Ann Eliza Young says the Parrish brothers were killed for apostasy.
Ann Eliza Young, Wife no. 19, or, The story of a life in bondage : being a complete exposé of Mormonism, and revealing the sorrows, sacrifices and sufferings of women in polygamy (Hartford, CT: Dustin, Gilman, & Co. 1876), 197
The Potter and Parish murders at Springville, and the assassination of Dr. Robinson at Salt Lake, are notorious. The Parrish brothers were murdered for apostasy, Dr. Robinson because he was a Gentile whose influence was extending in the Territory, so popular was he, and consequently the authorities considered him dangerous.