Killer Lori Vallow, ‘doomsday mom,’ says Jesus spoke to her in spiritual vision, showed her prison release

The Tragic Case of Lori Vallow: A Mother’s Descent into Darkness

In a haunting interview with Dateline, Lori Vallow, the woman known as the Idaho "doomsday mom," shared her unwavering belief in her future freedom despite her life sentence for the murders of her two children and her role in the conspiracy to kill her husband’s former wife. Her conviction stems from a series of tragic events rooted in extreme religious beliefs, which led to unimaginable violence. Lori and her husband Chad Daybell, sentenced to death, were consumed by a distorted view of the world, where certain individuals were deemed "zombies" with "dark" souls. This belief system not only justified their actions but also created a chilling rationale for the murders of 7-year-old J.J. Vallow, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, and Tammy Daybell, Chad’s first wife.

Lori’s conviction is paired with her steadfast denial of guilt, a stance she maintains despite overwhelming evidence. She spoke of visions from Jesus, illustrating a future where she and Chad are free, not confined by prison walls. This narrative, intertwined with her religious delusions, paints a picture of a woman lost in a world of her own making. Her critique of the media underscores her perceived victimhood, emphasizing a belief that she is misunderstood. Yet, the gravity of her actions and the upcoming trial in Arizona for conspiring to kill her fourth husband and her niece’s ex-husband loom large, adding layers to her tangled legal saga.

The investigation into Lori’s crimes revealed a gruesome reality. The disappearance of J.J. and Tylee in September 2019, followed by Tammy’s death in October, marked the beginning of a dark chapter. Lori and Chad’s marriage in Hawaii that November, and their illicit collection of the children’s Social Security benefits, highlighted their calculating nature. The discovery of the children’s remains on Chad’s property in June 2020 was a harrowing conclusion to their disappearance. Tylee’s burned remains and J.J.’s duct-taped body bore testament to the brutality of their fate, a stark contrast to Lori’s denial of presence at the crime scene.

The emotional toll of Lori’s actions is poignantly captured through the voice of her oldest son, Colby Ryan. His transformation from a trusting individual to someone wary of others reflects the profound impact of her crimes. Colby’s reflections on his sister’s treatment, driven by hate, evoke a sense of betrayal and loss. His story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of Lori’s delusions, where love turned to lethal intent under the guise of faith.

The legal proceedings against Lori are a testament to the complexity and horror of her case. As she faces trial in Arizona, her recent extradition from Idaho, where she received a life sentence, underscores the ongoing nature of her legal battles. Her July 2023 sentencing hearing was marked by her bizarre claims of spirituality, including communications with Jesus and deceased loved ones, offering a glimpse into her psyche. Her assertion that her children are content in the spirit world, despite their violent end, reveals a detachment from reality.

In a final embrace of her delusions, Lori spoke of a near-death experience and encounters with spirits, including her daughter Tylee, who allegedly urged her to cease worrying. These claims, while heartfelt, fail to diminish the pain and suffering she has caused. As the legal system continues to grapple with her case, Lori’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked extremism and the devastating consequences of a mother’s descent into darkness. Her case remains a sorrowful testament to the fragility of the human mind and the enduring impact of tragedy on a family and community.