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

Before Ron can stand trial for his crimes, he hangs himself in his cell and is nearly dead when he is discovered. Amazingly, he emerges from a coma and is able to stand trial. During his first trial he is found responsible for the murders of Brenda and Erica Lafferty and is charged with two counts of first degree murder. The results of this first trial are thrown out and Ron is retried. In this case also he is found guilty of two counts of first degree murder. He is sentenced to die at the hands of a firing squad. During his time in jail Ron develops unusual religious beliefs; however, psychiatrists believe these are just Ron's own interpretations of what he was taught as a child. Ron is deemed as being sane, but suffering with narcissistic personality disorder.