Driver, who was 20 at the time, stabbed her daughter to death because the cult had convinced her that breastfeeding would “pour evil” into the child. Hannah had never seen a doctor and didn’t even have a birth certificate, according to KFOX.
Driver’s lawyers argued that she was trapped in the cult, brainwashed and abused by its leader, her husband, Benyamin Ben Michael, also called “Z.” Driver met Benyamin when she was 17, and he was 38. In court, it was revealed that Benyamin had two other wives and forced the family to follow bizarre practices, like drinking urine and sensory deprivation.
Driver admitted to believing these harmful ideas, including that her breast milk was dangerous. The prosecution rejected her insanity plea, saying jealousy drove her actions.
They presented a troubling letter written by Driver: “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.”
After her arrest, Driver was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, and cannabis use disorder.
Her defense team described her troubled past, including a difficult childhood, distant parents, and past suicide attempts. An expert witness, Dr. Garrett, explained how isolated Driver was in the cult: “She wasn’t allowed to talk to people unless it was for recruiting, couldn’t go shopping, handle money, or use a phone without permission.”
The night of the murder, another wife, Jessica, called 911, saying a child’s throat had been cut. When police arrived, they found Hannah dead and Driver with a self-inflicted neck wound. Driver is now in custody and will be sentenced on December 12. The case has sparked discussions about the dangers of cults and the harm caused by abuse and control.
