Lori Vallow Daybell, also known as the ‘cult mom’, has been convicted of murdering her two children and conspiring to murder her husband’s previous wife. The jury found her guilty on all six counts on Friday, May 12, after a seven-week trial that involved bizarre claims of zombie children and apocalyptic prophecies.
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Disappearance and death Story of Tylee and JJ
Lori Vallow Daybell’s children, Tylee Ryan, 16, and Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, were last seen alive in September 2019. Their disappearance sparked a nationwide search and media attention, as Lori and her husband Chad Daybell refused to cooperate with the authorities or reveal their whereabouts.
The children’s bodies were found in June 2020, buried on Chad Daybell’s property in Rexburg, Idaho. They had been dismembered, burned and wrapped in plastic. Prosecutors said Lori Vallow Daybell had lied to family members, friends and police about the children’s location, and had also collected their social security benefits after they died.
The conspiracy to kill Tammy Daybell
Lori Vallow Daybell was also accused of conspiring to kill Tammy Daybell, Chad’s first wife who died in October 2019. Tammy was found dead in her home, and her death was initially ruled as natural causes. However, an autopsy later revealed she had been poisoned with a toxic substance.
Prosecutors said Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell had planned Tammy’s murder as part of their religious beliefs that she was possessed by a dark spirit and needed to be eliminated. They also said the couple wanted to get married and fulfill their prophecy of leading the 144,000 chosen people in the end times.
The cult-like beliefs of Lori and Chad
Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell were both members of a fringe religious group that believed in preparing for the second coming of Jesus Christ and the imminent apocalypse. They also believed that some people were zombies, meaning they had been overtaken by evil spirits and needed to die.
According to prosecutors, Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell believed that Tylee and JJ were zombies, and that they had a mission to rid the world of them. They also claimed that the couple had received visions and revelations from God that justified their actions.
The verdict and the sentence
The jury deliberated for seven hours before reaching a unanimous verdict on Friday. Lori Vallow Daybell faces life in prison without parole for each murder count, and up to 20 years for each conspiracy count. The judge said setting a sentencing date will likely take at least three months.
Chad Daybell is also facing trial for the same charges as Lori Vallow Daybell. He has pleaded not guilty and his trial is scheduled to begin in November.
Conclusion
Lori Vallow Daybell’s case has shocked the world with its gruesome details and twisted motives. The jury has delivered justice for Tylee, JJ and Tammy, who were innocent victims of a murderous scheme. The case also raises questions about the dangers of cult-like beliefs and how they can lead to violence and tragedy.