Ep 9. Blood Atonement

An episode from the third season of Evil Lives Here is named "Blood Atonement" that delves into a tale of religious extremism and the consequences it brings to a family. The episode follows the story of Allen Lafferty and his sister Brenda, who had to witness a horrific crime committed by their brothers Ron and Dan. These two brothers were led to believe that their sister-in-law Brenda's husband was a sinner and needed to be cleansed from his sins by death - an extreme practice known as "blood atonement" in Mormon fundamentalism.

The Lafferty brothers were raised in the strict fundamentalist branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and had extreme beliefs. They believed that they were chosen by God to do his bidding and would not hesitate to kill if they believed it was the right thing to do. The episode explores how their beliefs were ingrained in their psyche from a young age, and it lead them down a dark path.

Brenda's husband Mark was their primary target, as he was seen as a threat to their beliefs and the integrity of their family. On the fateful night, Ron and Dan entered Mark and Brenda's home and attacked them with a knife. Allen, who was present in the house, tried to stop them, but it was too late. Mark was killed, and Brenda was severely injured. The brothers fled the scene, but authorities caught them soon after.

As Brenda recalls the horrific incident, we learn how Ron and Dan's actions had far-reaching consequences, not only for the family but also for themselves. Brenda and Allen were forced to question their religious beliefs, and their faith was shattered. They had to face the fact that their brothers were capable of committing a heinous crime. Ron and Dan were convicted of murder, and Allen and Brenda were left to deal with the aftermath and pick up the pieces of their shattered family.

The episode does an excellent job of exploring the impact of religious extremism on an individual and their family. It shows how the strict and extreme beliefs of a group can supersede familial ties, leading to tragic outcomes. The episode also highlights how easy it is for individuals to justify their actions, no matter how heinous they may be, by invoking religion or faith.

Overall, "Blood Atonement" is a gripping and emotionally charged episode that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the viewers. It sheds light on the dangers of extremist beliefs, religious or otherwise, and how they can lead to catastrophic consequences. The storytelling is masterful, and the interviews with the survivors are honest and insightful, adding depth and nuance to an already compelling narrative. It's a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the psychology of religious extremism.