Lori Vallow, a mother from the United States with extreme religious beliefs, has been found guilty of murdering her two children and conspiring to kill her husband’s ex-wife. The trial took place in Idaho, where Vallow was convicted for the deaths of her 16-year-old daughter, Tylee Ryan, and adopted seven-year-old son, Joshua “JJ” Vallow. Reports indicate that Vallow considered herself a goddess and believed that her purpose was to prepare humanity for the second coming of Christ. She now faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole.
Vallow’s fifth husband, Chad Daybell, who is a self-published author of apocalyptic novels, will face a separate trial for similar charges, including the murder of his first wife, Tammy. The couple’s religious beliefs were cited as a contributing factor in the murders. The case gained national attention in 2019 when Vallow’s children were reported missing by Joshua’s grandparents. As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that several people associated with Vallow and Daybell had died under suspicious circumstances in recent years.Vallow’s third husband, Joseph Ryan, and her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, both passed away, with the latter being shot by Vallow’s now-deceased brother.
Additionally, Daybell’s wife, Tammy, died under questionable circumstances. Vallow and Daybell failed to report the children as missing, and their bodies were eventually discovered on Daybell’s property in Idaho in June 2020.The judge has ruled out the death penalty for Vallow, although a sentencing date has not yet been set. Daybell, on the other hand, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and could still face the death penalty if found guilty.Vallow’s religious beliefs became increasingly radical over time, and she developed the belief that she could communicate with angels. In 2018, she met Daybell, who was the leader of a radical Mormon sect focused on preparing for the end times. Prosecutors also suggested a financial motive for the crimes, as Vallow was convicted of grand theft for fraudulently obtaining social security benefits intended for her deceased children. Daybell is facing charges of insurance fraud.
The case has captured public attention and was the subject of a true-crime documentary series on Netflix titled “Sins of Our Mother,” released in the previous year. As the legal proceedings continue, the tragic story serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers of radicalized beliefs and the devastating consequences they can have on innocent lives.