Lori Hellis, an author and former criminal defense attorney, delves into the harrowing tale of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell. She discusses their troubling blend of doomsday beliefs rooted in neo-fundamentalist Mormonism and the dark realities of their lives. The chilling disappearance of Lori's children, along with mysterious deaths surrounding them, raises unsettling questions. Lori's psychological transformation and her upcoming trial are also explored, shedding light on the twisted relationships and toxic ideologies that have captivated the nation.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Lori's Shift to Fundamentalism
Lori Daybell gradually embraced neo-fundamentalist Mormon beliefs before meeting Chad Daybell.
This ideological shift significantly influenced her subsequent actions and relationships.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Secret Temple Sealing Ceremony
Lori and Chad secretly sealed themselves in a temple while still married to others.
Chad believed they had shared past lives and a divine mission together.
insights INSIGHT
Chad's Spiritual Light-Dark Scale
Chad developed a unique moral scale rating people from light to dark to determine spiritual alignment.
This personal framework had no basis in mainstream LDS teachings and justified targeting family members as demons.
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Lori Hellis's "Children of Darkness and Light" delves into the complex case of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, exploring their relationship, the string of mysterious deaths surrounding them, and their shared neo-fundamentalist beliefs. The book meticulously examines the events leading up to the disappearance and deaths of Lori's children, Tylee and JJ, and her husband, Charles Vallow. It also analyzes the couple's unusual religious convictions and their influence on their actions. Hellis's work provides a comprehensive account of the case, shedding light on the motivations and beliefs of the central figures. The book offers a detailed narrative of the investigation, the trials, and the ultimate convictions of Lori and Chad Daybell. It serves as a compelling exploration of faith, delusion, and the devastating consequences of extreme beliefs.
In early 2020, the story of Lori Daybell and her new husband, Chad Daybell, hit national news. They’d seemingly fled to Hawaii while two of Lori’s children were missing, leaving a wake of mysterious deaths and attacks behind. The public and authorities pressed for answers, hoping Lori’s children would come home safely, while allegations of fringe, neo-fundamentalist Mormon beliefs became a key element of the story.
Lori is representing herself at trial this Spring in Arizona. With three convictions and a life sentence to her name already, she has pleaded not guilty in the conspiracy to kill her fourth husband, Charles Vallow.
In today’s episode, we welcome author and former criminal defense attorney Lori Hellis, who spent years researching the case for her book Children of Darkness and Light – Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell: A Story of Murderous Faith, out now.
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