Killer Minds: Inside the Minds of Serial Killers & Murderers
Episode: MURDEROUS MINDS: ‘Doomsday Mom’ Lori Vallow Daybell Pt. 2
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Hosts: Vanessa Richardson & Dr. Tristin Engels, Crime House Studios
Introduction
In this gripping finale of their deep dive into the life and crimes of Lori Vallow Daybell, hosts Vanessa Richardson and Dr. Tristin Engels unravel the intricate web of manipulation, control, and murder orchestrated by Lori and her partner, Chad Daybell. This episode meticulously explores the psychological underpinnings that drove Lori to commit heinous acts against her own family and others.
The Formation of a Doomsday Cult
Vanessa Richardson opens the episode by setting the stage for Lori Vallow Daybell's descent into extremism:
“Her faith was everything to her. But Laurie wasn't a nun or a pastor. She didn't promote peace or harmony because her goal wasn't to make the world a better place. It was to end it completely.” [00:00]
Dr. Tristan Engels explains how Lori and Chad leveraged mystical beliefs to attract and control followers:
“Chad's gatekeeping of spiritual abilities secures loyalty, making followers feel chosen and special.” [14:39]
Lori and Chad's relationship began at a doomsday preppers conference, where shared extreme beliefs and mystical practices bonded them. Chad introduced Lori to his belief in the owl necklace, which he claimed could discern the spiritual purity of individuals:
“Chad could use the necklace to determine who they were in their past lives.” [07:03]
Manipulation and Isolation
The hosts delve into how Lori and Chad manipulated those around them. Dr. Engels discusses the use of fear as a control mechanism:
“Chad's use of fear impairs rational thinking, making individuals more susceptible to coercive control.” [13:47]
Lori’s manipulation extended to her family, particularly her husband Charles. When Charles discovered Lori’s deceit, his attempts to intervene only deepened the family's dysfunction:
“Charles was terrified. He was especially worried about JJ, who had autism and needed medication.” [16:33]
Lori and Chad systematically isolated their followers from external influences, ensuring loyalty and dependency. This isolation was pivotal in maintaining their control over family members and cult followers alike.
Escalation of Violence
The tension peaks with the murder of Charles Vallow. Lori's deceitful actions culminated in her orchestrating his death, which was initially presented as self-defense by her brother Alex:
“Alex called 911. When police and medics arrived, only Alex was there. He calmly explained that shortly after Charles got to the house, he and Lori got into an explosive argument...” [30:24]
Despite apparent remorse, Lori’s callous behavior continued. She hosted a pool party shortly after Charles's death and lied about the circumstances of his demise, further revealing her manipulative nature:
“After Charles was killed, Laurie hosted a pool party...she was calmly chatting on the phone by the pool.” [33:13]
Discovery and Arrest
The disappearance of Lori's children, Tylee and JJ, triggered a nationwide manhunt. Investigations into Tammy Daybell's suspicious death led authorities to uncover the gruesome truth:
“In May 2021, Lori and Chad were charged with first-degree murder of her children along with conspiracy to murder Chad's wife, Tammy.” [50:24]
Dr. Engels provides a psychological analysis of Lori’s behavior, highlighting traits consistent with psychopathy:
“She exhibits 16 out of the 20 known traits of psychopathy, including manipulativeness, lack of remorse, and a grandiose sense of self-worth.” [50:24]
Trial and Conviction
Lori's trial was marked by her defiance and lack of remorse. Despite exhibiting clearly psychopathic traits, she maintained her innocence and continued to manipulate the courtroom dynamics:
“She couldn’t or wouldn’t admit to what she'd done...spent most of her time smiling and laughing.” [35:40]
Her conviction in May 2023 resulted in a life sentence without parole, while Chad Daybell was sentenced to death, reflecting the severity of their crimes:
“On May 12, 2023, Lori was found guilty on all charges for her crimes against her children and Tammy Daybell. She was sentenced to life in prison without parole...Chad was also found guilty and sentenced to death.” [54:34]
Psychological Profile of Lori Vallow
Dr. Engels provides a comprehensive psychological profile of Lori Vallow, emphasizing her psychopathic tendencies and the impact of her tumultuous childhood:
“Lori learned early on that it was acceptable as a parent to prioritize what you want over your children...she exhibits histrionic traits.” [50:24]
Despite diagnoses of delusional and narcissistic personality disorders, Dr. Engels contends that Lori's actions align closely with psychopathic behavior, making her capable of extreme manipulation and violence.
Conclusion
Vanessa Richardson concludes the episode by reflecting on the devastating impact Lori and Chad had on their loved ones, dismantling familial bonds and leaving a trail of tragedy:
“No matter what Lori and Chad told their followers, they aren't gods. They caused real damage to the people who loved them most.” [56:51]
This episode serves as a chilling examination of how extremist beliefs, combined with manipulative and psychopathic traits, can lead to unimaginable atrocities.
Notable Quotes
- Vanessa Richardson [00:00]: “Her goal wasn't to make the world a better place. It was to end it completely.”
- Dr. Tristan Engels [13:47]: “Chad's use of fear impairs rational thinking, making individuals more susceptible to coercive control.”
- Dr. Tristan Engels [14:39]: “Chad's gatekeeping of spiritual abilities secures loyalty, making followers feel chosen and special.”
- Dr. Tristan Engels [50:24]: “She exhibits 16 out of the 20 known traits of psychopathy, including manipulativeness, lack of remorse, and a grandiose sense of self-worth.”
Final Thoughts
"Killer Minds: ‘Doomsday Mom’ Lori Vallow Daybell Pt. 2" offers a profound exploration into the dark psychology of a mother who turned her life into a catastrophic narrative of murder and manipulation. Through expert analysis and detailed storytelling, Vanessa Richardson and Dr. Tristan Engels provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how such monstrous behavior can arise from seemingly ordinary beginnings.
For more in-depth analyses of chilling criminal minds, follow Killer Minds wherever you get your podcasts and stay updated with Crime House Studios' latest investigations into the darkest corners of human psychology.