’48 Hours’ “Lori Vallow Daybell: Guilty” Encore December 30 2023

The disappearance of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan in September 2019 captured international headlines and sparked a complex investigation that uncovered a web of deceit, religious fanaticism, and murder. The children’s sudden vanishing occurred shortly after their family’s move from Arizona to Rexburg, Idaho. Tylee was last seen on September 8, 2019, in Yellowstone National Park, and JJ’s last known appearance was on September 23, 2019. Throughout the investigation, Lori Vallow Daybell and her husband, Chad Daybell, consistently evaded cooperation with law enforcement and offered no information on the children’s whereabouts. In a shocking development in June 2020, JJ and Tylee’s remains were discovered in shallow graves on Chad Daybell’s property. CBS News delves deep into this harrowing story in the special 48 HOURS episode: “Lori Vallow Daybell: Guilty,” set to air on December 30, 2023.

Early Years and Family Dynamics

Lori Vallow, initially a caring and devoted mother, experienced a drastic shift in behavior following her marriage to businessman Charles Vallow in 2006. The couple raised Tylee and later adopted Joshua “JJ” Vallow. However, around 2017, Lori’s demeanor began to change, coinciding with her growing interest in the apocalyptic writings of Chad Daybell.

The Doomsday Connection

Lori’s fascination with Chad Daybell’s end-of-world scenarios marked the beginning of a disturbing transformation. By 2018, Lori and Chad, both still married to other partners, formed a close relationship, united by their shared religious and doomsday beliefs.

A String of Mysterious Events

The period following Lori’s association with Chad Daybell saw alarming developments. Charles Vallow’s growing concerns about Lori’s mental state escalated in 2019, leading to his untimely death in a controversial shooting by Lori’s brother, Alex Cox. This incident raised numerous suspicions about the family’s dynamics and Lori’s involvement.

Disappearance and Grim Discovery

The most unsettling chapter in this saga began with the disappearance of Tylee and JJ in September 2019. Despite mounting suspicions and investigative efforts, Lori and Chad Daybell remained silent. The tragic discovery of the children’s bodies in June 2020 on Chad Daybell’s property brought the case to a shocking reality.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Following the discovery, Lori Vallow Daybell faced multiple charges, including murder and conspiracy. In a trial that gripped the nation, she was convicted and sentenced to life without parole in May 2023. The case brought to light Lori’s deep entanglement in extremist beliefs and raised critical questions about the responsibility to recognize and address such dangers.

Conclusion

The story of JJ and Tylee’s disappearance and the subsequent investigation into Lori Vallow Daybell’s actions is a somber reminder of the catastrophic impact of fanaticism and delusion. This case not only highlights the need for vigilance in detecting and responding to such threats but also honors the memory of the innocent lives tragically lost in this harrowing ordeal. CBS News’ “Lori Vallow Daybell: Guilty” provides an in-depth look at this complex and heart-wrenching story, inviting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of such tragic events.