This story is guaranteed to shock! For this list, we'll be discussing the story of Ervil LeBaron, aka the Mormon Manson.
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00:00 "They were just brainwashed. And when you take away that brainwashing,
00:04 we were always good people."
00:05 Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're delving into the complexities
00:09 of the notorious Ervo LeBaron's life, tracing his early years,
00:13 the formation of the infamous LeBaron Group,
00:15 and the disturbing legacy he left behind.
00:17 "Ervo is as dangerous as any man alive,
00:20 and won't stop until he wipes out all rival polygamists."
00:23 Ervo Morel LeBaron, born on February 22, 1925 in Chihuahua, Mexico,
00:29 is a sinister figure in the realm of religious extremism.
00:32 His life's narrative is a chilling exploration of the dark side of charismatic leadership,
00:37 twisted religious doctrines, and the violent consequences that ensued.
00:41 Early Life and Influences
00:43 Ervo LeBaron's journey into religious fanaticism can be traced back to his early life within a
00:48 polygamist Mormon family. Raised by Alma Dayer LeBaron, a fervent believer in the principles
00:53 of Mormon fundamentalism, Ervo was immersed in a household marked by multiple wives and a strict
00:59 adherence to unconventional doctrines. Alma Dayer LeBaron, who himself had ambitions of leading a
01:04 religious movement, instilled in Ervo a deep sense of devotion to the tenets of Mormon fundamentalism.
01:10 The family's frequent moves between Mexico and the United States in pursuit of stability exposed
01:15 Ervo to the challenges and hardships that would later contribute to the formation of his radical
01:19 beliefs. As a young man, Ervo exhibited a charming aura and a profound commitment to the religious
01:25 teachings of his father. These qualities would eventually propel him into a position of leadership
01:30 within the Mormon fundamentalist movement.
01:32 "Who is he and why should we even care?"
01:35 "Ervo LeBaron, self-styled prophet and patriarch."
01:38 The Formation of the LeBaron Group
01:40 In 1955, Ervo LeBaron founded the Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times,
01:46 a pivotal moment that marked the genesis of the LeBaron Group. As the self-proclaimed prophet
01:51 and leader, Ervo crafted a doctrine that deviated significantly from mainstream Mormonism,
01:56 embracing polygamy as a central tenet.
01:58 "My mom had 12 children, seven of them with Ervo."
02:03 Polygamy within the LeBaron Group was not merely a religious practice, but a mechanism of control,
02:08 strategically employed by Ervo to consolidate loyalty among his followers.
02:12 "Ervo says, 'Okay, I'll give you two other wives, and I'll give them to you for wives
02:18 because I took your wife.'"
02:21 The group's expansion saw an increase in internal power struggles as ambitious leaders sought to
02:25 challenge Ervo's authority, setting the stage for a descent into violence. LeBaron twisted
02:31 the controversial Mormon concept of blood atonement to justify murder as a divine command.
02:36 "Some of your husbands, if they don't start getting behind me and doing what they should
02:40 and paying their tithing, they are going to be pushing up carrots in the garden."
02:45 According to his interpretation, death was the only way to atone for certain
02:49 sins or disobedience against his authority.
02:52 "It blows my mind. I sit and think, 'This is impossible!' And yet it did happen."
02:59 Ruthless Pursuit of Power
03:01 The 1970s and 80s witnessed a dark chapter in the history of the LeBaron Group,
03:05 marked by a series of violent acts orchestrated under Ervo's leadership.
03:09 "Joel F. LeBaron was attacked in an empty home,
03:12 head over the bridge of the nose with a chair leg."
03:14 The murder of Joel LeBaron, Ervo LeBaron's own brother,
03:17 is a grim chapter in the history of the LeBaron Group.
03:20 In 1972, internal power struggles and religious disputes within the group
03:25 culminated in Joel's assassination, orchestrated by Ervo.
03:29 The motive behind the murder was rooted in a struggle for control over the church
03:33 of the firstborn of the Fulness of Times.
03:35 Ervo was tried and convicted for planning the murder,
03:38 but his conviction was later overturned on a technicality.
03:41 "Bribery was a big thing in Mexico. That's, it was a way of life. And Uncle Ervo played
03:46 that well. He hadn't grown up knowing how to manipulate and bribe people."
03:52 Ervo's ruthlessness didn't end with Joel's murder.
03:55 He also orchestrated the attempted murder of another brother, Verlin LeBaron,
03:59 who had separated from the church.
04:01 Verlin survived the attack, but suffered serious injuries.
04:05 This again led to Ervo's arrest, but this time, he was released due to lack of evidence.
04:10 The murder in 1977 of Rulan C. Allred, a prominent leader of another Mormon
04:15 fundamentalist sect, also served as a gruesome testament to Ervo's unbridled ruthlessness.
04:20 "That this man was leading his people astray, and God wanted him out of the way."
04:26 The motivation behind Allred's murder was rooted in religious rivalry
04:30 and the quest for dominance within the broader context of Mormon fundamentalism.
04:34 "My father was a very respected, influential person and had a huge following, and Ervo wanted that."
04:43 Ervo perceived Allred as a threat to his leadership and sought to eliminate him.
04:47 He was also linked to the murders of people within his own circle who criticized him
04:51 or wanted to leave the group, including his own pregnant teenage daughter, Rebecca.
04:56 The crimes committed by the LeBaron group drew the attention of law enforcement agencies,
05:01 leading to a manhunt for Ervo.
05:03 "The FBI puts him on the top of the 10 most wanted list."
05:07 In 1979, he was arrested in Mexico and subsequently extradited to the United States
05:13 to face charges related to the murders.
05:15 The trial that followed provided a harrowing glimpse into the inner workings of the LeBaron group.
05:20 "And I remember Ervo picking me up in the audience with his eyes,
05:25 and we stared at each other for two minutes."
05:31 Testimonies revealed the extent of religious fanaticism and illegal activities,
05:35 painting a picture of a captivating leader who manipulated his followers
05:38 to perform unspeakable violent behavior in the name of twisted religious beliefs.
05:43 Ervo LeBaron faced multiple convictions, including conspiracy to commit murder,
05:48 resulting in a lengthy prison sentence.
05:50 The legal proceedings not only held Ervo accountable for the actions committed
05:54 under his leadership, but also exposed the inner workings of the LeBaron group.
05:59 "How glad we all were that this chapter of our lives could be partly closed."
06:04 "Ervo is sentenced to life in prison."
06:07 As he began serving his sentence, Ervo's influence over the group persisted,
06:12 even from behind bars.
06:13 The LeBaron group, now fractured and divided,
06:16 continued their violence and intimidation tactics
06:18 in a chilling testament to the enduring impact of religious extremism.
06:22 "Ervo had ordered his followers to come bust him out of maximum security prison."
06:30 Death and legacy.
06:32 Ervo LeBaron died in prison on August 15, 1981, leaving behind a legacy of terror.
06:38 His life's trajectory, from a devout upbringing in a polygamous Mormon family
06:42 to the orchestrator of brutal crimes,
06:44 remains a haunting example of the dangers posed by magnetic leaders
06:48 who exploit religious fervor for personal gain.
06:51 "The daughter of the man he was convicted of killing said his death
06:55 alone in a jail cell was a fitting end."
06:58 But the LeBaron group, despite Ervo's death, did not fade into obscurity.
07:03 The fractures within the organization gave rise to splinter groups,
07:06 each grappling with the aftermath of the vicious legacy left by their founder.
07:10 Family members and followers struggled to reconcile their beliefs
07:13 with the brutal acts committed in the name of faith.
07:16 In the years following Ervo's death,
07:18 some former members sought to distance themselves from the group's past,
07:21 while others perpetuated the cycle of extremism.
07:24 "This was an incredibly fearful time."
07:28 The LeBaron name became synonymous not only with religious fanaticism,
07:31 but also with a family and community torn apart by internal strife
07:35 and the repercussions of their leaders' actions.
07:38 "It's not a matter of if the killing's going to go on, but just simply when."
07:42 The Four O'Clock Murders
07:44 The Four O'Clock Murders were orchestrated by members of the LeBaron group
07:47 following the order set by Ervo LeBaron in writings before his death in 1981.
07:52 These killings were part of a series committed by the group
07:55 as they sought to eliminate perceived rivals and consolidate power.
07:59 A group of armed individuals affiliated with the LeBaron sect
08:03 descended on a community in Sonora, Mexico.
08:05 The targets were individuals whom the group considered enemies.
08:09 Four simultaneous killings took place in different states at the same hour,
08:13 as ordered in a manifesto written by Ervo before his death.
08:16 The motivation behind the Four O'Clock Murders
08:19 was deeply rooted in the group's distorted sense of religious duty
08:22 and a desire to eliminate those they perceived as threats
08:25 to their interpretation of Mormon fundamentalism.
08:27 "Some people close to that sect would say that on June 27th,
08:31 they were punished for their sin."
08:32 The harsh nature of the attacks shocked the surrounding communities and law enforcement,
08:37 leaving a lasting scar on the history of the LeBaron group.
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08:55 Legacy and Impact
08:58 Ervo LeBaron's legacy extends beyond the confines of his criminal activities.
09:02 His influence, both during his life and after his death,
09:06 continues to be felt within the broader landscape of Mormon fundamentalism.
09:10 "When you read his writings, you would understand that these are not the writings of a man
09:16 who is in his right mind."
09:19 The Mormon fundamentalist movement, which already existed on the fringes of mainstream Mormonism,
09:24 faced increased scrutiny and skepticism in the wake of the LeBaron group's savage acts.
09:29 Questions arose about the responsibility of religious communities to prevent the rise of
09:34 alluring leaders who exploit faith for personal gain.
09:37 His legacy is one of fear and paranoia.
09:40 The possibility of secret followers enacting his vendettas long after his death
09:44 led to persistent unease among former members and enemies.
09:48 "Watching it now, it's just horrifying how much violence there was in our family history."
09:55 Deprogramming became necessary for many who escaped his influence,
09:59 and the authorities remained vigilant against the potential threat of further violence from his adherents.
10:04 The media drew comparisons between Ervo LeBaron and Charles Manson.
10:08 Both men used their charismatic influence to incite their followers to commit murder,
10:12 and both left a lasting impact on American consciousness.
10:15 "He never dirtied his hands, never bloodied his hands, but he was able to compel them."
10:22 What do you think was the most chilling aspect of Ervo LeBaron's life?
10:25 Let us know in the comments.
10:27 "As long as that doggone book's out there, the book of the covenant,
10:31 there's always a potential for someone to pick it up and say, 'I'm the one mighty and strong now.'"
10:38 [Music]