PROVO, Utah -- Brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty have given a newspaper a copy of a 'commandment' they say came from God and which prosecutors said they followed in killing their sister-in-law and her daughter.

The Laffertys, who claim they are religious prophets, are charged with the slayings of Brenda Wright Lafferty, 24,and her 15-month-old daughter, Erica. Their first-degree murder trial begins Monday in 4th District Court.


During an interview with the Provo Daily Herald, the brothers agreed to give the newspaper a copy of a short revelation that commanded the Laffertys to 'remove' four persons who 'have truly become obstacles in my path.'

In a copyright story Thursday, the newspaper said Judge Robert Bullock indicated release of the text might imperil his ability to seat an unbiased jury. But Bullock did not block the interview or printing of the copy.

The text to 'my servants the prophets' said, 'It is my will and commandment that ye remove the following individuals in order that my work might go forward, for they have truly become obstacles in my path and I will not allow my work to be stopped.

'First thy brother's wife Brenda and her baby, then Chloe Low, and then Richard Stowe. And it is my will that they be removed in rapid succession and that an example be made of them in order that others might see the fate of those who fight against the true saints of God.'

The brothers also are charged with attempting to murder Low, a neighbor of Ron Lafferty who supported his wife during their divorce proceedings, and Stowe, a local Mormon Church official Ron Lafferty blamed for his excommunication.

Dan Lafferty said he and his brother, who are acting as their own attorneys, gave the newspaper a copy of the commandment as part of their defense strategy. The document will be used by prosecutors to show the brothers intended to kill their sister-in-law and niece.

The document also said, 'And great blessings await him if he will do my will, for I am the Lord thy God and have control over all things. Be still and know that I am with thee.'

The Laffertys have claimed they are innocent of the killings but that they are willing to stand trial to test God's promise.