Podcast Summary: 20/20 – "The Crime Scene: 'Doomsday Mom' Found Guilty, Again"

Episode Details:

• Title: The Crime Scene: 'Doomsday Mom' Found Guilty, Again
• Host: Brad Milke, Crime Scene Weekly
• Guest: Mary Ellen Resendez Schuizo, ABC News & 2020 Editorial Producer
• Release Date: May 2, 2025

1. Introduction to the Case

Brad Milke opens the episode by introducing a high-profile true crime case involving Lori Vallow Daybell, a mother convicted of murdering her two children and being implicated in other murders. He sets the stage for an in-depth discussion with Mary Ellen Resendez Schuizo from ABC News, aiming to dissect the complexities and twists of this case that has captivated national attention.

2. The Beginning: Disappearing Children

Mary Ellen Resendez Schuizo provides a timeline of events starting in 2019 when Lori Vallow moved from Arizona to Rexburg, Idaho, with her two children, Tyler Ryan (16) and JJ Valo (7), along with her brother, Alex Cox. Shortly after relocating:

• [01:44] Mary Ellen: “Within a week of her moving there, Tyler goes missing. And a couple weeks later, JJ goes missing.”

The missing children prompted urgent investigations across Idaho and Arizona. By December 2019, Lori Vallow became a figure of national concern as both children remained unaccounted for.

3. Relocation and Suspicious Activities

Lori's Move to Idaho:
The move to Idaho was partly influenced by Lori's affair with Chad Daybell, an author with doomsday beliefs, who would later become her fifth husband.

• [02:47] Mary Ellen: “Chad Daybell, he was a doomsday author... Laurie's niece... talks about Chad having a pendulum, and he would get messages...”

This association introduced elements of extreme ideology and questionable beliefs, setting a troubling backdrop for future events.

4. The Disappearance Turns Deadly

Missing Children Found Dead:
In June 2020, the bodies of Tyler Ryan and JJ Valo were discovered in Chad Daybell's backyard in Idaho.

• [05:56] Mary Ellen: “Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow are charged with the murder of JJ and Tylee.”

Their discovery transformed the case from disappearances into a murder investigation, unveiling deeper layers of conspiracy and potential motives.

5. The Background of the Suspects

Lori Vallow Daybell: Lori's upbringing in a Mormon family with parents involved in the sovereign citizen movement hints at early exposure to extremist ideologies.

• [06:14] Mary Ellen: “Laurie grew up in a Mormon family, and her parents were part of the sovereign citizen movement...”

Chad Daybell: Chad's persona as a doomsday author and his influence over Lori introduced a volatile mix of power, belief, and control.

• [06:14] Mary Ellen: “Chad says in his books that he has had these two near-death experiences...”

6. The Death of Charles Vallow

First Fatality in the Saga: Before the children's deaths, Lori's fourth husband, Charles Vallow, was found dead in July 2019, shot by her brother Alex Cox in what Alex claimed was self-defense.

• [08:15] Mary Ellen: “...Alex Cox, her brother, in self-defense.”

Charles's murder added another layer of suspicion and raised questions about Lori's involvement in orchestrating multiple deaths for potential gain.

7. The Trials and Convictions

Separate Trials for Lori and Chad: In 2023, Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell faced separate trials due to Chad waiving his right to a speedy trial.

• [13:02] Mary Ellen: “There were actually two trials. The cases were split in 2023...”

Other Victims: Tammy Daybell: In addition to the children, Tammy Daybell, Chad's wife at the time Lori moved to Idaho, was also found dead of asphyxiation in December 2019.

• [13:26] Mary Ellen: “The autopsy reveals that she died of asphyxiation.”

Sentencing Outcomes:

• Lori Vallow Daybell:
  Convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder her children and Tammy Daybell. She received three life sentences without parole.

  • [17:43] Mary Ellen: “She was sentenced to three life sentences without parole.”

• Chad Daybell:
  Convicted of three murders, conspiracy, grand theft, and insurance fraud. He was sentenced to death and remains on death row in Idaho.

  • [18:51] Mary Ellen: “He is sentenced to death. The death penalty actually went off the table with Lori, but it stayed on the table with Chad Daybell.”

8. Recent Developments: Arizona Trial

Conspiracy for the Murder of Charles Vallow: In a turn of events, Lori was extradited to Arizona to face conspiracy charges related to the murder of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow.

• [19:14] Mary Ellen: “...the prosecution had to prove, that Laurie was involved and that it was a planned killing.”

Courtroom Dynamics: Mary Ellen recounts witnessing Lori's courtroom demeanor, including her decision to represent herself and a notable exchange with Nancy Jo Hancock, whom Lori confronted about dating her late husband.

• [22:46] - [23:30] Transcript Exchange:
  Lori: “You were on this date with my husband where you guys just talked about me all night long.”
  Nancy Jo Hancock: “No, we did not spend the whole time talking about you.”

This confrontation highlighted Lori's manipulative behavior and was a pivotal moment in the trial.

Verdict and Juror's Decision: Lori was found guilty based on compelling evidence, including text messages indicating a motive tied to life insurance.

• [25:33] Mary Ellen: “...she wanted to be with Chad Daybell, but they also wanted money. They wanted Charles Vallow's life insurance.”

Her defense strategy, which included dismissing the murders as accidental deaths or visitors from heaven, failed to resonate with the jury.

9. Additional Allegations and Future Charges

Attempted Murder of Brandon Boudreau: Prosecutors allege that Lori and her brother Alex orchestrated an attempted murder on Brandon Boudreau to secure his life insurance, indicating a pattern of targeting family members for financial gain.

• [28:18] Mary Ellen: “The motive with Brandon is also life insurance...”

Although Lori has been convicted on multiple fronts, further charges continue to emerge, underscoring the breadth of her alleged criminal activities.

10. Notable Courtroom Moments

Lori Representing Herself: Lori's decision to represent herself in court was a gamble that showcased her charisma but ultimately did not sway the jury.

• [20:58] Mary Ellen: “She decided to represent herself. In December of 2024...”

Impact of Closing Arguments: The prosecution's closing arguments played a crucial role in swaying jury members, particularly a male juror who changed his vote after hearing the comprehensive summary.

• [26:34] Mary Ellen: “...Trina K's closing arguments mattered to them...”

11. Conclusion: The Human Toll

Mary Ellen's Reflection: Mary Ellen emphasizes the real-life tragedy behind the sensational headlines, reminding listeners that multiple families have suffered irreparable losses.

• [30:13] Mary Ellen: “Everyone has to kind of remember that while this might be a story to other people, these were lives and family members that people loved...”

The case of Lori Vallow Daybell stands as a stark reminder of how intertwined relationships, extremist beliefs, and financial motives can culminate in devastating criminal acts.

12. Additional True Crime Stories

While the episode primarily focuses on the Lori Vallow Daybell case, it briefly touches upon other true crime news, including:

• Kim Kardashian Robbery Trial in Paris: Defendants known as the "Grandpa Robbers" face charges related to the 2016 abduction and robbery.
• Sean Combs Case: A federal judge allowed the admission of a controversial video in the sex trafficking and racketeering trial.
• Missouri Firefighter's Murder: A paramedic named Graham Hoffman was allegedly stabbed while on duty.

These segments provide listeners with updates on other significant true crime events happening concurrently.

Closing Remarks: Brad Milke wraps up the episode by acknowledging the complexities and emotional weight of the Lori Vallow Daybell case, thanking Mary Ellen for her insights, and reminding listeners of ongoing developments in the true crime landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Ellen Resendez Schuizo [01:44]:
  “Within a week of her moving there, Tyler goes missing. And a couple weeks later, JJ goes missing.”

• Mary Ellen Resendez Schuizo [07:50]:
  “Well, this is kind of where we get into the very gruesome and just heartbreaking part of the trials.”

• Mary Ellen Resendez Schuizo [22:38]:
  “That was like, the line that everybody will remember from this trial, because she just put Lori in her place.”

• Mary Ellen Resendez Schuizo [25:33]:
  “She wanted to be with Chad Daybell, but they also wanted money. They wanted Charles Vallow's life insurance.”

• Mary Ellen Resendez Schuizo [30:13]:
  “These were lives and family members that people loved, and they were taken away. And this is truly a tragedy for several families involved in this.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the intricate details of Lori Vallow Daybell's case as discussed in the podcast episode, providing listeners with a clear and structured overview of events, legal proceedings, and personal reflections on the tragedy's broader impact.