In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, Tony Brueski delved into the perplexing and dark world of Chad and Lori Vallow Daybell, with insights from Leah Sottile, author of "When the Moon Turns to Blood." The conversation unearthed chilling details about the couple's extreme beliefs and the sequence of events that led to a series of heinous crimes, leaving listeners to wonder: how did a pair of seemingly ordinary individuals descend into such depths of delusion and violence?

 

 Sottile, in her meticulous research, traced Chad Daybell's journey from an aspiring writer with a penchant for the conspiratorial fringes of the LDS faith to a self-proclaimed prophet. His writings, initially couched as fiction, gradually revealed a deeper conviction in apocalyptic visions. Chad's transition from journalism to the world of near-death experience literature marked his foray into a realm where his narratives found a captive audience. Despite a lack of commercial success, Chad’s writings resonated with a select few, including Lori Vallow.

 

 The intersection of Chad and Lori's lives at a prepper conference set the stage for their eventual partnership, one that was rooted in shared extreme beliefs. Sottile noted that while much scrutiny had been directed at Lori, a deeper exploration into her background revealed a familiarity with conspiratorial and anti-government views, possibly inherited from her father. This upbringing may have made her susceptible to Chad's radical ideologies.

 

 The dynamics between Chad and Lori evolved into a mutually reinforcing cycle of radical beliefs and actions. As Sottile observed, both Chad and Lori seemed to have been "egging each other on," contributing equally to the culmination of their tragic narrative. Chad's portrayal of himself as a victim of Lori's influence, particularly in a male-dominated, patriarchal religious fringe, raised questions about the credibility of his claims.

 

 Moreover, the pair's use of religious language and beliefs to justify their actions, including the murders of their former spouses and children, was a critical aspect of their story. They crafted a belief system where people were classified as obstacles or dark spirits, thereby dehumanizing them and rationalizing their elimination. This belief system, intertwined with financial motives as evidenced by life insurance policies and social security checks, painted a grim picture of the Daybells' motivations.

 

 As the podcast unfolded, listeners were left to grapple with the complexities of the human condition, particularly how deep-seated beliefs can lead to catastrophic decisions. The conversation with Sottile offered a glimpse into the minds of Chad and Lori, providing context to their actions but leaving many questions unanswered.

 

 The Daybells' story is a stark reminder of the power of belief and the potential for it to be twisted into something malevolent. As the legal proceedings continue, the world watches, seeking answers and justice for the heinous crimes committed. But beyond the courtroom, the broader question lingers: how do we understand and address the underlying factors that lead individuals down such dark paths? The Chad and Lori Daybell case, as explored by Leah Sottile, remains a chilling testament to the hidden killers that lurk within the human psyche.

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com