The Dark Realm of Ervil LeBaron’s Polygamous Cult
“Hulu’s documentary series, ‘Daughters of the Cult,’ presents a harrowing account of Ervil LeBaron’s polygamous Mormon cult. This chilling exploration reveals the depth of manipulation and control exerted by LeBaron, a brutal psychopath who had thirteen wives and fathered over fifty children. His reign of terror extended beyond his family, leading to heinous crimes and a legacy of fear.
The Wives of Ervil LeBaron
Ervil LeBaron’s polygamous lifestyle was marked by manipulation and exploitation. His wives, including Delfina Salido, Marilu Vega, and Joy Marston, were caught in a web of his making. The documentary highlights the tragic roles some of these women played in carrying out LeBaron’s violent commands. For instance, his wife Rena Chynoweth and stepdaughter Ramona Marsten were implicated in the murder of Rulon C. Allred, a rival cult leader, a crime detailed in Chynoweth’s memoir, ‘The Blood Covenant.’
The Children of a Cult Leader
Among the most poignant stories in ‘Daughters of the Cult’ is that of Anna LeBaron, one of Ervil’s daughters. Escaping the cult, Anna authored ‘The Polygamist’s Daughter,’ a memoir shedding light on the traumatic experiences of LeBaron’s children. Her words, “We were taught that we were celestial children,” underscore the indoctrination and abuse suffered by the offspring of the cult.
Ervil LeBaron’s Legacy of Evil
Ervil LeBaron’s reign of terror didn’t end with his incarceration. Even from prison, he orchestrated what became known as the “4 O’Clock Murders,” directing his followers to commit up to 50 murders. His criminal activities spanned robbery, drug and gun trafficking, and the abuse of women and girls. LeBaron’s death in prison by suicide marked the end of an era of darkness and despair.
The Hulu series ‘Daughters of the Cult’ not only exposes the shocking crimes of Ervil LeBaron but also gives voice to the survivors of his cult, unveiling a story of resilience and the quest for justice.
