Lori Vallow Speaks: A Dateline Interview Like No Other
Imagine a story where two people, driven by extreme beliefs and personal desires, commit unthinkable acts against their own families. This is the chilling tale of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, a couple whose actions shocked the nation.
Lori Vallow was once known as a devoted mother and active member of her community. However, her life took a dark turn when she met Chad Daybell in 2018 at a religious conference in Utah. Chad, a self-published author of doomsday-themed novels, claimed to have had near-death experiences that allowed him to see into the past and future. He believed he could identify "dark" spirits or "zombies" inhabiting people's bodies, labeling them as such before they were killed. Their meeting was described by Lori as "amazing," stating, "I recognized him spiritually, and he recognized me spiritually, that we had known each other for eternities."Â
Their connection quickly deepened, leading to an affair. At the time, both were marriedâLori to Charles Vallow and Chad to Tammy Daybell. Charles, sensing something was amiss, filed for divorce and expressed concerns about Lori's mental state. He told authorities that Lori believed she was a "resurrected being" and a god, warning them of potential danger to himself and their children.
In July 2019, Charles Vallow was shot and killed by Lori's brother, Alex Cox, who claimed self-defense. Cox, described by investigators as a "cold-blooded killer," was deeply devoted to his sister and allegedly willing to do anything for her and Chad.
Just months later, in October 2019, Chad's wife, Tammy Daybell, was found dead in their home. Initially deemed natural causes, suspicions arose when Chad and Lori married merely weeks after Tammy's death. An exhumation and autopsy later revealed Tammy had died by asphyxiation.
The most heart-wrenching aspect of this saga involves Lori's two children: 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old Joshua "JJ" Vallow. They were last seen in September 2019. Despite family members' concerns and law enforcement's efforts, Lori remained evasive about their whereabouts. In June 2020, their remains were discovered buried on Chad Daybell's property in Idaho. Tylee had been dismembered and burned, while JJ was found in a pet cemetery.
Throughout this period, Lori and Chad's beliefs became increasingly extreme. They viewed certain individuals, including their own family members, as possessed or replaced by dark spirits. This warped perspective, combined with desires for financial gainâsuch as life insurance payoutsâand their relationship, culminated in these tragic events.
In 2023, Lori Vallow was convicted of the murders of her children and conspiracy to commit murder in Tammy Daybell's death. She was sentenced to multiple life terms without the possibility of parole. Chad Daybell faced his own trial in 2024 and was convicted on all counts, receiving a death sentence.
Despite the overwhelming evidence and their convictions, Lori remains unrepentant. In a recent jailhouse interview with NBC's Keith Morrison, she expressed confidence that she and Chad would be exonerated, claiming that Jesus had shown her visions of their future freedom. She even suggested that after her exoneration, she might appear on "Dancing With the Stars," inviting Morrison to join her.
Morrison described the 90-minute interview as "exhausting," noting that Lori was determined to tell her own version of events, which did not align with established facts. She frequently challenged Morrison's questions, asking, "Where'd you hear that? Keith, who told you that?"Â Â
This case serves as a stark reminder of how extreme beliefs, when combined with personal desires, can lead to devastating consequences. The tragic loss of innocent lives and the subsequent trials have left an indelible mark on all those involved.
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