Lori Vallow, the "Doomsday Mom," Maintains Innocence in First TV Interview, Claims Future Exoneration
Lori Vallow, infamously known as the "Doomsday Mom" for her role in the deaths of her two youngest children and conspiracy to murder her husband Chad Daybell’s former wife, has given her first television interview since being sentenced to life in prison in 2023. In the interview, Vallow maintains her innocence and boldly proclaims her belief that she will eventually be freed from prison.
Vallow and Daybell, who received the death penalty for his involvement, were convicted of the murders of Vallow’s children, 7-year-old J.J. Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, as well as Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell, in 2019. Prosecutors successfully argued that the murders were a direct result of the couple’s extreme "doomsday" religious beliefs, which involved the bizarre concept of some people being "zombies" possessed by dark spirits.
In the "Dateline" episode, Vallow directly addressed the issue of her potential exoneration. "I have seen things in the future that Jesus showed me when I was in heaven, and we were not … in prison," she stated. "And they were still in the future from now." Her claim reinforces her steadfast belief that both she and Daybell will be cleared of the charges against them.
Vallow also used the interview as an opportunity to criticize media coverage of her case. "They exaggerate everything, and they make stuff up, and they twist things around," she said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many high-profile defendants. She further asserted that she is "absolutely" misunderstood by the public and the media.
Upcoming Trial in Arizona
Despite her life sentence in Idaho, Vallow is set to face trial in Arizona on charges of conspiring to murder her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, and her niece’s ex-husband. A judge recently rejected Vallow’s motion to dismiss the case, paving the way for the trial to proceed.
The Timeline of Tragedy
The series of events leading to Vallow’s conviction began in September 2019 when J.J. and Tylee were reported missing. Just a month later, Tammy Daybell died under suspicious circumstances. Shortly after Tammy’s death, Vallow and Daybell married in Hawaii in November 2019. Investigators later discovered that the couple continued to collect J.J. and Tylee’s Social Security benefits after their disappearances.
The remains of J.J. and Tylee were discovered in shallow graves on Daybell’s property in Rexburg, Idaho, in June 2020, bringing an end to the extensive search and confirming the worst fears. The details surrounding the discovery were particularly gruesome: Tylee’s remains were burned, while J.J. was bound in duct tape.
During the "Dateline" interview, Vallow denied being present at the site of her children’s murders, stating, "I was not there." However, the prosecution presented compelling evidence during the trial to prove her involvement.
"Dark" Spirits and Zombies
Prosecutors argued that Vallow and Daybell’s extreme religious beliefs played a central role in the murders. The pair allegedly believed that individuals possessed either "dark" or "light" souls. The "dark" spirits were believed to be so malevolent that they could transform individuals into "zombies." This distorted worldview allegedly justified the couple’s actions in their minds.
The Impact on Family
Vallow’s oldest son and only surviving child, Colby Ryan, also participated in the "Dateline" episode. He poignantly described the impact of his mother’s actions on his life and his perception of others.
"I guess I always was, like, a positive, see-the-best-in-people kind of person, and then I watched someone I knew my entire life do what she did, and it just changed the way I view people," Colby said. "The way that my sister was treated was with hate. That’s not even human to do what they did to her after." His words reflect the profound sense of betrayal and grief experienced by Vallow’s family.
Law Enforcement Perspectives
The "Dateline" interview also featured perspectives from law enforcement officials involved in the case, including retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Doug Hart, the former lead detective for the Rexburg Police Department, Sheriff Ron Ball, and Det. Ray Hermosillo of the Rexburg Police Department. Their insights shed light on the complexities of the investigation and the challenges they faced in bringing Vallow and Daybell to justice.
Vallow’s Statements at Sentencing
During her sentencing hearing, Vallow spoke publicly for the first time since her arrest in 2020. Her statements further illustrated her detachment from reality and her adherence to her distorted beliefs.
"I have had many communications with Jesus Christ, savior of this world, and our heavenly parents. I have had many angelic visitors come and communicated with me and even manifested themselves to me because of these communications," Vallow told the Idaho courtroom. "I know for a fact that my children are happy and busy in the spirit world. Because of my communications with my friend, Tammy Daybell, I know that she is also very happy and extremely busy."
Vallow even claimed that she "died in the hospital" while in labor with her daughter, Tylee. She said that doctors revived her and that she began seeing spirits at that point.
"One of the times that Tylee came to me as a spirit after she died … she said to me, ‘Stop worrying, mom. We are fine.’ She knows how I worry and how I miss her," Vallow said at the time.
Extradition to Arizona
Following her sentencing in Idaho, Vallow was extradited to Arizona in November 2023 to face charges related to the deaths of Charles Vallow and her niece’s ex-husband, continuing the legal saga surrounding the "Doomsday Mom." Her case continues to captivate the public and raises troubling questions about the dangers of religious extremism and the devastating consequences of distorted beliefs.
