The Shocking Story of Ervil LeBaron aka Mormon Manson

The Shocking Story of Ervil LeBaron, the “Mormon Manson”

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re delving into the complexities of the notorious Ervil LeBaron's life, tracing his early years, the formation of the infamous LeBaron group, and the disturbing legacy he left behind.

Ervil Morrell LeBaron, born on February 22, 1925, in Chihuahua, Mexico, is a sinister figure in the realm of religious extremism. His life's narrative is a chilling exploration of the dark side of charismatic leadership, twisted religious doctrines, and the violent consequences that ensued.

Early Life and Influences

Ervil LeBaron's journey into religious fanaticism can be traced back to his early life within a polygamous Mormon family. Raised by Alma Dayer LeBaron, a fervent believer in the principles of Mormon fundamentalism, Ervil was immersed in a household marked by multiple wives and a strict adherence to unconventional doctrines.

Alma Dayer LeBaron, who himself had ambitions of leading a religious movement, instilled in Ervil a deep sense of devotion to the tenets of Mormon fundamentalism. The family's frequent moves between Mexico and the United States in pursuit of stability exposed Ervil to the challenges and hardships that would later contribute to the formation of his radical beliefs.

As a young man, Ervil exhibited a charming aura and a profound commitment to the religious teachings of his father. These qualities would eventually propel him into a position of leadership within the Mormon fundamentalist movement.

Formation of the LeBaron Group

In 1955, Ervil LeBaron founded the Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times, a pivotal moment that marked the genesis of the LeBaron group. As the self-proclaimed prophet and leader, Ervil crafted a doctrine that deviated significantly from mainstream Mormonism, embracing polygamy as a central tenet.

Polygamy within the LeBaron group was not merely a religious practice but a mechanism of control, strategically employed by Ervil to consolidate loyalty among his followers. The group's expansion saw an increase in internal power struggles as ambitious leaders sought to challenge Ervil's authority, setting the stage for a descent into violence.

​​LeBaron twisted the controversial Mormon concept of “blood atonement” to justify murder as a divine command. According to his interpretation, death was the only way to atone for certain sins or disobedience against his authority.

Ruthless Pursuit of Power

The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a dark chapter in the history of the LeBaron group, marked by a series of violent acts orchestrated under Ervil's leadership.

The murder of Joel LeBaron, Ervil LeBaron's own brother, is a grim chapter in the history of the LeBaron group. In 1972, internal power struggles and religious disputes within the group culminated in Joel's assassination, orchestrated by Ervil. The motive behind the murder was rooted in a struggle for control over the Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times.

Ervil's ruthlessness didn't end with Joel's murder; he also orchestrated the attempted murder of another brother, Verlan LeBaron, who had separated from the Church. Verlan survived the attack, but suffered serious injuries.

These violent acts led to legal consequences for Ervil LeBaron. In the aftermath of the murders, Ervil was arrested and faced trial for his role in orchestrating the crimes within the LeBaron group. The court case shed light on the complex dynamics within the religious sect, exposing the extent of Ervil's manipulation and the violent methods he employed to maintain control. The legal proceedings marked a critical juncture in the efforts to hold Ervil accountable for the heinous crimes committed against his own family members.

The murder in 1977 of Rulon C. Allred, a prominent leader of another Mormon fundamentalist sect, also served as a gruesome testament to Ervil's unbridled ruthlessness.

The motivation behind Allred's murder was rooted in religious rivalry and the quest for dominance within the broader context of Mormon fundamentalism. Ervil perceived Allred as a threat to his leadership and sought to eliminate him, igniting a chain of events that would culminate in even more egregious acts of violence.

The heinous crimes committed by the LeBaron group drew the attention of law enforcement agencies, leading to a manhunt for Ervil. In 1981, he was arrested in Mexico and subsequently extradited to the United States to face charges related to the murders.

The trial that followed provided a harrowing glimpse into the inner workings of the LeBaron group. Testimonies revealed the extent of religious fanaticism and illegal activities, painting a picture of a captivating leader who manipulated his followers to perform unspeakable violent behavior in the name of twisted religious beliefs.

Ervil LeBaron faced multiple convictions, including conspiracy to commit murder, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. The legal proceedings not only held Ervil accountable for the actions committed under his leadership, but also exposed the inner workings of the LeBaron group.

As he began serving his sentence, Ervil's influence over the group persisted, even from behind bars. The LeBaron group, now fractured and divided, continued their violence and intimidation tactics in a chilling testament to the enduring impact of religious extremism.

Ervil LeBaron died in prison on August 15, 1981, leaving behind a legacy of terror. His life's trajectory, from a devout upbringing in a polygamous Mormon family to the orchestrator of brutal crimes, remains a haunting example of the dangers posed by magnetic leaders who exploit religious fervor for personal gain.

But the LeBaron group, despite Ervil's death, did not fade into obscurity. The fractures within the organization gave rise to splinter groups, each grappling with the aftermath of the vicious legacy left by their founder. Family members and followers struggled to reconcile their beliefs with the brutal acts committed in the name of faith.

In the years following Ervil's death, some former members sought to distance themselves from the group's past, while others perpetuated the cycle of extremism. The LeBaron name became synonymous not only with religious fanaticism, but also with a family and community torn apart by internal strife and the repercussions of their leader's actions.

The ‘4 O'Clock Murders’

The ‘4 O'Clock Murders’ were orchestrated by members of the LeBaron group following the orders set by Ervil LeBaron in writings before his death in 1981. These killings were part of a series committed by the group as they sought to eliminate perceived rivals and consolidate power.

A group of armed individuals, affiliated with the LeBaron sect, descended on a community in Sonora, Mexico. The targets were individuals whom the group considered enemies. Four simultaneous killings took place in different states at the same hour, as ordered in a manifesto written by Ervil before his death.

The motivation behind the "4 O'Clock Murders" was deeply rooted in the group's distorted sense of religious duty and a desire to eliminate those they perceived as threats to their interpretation of Mormon fundamentalism. The harsh nature of the attack shocked the surrounding communities and law enforcement, leaving a lasting scar on the history of the LeBaron group.

Legacy and Impact

Ervil LeBaron's legacy extends beyond the confines of his criminal activities. His influence, both during his life and after his death, continues to be felt within the broader landscape of Mormon fundamentalism.

The Mormon fundamentalist movement, which already existed on the fringes of mainstream Mormonism, faced increased scrutiny and skepticism in the wake of the LeBaron group's savage acts. Questions arose about the responsibility of religious communities to prevent the rise of alluring leaders who exploit faith for personal gain.

His legacy is one of fear and paranoia. The possibility of secret followers enacting his vendettas long after his death led to persistent unease among former members and enemies. Deprogramming became necessary for many who escaped his influence, and the authorities remained vigilant against the potential threat of further violence from his adherents.

The media drew comparisons between Ervil LeBaron and Charles Manson. Both men used their charismatic influence to incite their followers to commit murder, and both left a lasting impact on American consciousness.

What do you think was the most chilling aspect of Ervil LeBaron’s life? Let us know in the comments.