Case Study:- Doomsday Mom

DOOMSDAY MOM

Context

In 2021, the case of Lori Vallow Daybell, often referred to as the "Doomsday Mom," captured widespread media attention. Lori Vallow and her new husband, Chad Daybell, were arrested in connection with the deaths of her two children, 7-year-old JJ Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan. The case became even more disturbing as it was revealed that Vallow and Daybell were allegedly involved in apocalyptic beliefs and doomsday predictions.

The children's disappearances in 2019 were initially treated as a missing person’s case, but it soon escalated into a double homicide investigation after their remains were discovered in 2020.

Police Investigation

The investigation into the disappearance of JJ and Tylee began in November 2019 after family members raised concerns when they had not heard from the children for several months. Authorities soon learned that Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell had fled to Hawaii, and their refusal to cooperate with police raised suspicions.

In June 2020, authorities discovered the remains of the two children buried on Chad Daybell's property in Idaho. Investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that the children had been dead for several months before their remains were found. The discovery triggered formal charges of murder against Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell.

Potential Forensic Evidences

Forensic evidence played a crucial role in building the case against Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell:

• Human remains: The remains of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan were found on Chad Daybell's property. DNA testing confirmed the identities of the children.

• Surveillance footage: Videos from security cameras showed Lori Vallow with her children, including the last known footage of Tylee Ryan at Yellowstone National Park, which was recorded in September 2019.

• Phone data: Investigators analyzed Lori Vallow’s and Chad Daybell's phone records and text messages, which revealed their actions and communication patterns leading up to the children's deaths.

• Search history: Forensic analysis of internet search history revealed Lori Vallow had searched for topics related to the death of a spouse and end-of-life preparations, further tying her to the crime.

Motive behind the Crime

The motive behind the deaths of JJ and Tylee was tied to Lori Vallow’s and Chad Daybell’s apocalyptic beliefs. Both were involved in a religious movement that believed the world was coming to an end and that certain individuals were "zombies" or "dark spirits." According to investigators, Lori and Chad believed that JJ and Tylee were obstacles to their spiritual journey and that eliminating them was part of their larger plan. The couple's belief in "darkness" and "light" and their belief that the children were possessed or evil contributed to the chilling motive behind their actions.

Trial & Verdict

Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell were both arrested and faced a variety of charges related to the deaths of JJ and Tylee:

• Lori Vallow was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and grand theft. The prosecution alleged that Lori conspired with her husband to murder her children, and her behavior following their deaths was inconsistent with that of a grieving mother.

• Chad Daybell was also charged with two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the deaths of JJ and Tylee. He faced similar accusations of conspiring with Lori to murder the children.

Pre-Trial and Trial Developments

• In 2021, Lori Vallow was declared mentally unfit to stand trial for several months but was later restored to competency.

• In 2023, the trial for Lori Vallow commenced. She was found guilty of all charges related to the deaths of her children, including first-degree murder. Chad Daybell’s trial has been delayed, but he too faces charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy.

Verdict

In May 2023, Lori Vallow was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges in relation to the deaths of her children. In July 2023, she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Her case highlighted the intersection of mental health issues, religious extremism, and the tragic deaths of two innocent children.

Chad Daybell's trial remains ongoing as of 2024, and he faces similar charges related to the deaths of the children.

Author:- Srishti Dutta