The Enigmatic Life and Disturbing Legacy of Ervil LeBaron
The name Ervil LeBaron resonates with ominous undertones in the world of true crime. Hulu’s riveting five-part series, “Daughters of the Cult,” delves deep into the chilling saga of a Mormon cult led by LeBaron, notoriously dubbed as “The Mormon Manson.” This series is a harrowing exploration of the heinous crimes, polygamous beliefs, and the unsettling legacy left by LeBaron, who is now deceased after committing suicide in prison.
The Gruesome Path to Infamy: How Ervil LeBaron Died
LeBaron’s life, as detailed in the Hulu series, ended in a cell at the Utah State Prison. On June 1, 1979, after a series of criminal activities, he was apprehended in Mexico and subsequently extradited to the United States. There, he was convicted of orchestrating the murder of Rulon C. Allred and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1980. Two years later, on August 16, 1981, LeBaron was found dead in his prison cell, a death ruled as suicide. His demise marked the end of a terror reign but not of the dark shadow he cast.
A Prolific Life Behind Bars: The Family LeBaron Left Behind
Ervil LeBaron’s life was not only marked by the crimes he committed but also by his vast polygamous family. Reportedly fathering over fifty children and taking thirteen wives, some of whom were underage, LeBaron’s family structure was as complex as it was controversial. Among his children is Anna LeBaron, who escaped the cult and later penned her experiences in “The Polygamist’s Daughter: A Memoir,” providing a personal and painful account of life under Ervil’s rule.
The Dark Writings of a Cult Leader
While in prison, LeBaron authored “The Book of the New Covenants,” a sinister text including a commandment to execute disobedient church members. This book, of which around twenty copies were circulated, was linked to subsequent murders, fulfilling some of the grim prophecies it contained. The most shocking was the simultaneous murder of three people on June 27, 1988, a testament to the lingering influence of LeBaron’s malevolent teachings.
The Enduring Fascination and Horror: Ervil LeBaron’s Dark Legacy
Ervil LeBaron’s story, as revealed through “Daughters of the Cult,” is a grim reminder of the potential for human darkness. His legacy, marked by manipulation, murder, and mayhem, continues to captivate and horrify. As viewers unpack the series, they are left to grapple with the unsettling truths about power, belief, and the terrifying capabilities of a man dubbed “The Mormon Manson.” Through this harrowing tale, Hulu invites its audience to reflect on the enduring impacts of cult leadership and the catastrophic consequences it can harbor.
In sharing the story of Ervil LeBaron, “Daughters of the Cult” does more than recount a tale of terror; it serves as a poignant exploration of the human condition, the complexities of belief systems, and the shadows cast by charismatic yet malevolent leaders. As the world continues to consume stories of true crime, the tale of Ervil LeBaron and his cult serves as a stark reminder of the depths of depravity and the enduring search for understanding in the face of unimaginable horror.
