Lorna Chynoweth: How Did She Die? Who Killed Her?

Lifetime’s ‘The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy’ is a dramatized account based on the real-life horrors of Ervil LeBaron’s cult, the Church of the Lamb of God. While the film focuses primarily on a fictionalized version of Rena Chynoweth, LeBaron’s thirteenth wife, it also portrays her sister, Lorna Chynoweth. In both the film and real life, Lorna is one of Ervil’s wives whose life ends tragically. The movie presents her as a gentle, kind, and soulful woman caught in a world of manipulation and violence. Her portrayal reflects the heartbreaking reality of many women who became victims of the cult’s beliefs.

Lorna Chynoweth Was Allegedly Killed After Ervil LeBaron’s Death

Born on November 15, 1945, Lorna Chynoweth was the daughter of Leland Harvey and Thelma Chynoweth. They joined the Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times when Lorna was still very young. At the time, her sister Rena was only three years old, and their family’s shift in faith marked the beginning of a life deeply rooted in religious extremism. When Ervil LeBaron broke away to form his own sect, the Church of the Lamb of God, the Chynoweth family followed. Lorna soon became one of Ervil’s many wives, and her sister Rena also entered into the same polygamous marriage, becoming her sister-wife.

Lorna always had a warm and pleasant demeanor, and according to her sister Rena, she was deeply committed to the teachings and rules of the religious sect. She believed her primary purpose was to bear children and raise them in accordance with Ervil’s beliefs. She gave birth to eight kids, namely Andrew, Jaqueline, Aaron, Natasha, Monique, Jessica, Jared, and Joshua. While there is no confirmed evidence that Lorna took part in the sect’s criminal activities, her close proximity to Ervil suggests she likely held a trusted position, possibly helping manage household affairs, organizing internal communication, and upholding loyalty among the women.

After Ervil’s death in August 1981, the Church of the Lamb of God fractured, with various members going in different directions. Lorna herself remained in Mexico, even as much of her extended family had relocated to the US. In 1982, troubling reports emerged that Lorna had been killed, though no concrete evidence ever confirmed her death. She was never seen again, and her remains were never recovered. Authorities investigated the case, not only in hopes of uncovering the truth behind her disappearance but also to gain deeper insight into the inner dynamics and operations of the secretive sect.

Lorna Chynoweth’s Son Has Been a Suspect in Her Murder

Following Ervil LeBaron’s death in 1981, the Church of the Lamb of God descended into chaos and violent factionalism. Multiple successors emerged, each claiming divine authority and attempting to assert control over splintered followers. Arturo LeBaron, one of the early leaders after Ervil’s death, was later killed, and his position was taken over by Heber LeBaron. The latter moved a portion of the group to the US, while others, such as Lorna Chynoweth and her children, remained in Mexico under the leadership of Aaron LeBaron, one of Ervil and Lorna’s sons.

Aaron’s leadership was marked by growing paranoia, secrecy, and brutality. Over the years, suspicions have arisen that Aaron may have had his own mother, Lorna, killed. Though there has never been official confirmation or conclusive evidence, many believe that her disappearance in 1982 was orchestrated by Aaron himself. The motives remain elusive, but some speculate that Lorna may have disagreed with Aaron’s direction or posed a threat to his authority. Others suggest she simply knew too much. Her body was never found, and no one was charged in connection with her disappearance.