Dateline NBC: Lori Vallow Daybell - The Jailhouse Interview
Episode Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host: NBC News

Introduction and Background

In the gripping episode titled "Lori Vallow Daybell: The Jailhouse Interview", NBC News delves deep into the dark and convoluted case of Lori Vallow Daybell, a woman infamously known as the "Doomsday Mom." This detailed investigation unravels the web of murders, disappearances, and religious fanaticism that culminated in Lori’s incarceration.

Lori’s Personal Life and Marriages

Lori Vallow Daybell’s tumultuous personal life serves as the foundation of her story. Born into a large Mormon family in southern California in 1973, Lori was known for her charisma and involvement in the spotlight, including appearances on the game show Wheel of Fortune. By the age of 28, Lori had been married three times. Her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, whom she married in 2006, adopted their autistic son, JJ, and their daughter, Tylee. Lori’s son, Colby Ryan, described her as “multi-talented” and “always loving to do different things” (10:17).

Religious Beliefs and Meeting Chad Daybell

In 2018, Lori attended a religious conference in Phoenix, Arizona, where she met Chad Daybell, a man with a fervent belief in end-times theology. Chad, an author of apocalyptic-themed fiction, became instrumental in deepening Lori’s extremist beliefs. Lori described their meeting as a spiritual awakening, stating, “The veil was once again opened, and we remembered each” (12:53). Their shared beliefs led them to become leaders of a group anticipating the second coming of Christ.

Disappearance of Tyler and JJ

The disappearance of Lori’s children, Tyler (16) and JJ (7), in January 2020, marked the beginning of a series of unsettling events. Initially reported as vanishings from their Idaho home, suspicions arose when other closer associations connected Lori and Chad to a string of unexplained deaths in their circle. By February 2020, Lori was arrested in Hawaii and extradited to Idaho, where the bodies of Tyler and JJ were later discovered in Chad’s backyard (06:39).

Death of Charles Vallow

Charles Vallow’s death was another pivotal moment in the case. On July 10, 2019, Lori’s brother, Alex Cox, shot and killed Charles in what was initially claimed to be self-defense. However, investigators found inconsistencies in Alex’s account, such as the lack of a weapon and the implausibility of his injuries (18:04). The incident led to suspicions of foul play, especially given the financial motivations tied to life insurance policies.

Attempted Murder of Brandon Boudreau

In November 2019, an attempted murder on Brandon Boudreau, Lori’s niece’s estranged husband, further complicated the case. Brandon reported being shot at by a green Jeep Wrangler, later identified as belonging to Charles Vallow. This incident raised alarms about Lori and Chad’s intentions, suggesting a pattern of eliminating obstacles for financial gain (32:00).

Death of Tammy Daybell

Tammy Daybell, Chad’s wife of nearly 30 years, died under suspicious circumstances on October 19, 2019. Initially ruled as a natural death, an autopsy later revealed signs of asphyxiation, leading investigators to suspect Lori and Chad’s involvement. Text messages and surveillance footage indicated that the death was likely orchestrated to benefit from life insurance policies (43:35).

Investigation and Evidence

The cumulative evidence against Lori and Chad included inconsistencies in their alibis, suspicious financial transactions, and disturbing text messages. A critical breakthrough came from a text message sent by Chad at 10:53 AM on June 9, 2020, mentioning burning “limb debris” and a raccoon “now in our pet cemetery,” which investigators linked to the burial of Tylee and JJ (68:10). This key piece of evidence led to a search warrant and the subsequent discovery of the children’s remains.

Lori's Conviction and Trial

Chad Daybell was sentenced to death, while Lori received a life sentence in prison for her involvement in multiple murders and conspiracies. Despite overwhelming evidence, Lori maintained her innocence throughout her trial. In her jailhouse interview, she adamantly denied any wrongdoing, asserting, “I did not kill a soul. Absolutely not” (01:50).

Jailhouse Interview Highlights

During the 90-minute interview conducted by Keith Morrison, Lori exhibited a combative demeanor, frequently diverting from direct questions and presenting a delusional narrative intertwined with her extremist beliefs. Notable moments include:

• Religious Delusions: Lori claimed to have spiritual visions and connections, stating, “When I saw Tylee in heaven before she was born, she knew she was gonna come have all these difficult things” (74:01).
• Defiance and Denial: She consistently denied the accusations, challenging the veracity of the evidence and accusing the media of fabrication. For instance, she retorted, “I'm trying to give you the truth and you really don't want to hear it” (55:07).
• Manipulative Behavior: Lori attempted to shift blame onto her deceased daughter, suggesting Tylee had unintentionally caused JJ’s death, a claim her son Colby vehemently refuted (79:09).

Impact on Lori's Son, Colby

Colby Ryan, Lori’s surviving son, shared his profound trauma and struggle to reconcile with his mother's actions. Through his YouTube channel, "Scar Wars," Colby sought healing and understanding. In his confrontation with Lori during the interview, he expressed deep pain and forgiveness, stating, “I forgive you, but we can't be a part of each other's lives because I don't feel like I know you anymore” (80:28). Colby emphasized that Lori's narratives were baseless, asserting, “Absolutely not. That's all lies. None of it ever added up” (80:19).

Conclusion

This episode of Dateline NBC meticulously chronicles the descent of Lori Vallow Daybell from a charismatic mother to a convicted murderer entwined in a web of religious extremism and personal ambition. Through detailed investigations, compelling interviews, and the emotional testimonies of those affected, the podcast offers a comprehensive look into one of America’s most disturbing true-crime cases.

Notable Quotes:

• Lori Vallow Daybell: “I did not kill a soul. Absolutely not.” (01:50)
• Colby Ryan: “I forgive you, but we can't be a part of each other's lives because I don't feel like I know you anymore.” (80:28)
• Keith Morrison: “You didn't kill a soul. You didn't conspire to kill a soul.” (85:55)

This summary provides a thorough overview of the episode, highlighting the key events, character dynamics, and emotional impacts while maintaining the integrity and flow of the original content.