Who is Ronald from Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith and what is their importance?

Ron is the oldest of the Lafferty brothers. He has always had a rebellious streak. Even as a missionary, he displayed this rebellion by refusing to wear the hat and coat that were part of the missionary's uniform. Ron and his wife Dianna had what appeared to be a strong and loving relationship until Ron became involved with his brothers in The School of the Prophets. In fact, Ron's wife sent him to try to talk some sense into his brothers concerning their participation in the school. However, Ron's brothers instead succeeded in proving to Ron that their search for the basics of the Mormon religion was God inspired. Ron's participation in this group changed his personality to the point that his wife divorced him and took their children to Florida. This divorce seems to have affected Ron very deeply. It was at this point that Ron began receiving revelations, which he believed were from God, telling him to kill his sister-in-law and her baby.