A young Georgia woman involved in a polygamist cult was convicted of stabbing her 13-month-old daughter to death after being convinced that breastfeeding would transfer “evil” to the child. The tragic incident, which occurred in 2020, highlighted the disturbing practices of the cult, where members rejected medicine and engaged in bizarre healing rituals.
Chloe Driver, 24, was found guilty of the crime after a trial where she pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. However, a jury rejected her insanity defense, holding her criminally responsible for the death of her daughter, Hannah. The baby, who had never received medical care and lacked a birth certificate, was killed when Driver was just 20 years old.
Driver’s involvement with the cult began when she met her husband, Benyamin Ben Michael, at 17. Benyamin, who was 38 at the time, had two other wives and led the family in alternative healing practices such as drinking urine and sensory deprivation. According to court testimony, Benyamin indoctrinated Driver into these beliefs, convincing her that breastfeeding would “pour evil” into her child.
During the trial, Driver’s defense team argued that she was a victim of brainwashing and should not be held criminally responsible for the murder. They claimed the cult’s oppressive influence pushed her to the brink of insanity. However, prosecutors countered that Driver’s motivation was driven by a desire to “claim her husband for herself,” citing a troubling letter written by Driver.
In the letter, Driver confessed: “He didn’t do it, I did it. I was going insane and no longer wanted to be with his friends but kept coming back for him. I only wanted my baby and husband but he refused.”
Following her arrest, Driver was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, and cannabis use disorder. Her defense team highlighted her troubled childhood, describing parents who were emotionally distant, and noted that Driver had attempted suicide before meeting her husband. After marriage, Driver became increasingly isolated, with strict control over her actions. She was forbidden from speaking to others unless it was for recruiting new members, and was not allowed to go to stores, use money, or have a phone without supervision.
On the night of the murder, one of Benyamin’s other wives, Jessica, called 911 to report that the child’s throat had been cut. Police arrived to find the baby dead and Driver with a self-inflicted stab wound to her neck.
Chloe Driver is now in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12.
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