5 shocking details about the Lori Vallow Daybell murder case

The chilling trial of Lori Vallow Daybell appeared on the recent episode of Dateline: Unforgettable, which aired on February 6, 2025, on NBC. It followed the development in this case as stated in the episode's official logline:

"In May 2023, a mother was tried and convicted of murdering her two children as part of a cult plan that had something to do with "Doomsday" and was found guilty of trying to kill her husband's ex-wife which added to the sentence."

As stated above, a mother (Lori Vallow Daybell) and her husband (Chad Daybell) are convicted of killing their two children - 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old Joshua Jaxon 'J.J.' Vallow and Chad's ex-wife, Tammy. In September 2019, the kids were reported missing. The authorities found their bodies on Chad's property in February 2020.

Lori and Chad went through a lengthy trial for these crimes. It was discovered that they were motivated by "doomsday" beliefs that JJ, Tylee, and Tammy were possessed by dark spirits. In 2023, Lori was sentenced to life in prison without a possibility of parole while in 2024, Chad was sentenced to death as he was found guilty of the murder of J.J. and Tylee.

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1) Chad's 'doomsday' cult and Lori Vallow Daybell

Chad and Lori Vallow Daybell got together reportedly due to Chad's cult that believed in doomsday and was preparing for the end of the world by "eliminating the dark spirits." Chad was a self-proclaimed doomsday prophet and an author. He and Lori married reportedly briefly after the death of Chad's wife, Tammy.

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2) The alleged belief about people turning into zombies

Lori and Chad reportedly believed that they needed to get rid of some people. If not, these people turn into zombies. Per a report acquired by People, Rexburg police Lt. Ron Ball stated in an affidavit:

"[T]he term 'zombie' refers to an individual whose mortal spirit has left their body and that their body is now the host of another spirit. The new spirit in a 'zombie' is always considered a 'dark spirit.' "

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3) Lori's speech before receiving the life sentence

Lori Vallow Daybell received a life imprisonment sentence in July 2023. Shortly before, the court offered a chance to speak. At the time, she gave a speech that reflected her cult beliefs.

“Jesus knows me and Jesus understands me. I mourn with all of you who mourn my children and Tammy. Jesus Christ knows the truth of what happened here. Jesus Christ knows that no one was murdered in this case. Accidental deaths happen. Suicides happen. Fatal side effects from medications happen.”

Lori reportedly said that her children did not blame her for their deaths. She said,

"I know for a fact that my children are happy and busy in the spirit world,”

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4) The alleged belief in being a God

Charles Vallow, Lori Vallow Daybell's ex-husband, reportedly claimed the reason behind their divorce to be her staunch beliefs. In 2019 court filings per a report on People, Charles alleged that Lori had "spiritual visions" before their divorce. It noted that she was committed to "the ancient Book of Mormon prophet Moroni and that she has lived numerous lives on numerous planets prior to this current life."

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5) The bizarre ratings

Lori Vallow Daybell reportedly communicated with Chad through emails to gauge whether the spirits of their children were dark and light. They used strange ratings "4.2L," "4.1D", or "2L" while speaking about people in their lives. As mentioned by People, Chad wrote, "2's and 3's are fluid and can change sides during earth life. 4.1 and above have made covenants to their side. They rarely switch sides."