Dateline NBC: Talking Dateline - Lori Vallow Daybell: The Jailhouse Interview

Episode Release Date: March 12, 2025

In the March 12, 2025 episode of Dateline NBC, hosts Andrea Canning and Keith Morrison delve deep into one of America's most perplexing true-crime cases: Lori Vallow Daybell. This detailed, long-form summary encapsulates their comprehensive discussion, highlighting key points, insightful analyses, and notable quotes from their in-depth jailhouse interview with Lori Vallow Daybell.

Introduction

Andrea Canning opens the episode by setting the stage for a riveting discussion about her and Keith Morrison’s latest installment on the Dateline podcast: "Lori Vallow Daybell - The Jailhouse Interview." She underscores the gravity of Lori’s case—her conviction for the murder of two of her children and her conspiracy to murder her husband’s former wife—and emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the interview conducted while Lori awaits another murder trial in Arizona, where she has elected to represent herself.

First Impressions and Lori’s Demeanor

The conversation begins with Andrea expressing her initial shock at Lori Vallow Daybell's demeanor during the interview, particularly her winking at the camera as she walked to meet with Keith Morrison.

Andrea Canning [02:10]: "Something that was extremely disturbing to me was Lori Valo winking at the camera as she's walking through the hall to your interview. What the heck is up with that?"

Keith Morrison explains that Lori's wink was a true reflection of her brazen and unapologetic personality.

Keith Morrison [02:31]: "The wink of the camera was Lori Valo Being Lori Valo, she's brazen, if nothing else."

Andrea concurs, noting the inappropriateness of such behavior given the gravity of the topics they were about to discuss.

Lori’s Legal and Psychological Background

Keith provides a detailed background on Lori’s legal battles and psychological evaluations. He explains that although Lori was initially deemed not psychiatrically capable of standing trial due to a delusional disorder with extreme religious undertones, she was later declared sane enough to proceed and was convicted.

Keith Morrison [03:17]: "The legal system considers her sane enough to go on trial and sane enough to represent herself in the courtroom. And she's a bright woman, there's no question about that. Very quick with a retort or whatever, but I really do wonder whether she is sane."

Manipulation and Relationships

The hosts explore Lori’s intricate relationships, particularly her connection with Chad Daybell, her fourth husband, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of her brother, Alex. Keith highlights the manipulative dynamics between Lori and Chad, suggesting that both were influential in orchestrating the crimes.

Keith Morrison [05:12]: "They manipulated each other. And she was a tremendously manipulative person. He came up with the ideas, but, man, oh, man, she has an ability to make somebody do what she wants them to do."

Challenges During the Interview

Andrea and Keith candidly discuss the difficulties faced during the interview. Lori’s unwavering stance and refusal to provide clear answers posed significant challenges.

Andrea Canning [04:25]: "I was really shocked at just the layers of what this woman is accused of. She is deeply, deeply disturbed."

Keith Morrison [07:29]: "She knew I didn't buy this story of hers for one second, but she was absolutely determined to filibuster through the 90 minutes and get that story told."

Andrea notes Lori’s attempts to derail the interview, including personal attacks and singing to avoid direct questions.

Andrea Canning [08:43]: "At one point she says she yells at you, kind of like raised voice, like, get your facts straight, you know, Keith. And like, you don't. Like you've been covering this story for five years."

Insights Gained

Despite the obstacles, Keith acknowledges that the interview provided valuable insights into Lori’s character and motivations. He reflects on Lori’s portrayal of her relationship with Chad and her distorted perception of events.

Keith Morrison [16:02]: "Well, I do hope to get answers to questions, knowing that it's... She's not ever going to answer a question."

Viewer and Listener Questions

The episode transitions to addressing questions from social media, providing additional layers to the discussion.

1. Hair Dye and Makeup in Prison: Andrea addresses a viewer’s query about Lori’s appearance during the interview, explaining the prison’s commissary system allows basic beauty products and unconventional methods like using towels to curl hair.

   Andrea Canning [19:21]: "Did you do that?"

   Keith Morrison [19:50]: "They can't have air curlers. They use towels which they get wet and they roll their hair up in the towels and sleep in it that way."

2. Lori’s Behavior Post-Interview: Andrea shares an audio clip where a viewer asks if Lori acted differently before or after the cameras left. Keith responds that Lori remained strategic and consistent throughout.

   Keith Morrison [22:16]: "She was strategic from beginning to end, in my opinion."

3. Learning New Information: A viewer inquires whether any new information was gleaned from the interview. Keith admits that while no groundbreaking revelations emerged, the interview was instrumental in showcasing Lori's true character.

   Keith Morrison [23:29]: "She wasn't going to reveal them, but she did reveal something of herself, a little more of herself and what her character was all about."

4. Interview Difficulty: Another listener asks if this was Keith’s hardest interview. Keith acknowledges the challenge but also the fascination it presented.

   Keith Morrison [24:26]: "Right at the end? ... I wouldn’t say the hardest, but pretty close."

Conclusion and Reflections

Andrea and Keith wrap up the discussion by reflecting on the enduring nature of Lori’s case and the continuous legal proceedings pending against her.

Keith Morrison [25:43]: "Yes. It’s something worth doing, even if it was frustrating."

Andrea reiterates the ongoing nature of Lori’s legal battles and thanks Keith for his insightful analysis.

Andrea Canning [26:09]: "And that is it for talking DATELINE this week."

Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with anticipation for future developments in Lori Vallow Daybell’s case and a teaser for upcoming Dateline episodes. Andrea emphasizes the importance of engaging with listeners and invites them to submit questions for future discussions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Andrea Canning [02:10]: "Something that was extremely disturbing to me was Lori Valo winking at the camera as she's walking through the hall to your interview. What the heck is up with that?"

• Keith Morrison [03:17]: "The legal system considers her sane enough to go on trial and sane enough to represent herself in the courtroom. And she's a bright woman, there's no question about that. Very quick with a retort or whatever, but I really do wonder whether she is sane."

• Keith Morrison [05:12]: "They manipulated each other. And she was a tremendously manipulative person. He came up with the ideas, but, man, oh, man, she has an ability to make somebody do what she wants them to do."

• Keith Morrison [07:29]: "She knew I didn't buy this story of hers for one second, but she was absolutely determined to filibuster through the 90 minutes and get that story told."

• Andrea Canning [19:21]: "Did you do that?"

• Keith Morrison [22:16]: "She was strategic from beginning to end, in my opinion."

• Keith Morrison [23:29]: "She wasn't going to reveal them, but she did reveal something of herself, a little more of herself and what her character was all about."

• Keith Morrison [24:26]: "Right at the end? ... I wouldn’t say the hardest, but pretty close."

• Keith Morrison [25:43]: "Yes. It’s something worth doing, even if it was frustrating."

This episode of Dateline NBC offers a profound exploration of Lori Vallow Daybell’s psyche, her manipulative tendencies, and the challenges faced by journalists in uncovering the truth behind complex criminal cases. Through Andrea Canning and Keith Morrison’s candid discussion, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics at play, the resilience required in investigative journalism, and the enduring quest for answers in unresolved mysteries.