict
To understand this tragedy, we need to explore the origins of the Mormon faith itself, which has a fascinating and complex history. Joseph Smith, the founder, discovered a set of Golden Plates in 1823, after being visited by an angel who instructed him to keep them hidden. After years of returning to this site, he finally retrieved the plates in 1827 and, by 1830, had published the first edition of The Book of Mormon. But like all stories, this one takes dark turns.
Key Figures in a Troubled History
Here are some of the people who played pivotal roles in the early Mormon Church:
Joseph Smith: The 38-year-old founder of the Mormon Church who claimed to have received divine revelations. His teachings led followers to Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois, but also brought controversy and conflict. He was assassinated in 1844, leaving a legacy that continues to influence millions.
Emma Hale: Joseph's 39-year-old first wife and an influential figure in the early movement. She was the first president of the Relief Society, a women's organization, and a devoted supporter of her husband despite facing immense challenges.
Lucy Mack: Joseph's mother and a significant contributor to early church history. Her book, "History of Joseph Smith by His Mother," provides valuable insights into the family's experiences.
Hyrum Smith: Joseph’s older brother, age 44, and a prominent leader in the church. He was martyred alongside Joseph in 1844, and is remembered as a steadfast supporter of his brother.
Brigham Young: The head of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Joseph’s successor. After Smith's assassination, Young led the Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley, playing a pivotal role in establishing Utah as a center for the church.
Thomas Sharp: An influential anti-Mormon newspaper editor whose publications fueled public opinion against the Mormon community, contributing to the events that led to Joseph Smith's assassination.
The dynamics within this circle were complex and often fraught with tension, both within the community and with outsiders.
Historical Context and the Seeds of Extremism
As we trace the timeline, we encounter pivotal events that shaped the early Mormon experience. Anti-Mormon sentiment was often fueled by influential figures like Governor Lilburn Boggs, who signed the 1838 Extermination Order against Mormons. The backdrop of this faith, filled with persecution, raises questions about the impact of religion on personal lives and societal norms.
The Legacy of Power, Control, and Extremism
The recurring themes of power, control, and the tragic consequences of religious extremism are not just historical footnotes; they are deeply relevant today. We see these themes manifest in the story of Ron and Dan Lafferty, whose tragic spiral into religious extremism culminated in a series of horrific crimes.
Power and Authority: Historically, leaders in many religious movements have held significant power, often leading to authoritarian structures. In early Mormonism, Joseph Smith's role as prophet placed him in a position of substantial influence. Today, some members of the LDS Church continue to navigate the balance of authority within their leadership, where teachings and directives can significantly shape individual lives.
Control: Religious groups often exert control over members' lives. In the early days of the church, this could lead to exclusion from broader society. In contemporary communities, while there is a strong emphasis on family and community, some individuals may feel pressure to conform, leading to feelings of isolation for those who diverge.
Religious Extremism: Instances of religious extremism can lead to tragic consequences, such as violence. While the mainstream LDS Church advocates for peaceful coexistence, there are still fringe groups that may adopt more extreme views, as seen in the Lafferty case.
The Murders: A Timeline of a Tragedy
Excommunication and Radicalization: In the early 1980s, both Dan and Ron Lafferty faced excommunication from their church. Dan’s expulsion stemmed from his controversial desires, while Ron’s was due to increasingly radical beliefs, including a fixation on polygamy. This rejection set the stage for their drastic turn toward extremism.
Formation of the School of the Prophets: By 1984, Ron established the School of the Prophets, claiming to receive divine messages. Among these was the horrifying “removal revelation,” where he believed God commanded him to eliminate specific individuals, including Brenda and her daughter, as well as others who had supported Brenda during her marital troubles.
The Murders: On July 24, 1984, the Lafferty brothers acted on Ron's revelation. They brutally murdered Brenda and her 15-month-old daughter, Erica. Their intended victims, Chloe Low and Richard Stowe, narrowly escaped, leading the brothers on a desperate flight across state lines.
Arrest and Legal Battles: Just weeks later, FBI agents arrested them in Nevada. The subsequent legal battles were tumultuous. Ultimately, Ron was sentenced to death, while Dan received a life sentence, narrowly avoiding the death penalty due to a single juror's dissent.
Appeals and Aftermath: Ron’s conviction faced numerous challenges, but he was retried and reconvicted. He spent 34 years on death row before dying of natural causes in 2019, leaving a legacy of violence that echoes through the years.
A Lasting Cultural Impact
In 2003, Jon Krakauer’s book Under the Banner of Heaven brought renewed attention to the Lafferty case, providing insights into the brothers' mindset and the extremism that fueled their actions. Dan Lafferty, still in prison, claimed the book served a divine purpose in sharing his revelation.
The tragic story of the Lafferty brothers serves as a reminder of how extreme beliefs can lead to violence and the devastating impact on families and communities. As we reflect on this dark chapter, it’s crucial to remember the victims and the consequences of radical ideologies.
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