There are a few notable cases in Utah history, but only a few, that have properly illustrated the blood-atonement doctrine as taught by Brigham.

In one instance, it is related that one of the wives of a polygamist was unfaithful during his absence when he was on a mission. On his return, the "Reformation" was in full blast, and the unhappy wife believed that, from this faux-pas, she was doomed to lose her claim to motherhood over the children which she had already borne; that she would be cast aside in eternity as well as in time, by her husband; that, in fact, she would only "be an angel, and with the angels stand;" and that she could not reach the circle of gods and goddesses unless her blood was shed. She consented to meet the penalty of her error, and while her heart was gushing with affection for her husband and her children, and her mind absorbed with faith in the doctrine of human sacrifice, she seated herself upon her husband's knee, and after the warmest and most endearing embrace she had ever known–it was to be her last–when the warmth of his lips still lingered above her glowing cheek, with his own right hand he calmly cut her throat and sent her spirit to the keeping of the gods. That kind and loving husband still lives near Salt Lake City, and preaches occasionally with great zeal. He seems happy enough.