Residents of Colorado City have noticed an unusual quiet in town, fewer people on the streets, except for some out of town cops and news crews covering the story of Warren Jeffs‘ arrest.
Former FLDS member Richard Holm says many Jeffs followers heard and believed an ominous prophecy three years ago.
Richard Holm, Former FLDS Member: “One of my brothers-in-law told me that he heard Warren say, and Warren said it to him, he said ‘If I’m ever taken to jail, I will be killed in jail’.”
He says Jeffs compared himself to Mormon Church founder Joseph Smith, killed in jail, Jeffs claimed because his followers weren’t loyal enough.
Richard Holm: “The point that was being made was that now, in this latter day, there would be the loyalty that would protect the prophet.”
Holm says some of Jeffs’ followers genuinely believe he will be killed.
Richard Holm: “I’ve heard some say already they think law enforcement is going to see that he does.”
Private eye Sam Brower says there’s a chance some loyal followers might take action to save him.
Sam Brower, Private Detective: “In an illegal type fashion. I hope that’s not the case. But I think it’s certainly a possibility.”
He tends to think of the prophecy as an old wive’s tale among the cult members.
Sam Brower: “I think it’s something they need to hold onto, Warren Jeffs being a martyr, to validate their belief system.”
Whether or not Jeffs dies, Richard Holm says many of his most fervent followers already consider their jailed prophet a martyr. Brower believes the arrest may have weakened Jeffs in the eyes of some followers, who have seen their group come under more and more outside pressure.
Sam Brower: “I think it’s been in disarray and falling apart for quite awhile now.”
With most leaders kicked out, jailed or in hiding, Brower thinks the erosion of the Jeffs group will continue.