The estranged daughter of the founder of a polygamist cult apparently committed suicide, but officials are conducting an investigation into her death because of a history of violence in the family.
Lillian Chynoweth, 33, a daughter of the late Ervil LeBaron, founder of The Church of Lamb of God, died of a single gunshot to the right side of the head in her northwest Houston home Saturday morning, homicide Lt. Richard Holland said."Violent death seems to follow these people," Holland said, referring to the cult's reputation for "blood atonement" against members who defect from the church.
Chynoweth, dressed only in a housecoat, was found dead on the sitting room floor of her home by her 13-year-old daughter.
There were no signs of forced entry or foul play, Holland said. Chynoweth had been seeking treatment for depression and had "recent conversations of suicide with friends and family," he said.
Last June 27, Chynoweth's husband, Mark, 36, was found shot to death in his office at his Houston appliance store. Three other people associated with the polygamist cult were found dead the same day. The killings have never been solved.