In 2007, he was first found guilty as an accomplice to r*pe. When my kids hit like 4th grade and theyre really starting to dive deep in history and sciences, and they would be like, 'Mom, what is this?' Warren Jeffs was found guilty in September 2007 and sentenced to 10 years in prison, but it wouldnt be the last time hed square off with Musser in the courtroom. Her fathers first wife didnt grow up around polygamy. The community had been built in western Texas to house the FLDS most dedicated and pure members as they waited for Gods second coming. Reflecting on the moment, Ben and Rebecca were escaping from Utah to Las Vegas, she recalled: In the silence of the growing light, I stole furtive glances at Ben, whom I barely knew. They are connected on Facebook and tag each other on FB posts. The revealing and inspiring memoir of a woman forced into polygamous marriage in the FLDS Church and her brave struggle to protect others from the same fate. When she turned 19, she became the 19th wife of the church leader, Rulon Jeffs. As a new widow, fear gripped Musser when she noticed that Warren had quietly begun to marry some of his fathers wives. He has 45 siblings in total. Beginning a brand-new life in a strange world of gentiles, Rebecca yearned to save her little sisters from becoming child brides. Her book, 'The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Helped to Bring Down a Polygamous Cult,' shocked the country as they read on to find out about the lives of 'sister-wives' and others in the FLDS, headed by Warren Jeffs. All I knew was that I did not want that perverse dictator running my show ever again. Memories flooded my mind: neighbors offering sympathy and supplies after my childhood house burned down; a former violin teacher who nurtured my talent; the owner of a stringed-instrument shop who encouraged me to playI took a long, hard look at all the things that new church leader Warren Jeffs had said were absolutely true that I knew were not. Two weeks and countless applications later, we both got jobs at restaurants. The Witness Wore Red - Rebecca Musser: Elissa's older sister, who also escaped the FLDS and testified at the trial against Warren. The Fruitland mom is a licensed realtor in Idaho and Oregon and spends most of her days helping her clients . I love you past the moon and beyond the stars. Throughout their marriage, she says she suffered abuse and n0n-consensual. Heres how it works. 7 years of adventures with Ben! Gossip Next Door 2023. I knew that even the little freedoms that I had would be taken, she said. RELATED:Who Killed A Former French Model Discovered Dead In Her Backyard Pool? Her father forced her to marry 85-year-old Rulon Jeffs and in exchange, he was "gifted a third wife.". Rebecca Musser Husband:- Rebecca Musser is an American author and activist. Life in Idaho is what Musser always dreamed of. Rebecca Musser was born into the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church). In that time we have had more good times than many have in a lifetime. The series' title sent shivers down Musser's spine the first time she heard it. It's Keep Sweet Pray and Obey,' and I was like, 'Oh!'" Mary Magdalene Hess. New York Times Best Selling Author, Speaker & Advocate for Human Rights, Key witness in Warren Jeffs' prosecutions. But, eventually sending countless applications, after two weeks of escaping, they ended up getting a job at a restaurant which helped them support themselves. "It's like dying and living again but remembering your previous life," Musser said. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! By profession, Lloyd was a businessman. I just resigned myself to the fact that that was my fate and just surrender myself to it, she said of the marriage. That's why an FLDS woman is never to cut her hair. She often speaks about the abuse she endured throughout the years ever since her marriage to Jeffs at the age of 19. Found a couple of new hot springs that were awesome! Rebecca Musser's husband Ben Musser played a huge role to help her become the woman she is today. Rebecca Mussers family members werent famous until she made them famous. Rebecca Musser. In 2011 Jeffs, who counted a 12- and 15-year-old among his reported 80 wives, was convicted of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault of a minor and is serving a life sentence plus 20 years in a Texas prison. I admire her resilience for that.". However, he doesnt seem to be on Instagram. The only clothes I owned were the long prairie dresses of the FLDS dress code, and I continued poufing my hair. At age 19, she was forced into a polygamist marriage to Rulon Jeffs, the 85-year-old prophet and father of Warren Jeffs. Ben Musser was born in Short Creek, as the twin towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Ariz., were once known. After enduring years of violation, upon her husband's death she escaped from his son, Warren Jeffs, when he tried to . Rewind to life 20 years ago, and Musser lived on a polygamist compound in southern Utah under the power of Warren Jeffs, a religious leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every important person in his life is an actor, every part of his life a setbut he doesn't know it. I grew up in a cult and I escaped!'" We have also faced challenges most cant fathom. A Smooth-Running Website is a Relaxing Experience. Rebecca was formerly a 19th wife of FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, from whom she ultimately escaped in 2005. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, son. The evidence included a white bed used as part of the groups religious ceremonies, priesthood records of Warren's activities, and a chilling tape seemingly depicting Warren Jeffs having sex with his 12-year-old bride as his other wives looked on. In her free time, Rebecca is often adventuring with her children and dogs, playing music, relaxing with a great book, or exploring the Idaho backcountry, climbing the tallest summits. I had worked for so many years to be an example to my family and my community, and that thought made me want to stop and go back. Later one night, Rebecca Musser left a note for her mother and sister on her bed. "Just looking around with nobody around, and just realizing, 'My gosh, I am so lucky to be here.'. In her book The Witness Wore Red, Rebecca wrote, I also dedicate this book to Ben Musser, whom Ive watched become a most incredible and loving father. But, they divorced later. Many of her siblings have left the church since Warren Jeffs' arrest, but several family members still share FLDS beliefs and practice polygamy. After escaping from the FLDS community and finding freedom with her three children, Rebecca wrote an autobiography entitled The Witness Wore Red, which shared . Rebecca Musser, The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice 2 likes Like "What I saw were the wealthiest men giving the most money in tithes accumulating the largest number of young wives! Life in the FLDS is sheltered. Four days before the deadline, I glanced into the mirror before bedmy eyes were sunken and colorless, surrounded by graying, sallow skin. He has inklings things aren't right and finally realizes that his life is a total lieset up for the camera. Rebecca Wall Musser was born into the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church). I love you!. Moreover, Shandra posted on her Facebook, 7 years!!!! Your email address will not be published. This time, Warren Jeffs conviction would lead to a life sentence. Rebecca Musser and her then-husband, FLDS leader Rulon Jeffs, on their wedding day in 1995. He reportedly founded the company with his brother Wendell Musser. At age 19, she was forced into a polygamist marriage to Rulon Jeffs, the 85-year-old prophet and father of Warren Jeffs. Each night, she moved a few of her belongings, grabbing her sewing machine, musical instruments, and a few dresses which she still owns today. In light of the recent Roe v. Wade ruling, Musser opened up about thoughts on bodily control. According to Wall, Steed was incredibly sexually abusive to her and raped her during the marriage. She was a wife of the late Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints prophet Rulon Jeffs and escaped before bringing legal proceedings against the church. And she aspired to be a nice priesthood girl who was obedient and who would one day be granted the great blessing of marriage, allowing her to enter heaven. Rebecca Wall Musser was one of Rulon's twenty wives who was forced to marry him at the age of 19 by her own father. The company is engaged in the construction of buildings. Jeffs was the son of FLDS prophet Rulon Jeffs, who was believed among his followers to speak directly to God. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! I was ashamed that I was not more thrilled. That doesnt make sense to me. If Gods a God of reason, how come this doesnt make sense? she said of her early run-ins with Warren Jeffs. Whereas, Natalia is 14 years old in 2022. In the fall of 2002, Musser recalls a conversation with Warren Jeffs, who was determined to remarry her to a new husband by the end of that week. Live like you belong in the hit Netflix Regency-era romance romp. Rebecca made the decision to flee from the compound of the FLDS church which was possible after her husband Rulon died in September 2002. Technically, he was my grandson, as he was the 19-year-old grandson of Rulon and one of my sister-wives. Her father compelled her to marry Rulon Jeffs when she was just 19 years old. Musser hadn't seen most of those old photos and videos since she left the church 20 years ago. He had been kicked out of the FLDS six years earlier when he tried to shield our younger siblings from a beating. Months of righteous fasting for the failing health of my late husband, Rulon Jeffs, had played havoc on my body, but it was my spirit that felt broken. Her father didnt grow up in the FLDS community but eventually converted to it. Today, Rebecca is a mother of two, a speaker, and a New York Times Best Selling author for her book, The Witness Wore Red. It is hard to find words to describe what it is for us to watch the early stories of my family and life told on-screen. It will air on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 8.00 pm ET. All Rights Reserved. Rebecca Musser was the fifth of the fourteen children born to her mother Sharon Steed (her fathers second wife) and one of the 25 children born to her father Lloyd Wall. Rebecca Musser Ex-Husband 2: Ben Musser She ran away from the compound with the help of her brother, who had been kicked out from the sect much earlier and Ben. The viscount and his new love interest hit Netflix at the end of March. Before every decision I'd ever made, I'd asked myself, "What would the Prophet have me say? The foundation creates awareness about identifying and resisting oppression and abuse. Rebeccas father Lloyd had nine children with Myrna and twelve with Steed. . Rather than be forced to remarry when her 92-year-old husband died, Rebecca escaped. The homeowners hired local draftsman Kyle Hall to design their shed. Musser found herself at odds with her now-stepson Warren Jeffs once again after refusing to visit Rulon when he had summoned her for sexual relations. Rebecca Musser, REALTOR Servicing Idaho and Oregon Whether you're looking to sell your house, buy your dream home, or need just a few questions answered, I'm here to help. Wicked Unkind Was that really my experience? After some years they decided to separate from each other on good terms. It was there that Musser first crossed paths with Warren Jeffs, who served as the schools goofy, yet unyieldingly strict, principal. I gave myself permission to look deeply at polygamy in a way I never had before. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Later, the couple decided that they should get married on their own terms, without the influence of anyone else. Excerpted fromThe Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justiceby Rebecca Musser with M. Bridget Cook. Keller Williams Four Rivers, LLC. All presentations are an interactive experience where each participant will come away with something new to support her career. NFL Player Damar Hamlin in Critical Condition after Collapsing on Field, Legendary Designer Vivienne Westwood Dies Aged 81, 10 Female IAS Officers who can inspire us. It's one of the things I'm most proud of.". People. It is such an honor to be part of that process.". Alicia Rohbock, an ex-member of FLDS was forced also to marry Jeffs a year after Musser. He was the eighth president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This structure meant that women don't get the time, affection, and validation they so crave. Warren took it into his own hands to reassign his father's wives after his passing. Below, we cover details regarding his age, job, and his current wife. Two women share their stories about being assigned to marriages at the age of 14. Ben also informed the 46-year-old ex-member that she was a free woman and that nobody would pressure her into doing anything she did not want to. Kon Hai Alakh Pandey aka Physics Wallah Wife Shivani Dubey? What would the Prophet have me do?" The FLDS bought hairspray by the caseful. Rebecca Musser's story has inspired others and will feature on Dateline: Secrets Uncovered's upcoming episode titled Unbreakable. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Gossip Next Door is a hub for trending news, stories related to entertainment, and everything show biz. I had to pull him out of the chair because he couldnt walk by himself. If I was going to leave, I would have to take a chance on that outside world, whatever it held for me. However, after having the children, they separated and eventually got divorced. While she was glad to know I was safe, she told me I was trading my salvation for material goods. At least three Mormon fundamentalist sects are said to have been based there. One night, Rebecca gathered all her courage and escaped from the compound in a sly manner so that she wouldnt be caught. Charlene Jeffs is a half sister of Elissa Wall and Rebecca Musser. She shed light on various rules that had to be followed in the sect, including the famous one about the color red, which was banned in the FLDS church. Invite Rebecca to speak at your organization, conference, special event or womens group. In 2006, Warren Jeffs was charged with two counts of rape as an accomplice but he had already gone on the run two years earlier, even earning a spot on the FBIs Most Wanted fugitive list. "I like the word 'sweet', but I do not like 'Keep Sweet'. Meet FLDS Elissa Wall Family: Mother, Sisters, Father, Husband! She even published a book titled The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice, narrating the past abuse she faced. Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions of abuse. This, as seen in the preview below, was troubling to. I kept thinking, This is what Im supposed to be in love with?'. Rebecca Musser was married to Rulon Jeffs, Warren Jeffs' father. She and her children have formed a tight relationship with a couple nearby that Musser describes as filling a grandparent role for her children, especially around the holidays. At age 19, she was forced into a polygamist marriage to Rulon Jeffs, the 85-year-old prophet and father of Warren Jeffs. Barbara J. MusserFishers - Barbara J. Musser, 95, Fishers, IN passed away April 25, 2018. He reportedly founded the company with his brother Wendell Musser. and I say 'Oh, I just have one of those faces!'". "Even though there was so much about our life that wasn't good, there's that sense of belonging and I think that's a sobering thing, because how often do you stay in bad situations just because it's familiar and we feel like we have roots there? As for her mother, Sharon Steed was still inside the compound when she left. While Wall was now safe, Musser knew that she had other siblings and female cousins who were still in danger of being forced to marry as underage teens and decided to encourage Wall to file criminal charges against Warren Jeffs and Steed. The ex-member of FLDS, Rebecca Musser is currently a hot topic on the Internet, notably her husband and married life, after the latest release of a Netflix documentary miniseries, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey. As for me, life is happy & whole today. While Sharon and her children lived in the basement of her fathers house, Lloyd and his first wife lived upstairs of the house. But that was all they knew as a child growing up. I bless the state of Texas that somebody finally stood up to this man and hes sitting in prison now for the rest of his life, Musser said, later adding, The power of words means breaking your silence.. Shandra is the mother of one daughter named Taylor who turned 12 years old in June 2022. Who Are FLDS Ex-Members Myrna And Lloyd Wall? Throughout their marriage, she says she suffered abuse and n0n-consensual. Copyright 2013 by Rebecca Musser. Your email address will not be published. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. Rebecca Musser is a highly sought-after motivational speaker and agent for social revolution. Please note - Elissa uses pseudonyms for a lot of the people in her book (though not all of them), and Rebecca either doesn't use them or uses different ones, so while they're from the same family and there's a lot . Every way that I examined it, it was neither healthy nor holy. New York, Prior to leaving, she shared a husband, Rulon, with more than 60 other women. Today, Rebecca is a national speaker, an advocate for victims of human trafficking and a New York Times Best Selling author for her book, The Witness Wore Red. She also played a critical role in the April 2008 raid of the FLDS Yearning for Zion ranch in April 2008. So, keep on scrolling to learn more about Ben Musser. Rebecca Musser married her husband Ben Musser who was technically her grandson. She had to hop a fence to make it out and says after her escape, the walls got higher. He is currently living in Payette, Idaho. Those authorities asked Rebecca to assist them, and she became instrumental in deciphering mountains of evidence, as well as becoming a vital witness for the state of Texas, Utah, Arizona, and Canada in over 20 criminal convictions. and Im like, 'Well, hold on a second!' she wondered. The women in the sect wore prairie dresses and kept their long hair swept up in braids as they were taught to keep sweet, a phrase used to convey the idea that women should be obedient and do whatever is asked of them. Kyle in September 2021, turned 18 years old. The gates were locked, as I knew they would be. When I watched television, I was surprised and often scandalized by how different it was from when we were kids and allowed only certain programs (Little House on the Prairie,Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, andSesame Streetuntil it, like cartoons, was deemed idolatrous for imitating God's creations). She is one of the 70 something wives Jeffs is believed to have had. on FLDS Breakdown on Ex-members Husband and Former Spouse! Required fields are marked *. Margaretha Musser. It was that pressure that lead Musser to leave the FLDS life for good. Stay tuned for more updates on LatestinBollywood. 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