Exploring The Dark Story Of Ron And Dan Lafferty In <em>Under The Banner Of Heaven</em>

Under the Banner of Heaven explores the lives of killers Ron and Dan Lafferty, who murdered their sister-in-law Brenda Wright Lafferty and her 15-month-old daughter Erica in 1984. This chilling narrative delves into how their intense beliefs, rooted in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), transformed into a violent ideology, ultimately leading to a horrific crime that shocked the nation. The FX true crime show not only recounts the events surrounding these murders but also examines the complex relationships between the Lafferty brothers and their wives, Dianna and Matilda, emphasizing the impact of religious fanaticism on their lives.

The Lafferty brothers were initially devoted members of the LDS church, but their extreme beliefs eventually led to their excommunication. As the show unfolds, viewers witness how their faith morphed into a dangerous obsession, shaping their actions and decisions. The exploration of Ron and Dan's relationships with their wives, and how their fundamentalist views influenced domestic life, adds another layer of depth to this tragic story.

Viewers are left wondering about the fate of Dianna and Matilda, as well as how their lives were forever altered by the actions of their husbands. Here, we will dive into the narrative, revealing the aftermath of these crimes and the impact on the survivors. Join us as we unravel the complex threads of faith, family, and fanaticism in this gripping tale.

Where are Ron and Dan Lafferty's Wives Dianna and Matilda Now?

Ron first met his wife Dianna in Florida while on his two-year mission for the LDS church. Dianna was a nursing student when they met, and the couple married soon after his mission ended, as noted in Jon Krakauer's book, Under the Banner of Heaven. They moved to Utah to be closer to Ron's family and had six children together.

For a period, the couple seemed happy, but financial struggles soon took a toll on their relationship. Dianna's friend Penelope Weiss recounted that Ron and Dianna were "so happy for sixteen and a half years," but as financial pressures mounted, Dan’s extreme beliefs began to influence Ron. This shift led to a troubling dynamic where Ron’s treatment of Dianna changed drastically, from treating her "like a queen" to displaying abusive behavior.

As Ron lost his job and was eventually excommunicated from the church, his abuse towards Dianna escalated. She sought help from Brenda, Ron's brother's wife, who advised her to leave Ron. Initially resistant, Dianna ultimately recognized that divorce was her only way out. By the fall of 1983, she had filed for divorce, taking their children and moving back to Florida, never to see Ron again, though she later testified against him during his trial.

Similarly, Dan met future wife Matilda while on his mission to Scotland. Matilda, a divorced mother of two, left a lasting impression on him. They reunited years later at a missionary reunion, and after praying for guidance, Dan proposed. Together, they moved to California, where Dan was introduced to the idea of polygamy, which he became increasingly obsessed with.

Dan and Matilda had four children, but after moving back to Utah, Dan’s fanatical beliefs about polygamy intensified. He believed that he should take on spiritual wives and even expressed intentions of marrying Matilda’s daughter. However, he eventually married another woman named Ann Randak shortly before the murders of Brenda and her child took place.

On July 23, just two days before the tragic events unfolded, Dan celebrated his youngest son’s birthday with Matilda and their family. This gathering marked the last time they saw each other before his arrest. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are left to ponder the enduring impact of these events on the lives of Dianna, Matilda, and their families.

New episodes of Under the Banner of Heaven are released Thursdays on Hulu.