Today, Lori Vallow Daybell is infamously recognized as the "doomsday mom," a moniker that emerged from extensive media coverage surrounding the mysterious disappearances and tragic deaths of her children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua "JJ" Vallow. Over time, she has been labeled a "monster" and a "cult mom," reflecting the public's horror and disbelief at the sequence of events that unfolded.

In April 2025, Vallow Daybell was found guilty of conspiring to murder her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, in a case that has captivated and horrified many across the nation. Her conviction stems from a turbulent history of control, manipulation, and unfathomable choices. The Idaho jury, in May 2023, handed down a life sentence without the possibility of parole after finding her guilty on all counts related to the deaths of her teenage daughter and young son, as well as the murder of her husbands first wife, Tammy Daybell. Vallow Daybell maintained her innocence throughout, pleading not guilty despite the overwhelming evidence against her. Just a year later, in May 2024, her husband Chad Daybell was found guilty on all similar charges.

The Beginning: A Happy Marriage

The story begins in 2006 when Lori married businessman Charles Vallow. Friends described their marriage as seemingly happy, a partnership that included raising Tylee Ryan, Lori's daughter from a previous relationship. However, this image of domestic bliss would soon unravel, exemplifying a shocking transformation fueled by destructive ideologies.

2014: The Adoption of JJ

In 2014, the couple adopted Joshua "JJ" Vallow, who was the grandson of Charles' sister. JJ, a boy with autism, significantly touched the lives of those around him. Lori's friend, April Raymond, described her as a patient mother, one who embraced the challenges of parenting JJ wholeheartedly. Friends recalled that Tylee stepped into her role as a big sister with enthusiasm, even jokingly referring to JJ as her own child, a sentiment that showcased the bond they shared as a family.

2017: A Shift in Dynamics

However, starting around 2017, relatives noticed a stark change in Lori Vallow's relationship with her children. Friends reported that she had become increasingly drawn to the doomsday literature of Chad Daybell, an author known for his apocalyptic themes. Living in Rexburg, Idaho, Daybell had developed a following with his writings about preparing for the end times, a philosophy that would eventually entrap Lori.

2018: Meeting Chad Daybell

In 2018, Lori and Chad crossed paths. Initial connections blossomed into a partnership, with the two even hosting religious podcasts together. At the time, Daybell was still married and raising five children with his wife, Tammy Daybell. Reports from friends indicated that Lori began to adopt troubling beliefs influenced by Chad, including alarming discussions about "zombies," a term they used to describe individuals whose souls were allegedly taken over by "dark spirits." Lori's friends noted that her perception of her husband, Charles, shifted dramatically, with her referring to him as a "demon."

2019: Seeking Help Amidst Chaos

As 2019 unfolded, Charles Vallow grew increasingly alarmed about Lori's mental state. He approached the police, expressing his fears that she believed herself to be a "god" and was preparing for an apocalyptic reckoning. The situation escalated in February 2019 when Charles filed for divorce, citing his fear for his and the children's safety.

The tragic turning point came in July 2019, when Charles was shot to death by Lori's brother, Alex Cox, under contentious circumstances. Alex claimed to have acted in self-defense during a confrontation. Both Lori and Tylee echoed this narrative, claiming they were witnesses to the altercation.

September 2019: The Disappearance

After Charles' death, Lori relocated her children to Rexburg, Idaho, closer to Chad Daybell. Shortly thereafter, significant events unfolded. On September 8, 2019, Tylee Ryan vanished, last seen during a family outing to Yellowstone National Park. This trip marked the last known sighting of Tylee. Alarmingly, just a day after her disappearance, alarming digital footprints linked Alex Cox to Chad Daybell's property, where authorities later discovered human remains buried in shallow graves.

JJ Vallow was last seen on September 22, 2019, and witnesses reported that Lori described him as "being a zombie," demonstrating a chilling detachment from her children.

Investigating Tragedy: Uncovering the Truth

As investigators sought answers about the missing children, another tragedy struck. Tammy Daybell, Chad's first wife, died under suspicious circumstances in October 2019. As authorities began to connect the dots, they exhumed her body, conducting an autopsy that would later reveal critical details. In December of that year, as searches intensified and public concern grew, Lori and Chad traveled back to Hawaii, seemingly unfazed by the chaos surrounding them.

The mounting evidence led to Lori's arrest in February 2020 in Hawaii. Two weeks later, she was extradited to Idaho, where the search for her children continued.

Unveiling the Horrors

In June of 2020, authorities executed a search warrant on Chad Daybell's property, where they unearthed the remains of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan. The heartbreaking discovery revealed that JJ had been buried beneath a tree, while Tylee's remains were found in a pet cemetery on the property. This tragic confirmation solidified the charges against both Lori and Chad for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Legal Proceedings: The Trials

The legal battles that ensued were intense and multifaceted. Lori Vallow Daybell faced numerous charges, including murder, conspiracy, and grand theft. A judge ruled her mentally incompetent at one point, delaying her trial. However, by April 2022, she was deemed competent to stand trial.

Throughout the course of the trials, both Lori and Chad maintained their innocence, though evidence suggested a dark narrative driven by religious delusions and manipulative relationships. Ultimately, Lori was convicted in May 2023 on multiple counts of murder and conspiracy, resulting in a life sentence without parole.

On July 31, 2023, Lori Vallow Daybell was sentenced, with Judge Steven Boyce emphasizing her choices and the unfathomable path she took, saying, "You had so many other options... And as the state was able to prove at trial, you chose the most evil and destructive path possible."

As of December 2023, Lori faces additional charges related to the conspiracy to murder her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, and an attempted murder involving her nieces husband. These new developments further complicate an already tragic and convoluted case.

The chilling saga of Lori Vallow Daybell serves as a haunting reminder of the depths of human depravity and the desperate need for vigilance in recognizing the signs of dangerous ideologies.