Dec 4, 202314 min read

Lori Vallow's Legal Journey: Updates and Insights!

For a good reason, the Lori Vallow case has captured the nation's attention. This complex and perplexing legal saga has left many wondering about the fate of Lori Vallow's children, JJ and Tylee, and the events that have unfolded since their disappearance.

In this blog, we will delve deep into the legal journey of Lori Vallow, exploring the key developments, court proceedings, and the role of the legal system in uncovering the truth.

The Disappearance of JJ and Tylee: A Mysterious Puzzle

The disappearance of Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan remains one of the most baffling aspects of the Lori Vallow case.

A Sudden Move to Rexburg, Idaho

The story begins with Lori Vallow, a mother of two, relocating her family from their home in Arizona to Rexburg, Idaho, in late 2019. This move was significant, as it marked the beginning of a series of events that would ultimately lead to the disappearance of her children.

Alarm Bells Ringing: Friends and Family Concerned

Soon after they arrived in Rexburg, the behavior of Lori Vallow and her new husband, Chad Daybell, began raising concerns among friends and family. JJ and Tylee's extended family grew increasingly alarmed when they couldn't contact the children or receive any updates on their well-being.

The Timeline of Disappearance

September 8, 2019: Tylee's Last Known Appearance

The last confirmed sighting of Tylee Ryan was on September 8, 2019, during a day trip to Yellowstone National Park. She was seen with Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell, and JJ, but she seemingly vanished from public view after this day.

September 23, 2019: JJ's Last Day at School

JJ Vallow's last day at school was on September 23, 2019. After that date, he was never seen attending school again, increasing concern over his whereabouts.

Evasive Responses and Unanswered Questions

As the investigation into the children's disappearance intensified, Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell remained conspicuously evasive about the whereabouts of JJ and Tylee. Law enforcement repeatedly sought information, but the couple failed to provide concrete answers, further deepening suspicions.

The Mysterious Death of Tammy Daybell

Adding to the intrigue, Chad Daybell's previous wife, Tammy Daybell, died under mysterious circumstances in October 2019, just weeks before he married Lori Vallow. This raised questions about the timeline and potential connections between the deaths and the children's disappearance.

Changing Stories and False Alibis

Throughout the investigation, both Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell provided inconsistent and sometimes conflicting statements about the whereabouts of JJ and Tylee. Their ever-changing stories and lack of evidence supporting their claims only fueled speculation and concern.

A Community in Shock

The sudden disappearance of JJ and Tylee had a profound impact on the Rexburg community and beyond. Neighbors, schoolmates, and friends of the children were left in shock and disbelief as they grappled with the disturbing reality of the case.

Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding the Disappearance

The disappearance of Lori Vallow's children, JJ and Tylee, is shrouded in a veil of chilling mystery. To understand the full extent of the enigma, we must delve into the perplexing circumstances surrounding their vanishing act.

A Sudden Relocation

The puzzle begins with Lori Vallow's abrupt relocation from Arizona to Rexburg, Idaho, in late 2019. The move itself was unexpected and sparked curiosity among those who knew her. The reasons behind this sudden change in residence remain elusive, and it marked the beginning of a series of puzzling events.

A Disquieting Estrangement

As Lori settled into her new life in Idaho with her new husband, Chad Daybell, friends and family began to notice a growing estrangement. JJ and Tylee, once vibrant and present in their lives, seemed to disappear from the social scene entirely. Concerned loved ones voiced their worries and questioned Lori about the whereabouts of her children.

Cryptic Explanations

Lori Vallow's responses to inquiries about her children only deepened the sense of mystery. Her explanations were cryptic, and she appeared evasive when pressed for details. She offered vague statements about JJ and Tylee being "safe" and "with people taking care of them." These assurances, however, did little to assuage the mounting anxiety of those who knew the children and had grown increasingly worried about their welfare.

A Timeline of Disappearance

What further compounds the mystery is the timeline of events leading up to the disappearance. In the months preceding the vanishing of JJ and Tylee, several significant occurrences raise troubling questions:

December 2019: The Death of Tammy Daybell

In early December, Chad Daybell's wife, Tammy Daybell, tragically passed away under suspicious circumstances. Her sudden death added an eerie layer to the unfolding events and raised eyebrows among those following the case.

November 2019: A Secret Wedding

Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell's secret wedding in Hawaii, just weeks after moving to Idaho, raised eyebrows. The haste with which they tied the knot and the secretive nature of their relationship fueled speculation about their intentions.

Alleged Cult Involvement

Rumors began circulating about Lori and Chad's involvement in a religious group with apocalyptic beliefs. This alleged association raised questions about whether their ideas played a role in the disappearance of JJ and Tylee.

The Final Puzzling Act: September 2019

The final, and perhaps most perplexing, piece of the puzzle is the timing of the children's disappearance in September 2019. JJ was last seen at school on September 23, while Tylee was last seen on September 8, just before her 17th birthday. The subsequent silence regarding their whereabouts and Lori and Chad's refusal to cooperate with law enforcement set the stage for a protracted and mystifying investigation.

The Investigation Begins

A chilling mystery unfolded as the sun set over the picturesque town of Rexburg, Idaho, in September 2019. Lori Vallow, a woman recently relocated to this quiet community with her two children, JJ and Tylee, and her new husband, Chad Daybell, was at the center of a storm of suspicion and intrigue. It was a story that would soon captivate the nation, and it all began with her children's sudden and unexplained disappearance.

The Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding the Disappearance

Lori Vallow's move from Arizona to Idaho was seen as a fresh start by some and a cause for concern by others. Shortly after their arrival, whispers of strange behavior circulated among friends and acquaintances. But it wasn't until JJ and Tylee vanished without a trace that alarm bells began to ring.

The circumstances surrounding the children's disappearance were shrouded in mystery. Family members and close friends couldn't contact them, and Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell offered vague and evasive explanations. Lori's explanations for the children's absence ranged from claims that they were staying with friends to assertions that they were safe and sound. However, her responses became increasingly dubious as time passed, making authorities deeply suspicious.

The Concerned Grandparents

The worried grandparents, Larry and Kay Woodcock, who had been instrumental in raising JJ, were among the first to sound the alarm. Their frantic attempts to contact Lori and check on the children went unanswered. The anguish and fear they experienced were shared by many who knew and loved JJ and Tylee.

Law Enforcement Takes Action

With mounting concerns and unanswered questions, law enforcement agencies investigated the disappearance. The Rexburg Police Department and the FBI began their inquiry into the whereabouts of JJ and Tylee. The search for clues and leads intensified, turning the once-peaceful community into the epicenter of a high-stakes investigation.

The Challenge of Piecing Together the Puzzle

The early days of the investigation were fraught with challenges. Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell offered little cooperation, remaining tight-lipped about the children's whereabouts. Authorities faced the daunting task of unraveling the complex web of lies and half-truths spun by the couple.

Investigators combed through surveillance footage, phone records, and financial transactions, hoping to find any shred of evidence that could shed light on the children's whereabouts. Friends, family members, and associates were interviewed, each conversation bringing a new piece to the puzzle. The challenge was not only to find the missing children but also to uncover the truth behind their disappearance.

The Community's Growing Concern

As news of the investigation spread, the community of Rexburg and the nation at large watched with bated breath. Neighbors and acquaintances of the Daybell-Vallow family were interviewed, and their accounts offered glimpses into the couple's behavior leading up to the disappearance.

The tight-knit community, initially stunned by the events unfolding in their midst, united in their hope for the safe return of JJ and Tylee. Vigils were held, and the amber alert system was activated to reach as many people as possible with information about the missing children.

Media Spotlight

With each passing day, the media spotlight intensified. National news outlets began covering the story, bringing it to the attention of millions. The Lori Vallow case was no longer a local mystery but a national fascination.

As the investigation gained momentum, the world awaited answers. What had happened to JJ and Tylee, and why were their mother and stepfather not providing concrete information? The investigation had just begun, and little did anyone know the twists and turns ahead in this complex and perplexing legal saga.

Lori Vallow's Legal Battles

As the investigation into the disappearance of JJ and Tylee progressed, Lori Vallow was embroiled in a series of legal battles that shed light on the case's different facets. These legal proceedings not only captured the public's attention but also added layers of complexity to the already mysterious story.

Child Custody Dispute

The first major legal battle in Lori Vallow's journey was the child custody dispute. When the children went missing, it wasn't just a matter of a missing persons case; it was also a contentious custody battle between Lori Vallow and her ex-husband, Charles Vallow, who had concerns about the safety and well-being of his children.

Lori's brother, Alex Cox, played a significant role in this dispute. He was not only a person of interest in the investigation but also a potential witness in the custody proceedings. The court had to consider the children's best interests amidst the mounting concerns about their whereabouts.

The custody dispute highlighted the strained relationships within the Vallow family, with allegations of religious extremism and erratic behavior. It set the stage for the legal drama that would follow.

Lori Vallow's Arrest

In February 2020, Lori Vallow was arrested in Hawaii on charges related to the disappearance of her children. Her arrest marked a significant turning point in the case. She faced charges of desertion and nonsupport of dependent children, resisting or obstructing officers, criminal solicitation to commit a crime, and contempt of court.

Lori's arrest brought national attention to the case and intensified media scrutiny. It was a moment when the public began to realize the gravity of the situation, and the questions surrounding the children's whereabouts became even more pressing. Why was Lori Vallow not cooperating with law enforcement? What did she know about the disappearance of JJ and Tylee?

Chad Daybell's Involvement

As investigators dug deeper into the case, Chad Daybell, Lori's new husband, became entangled in legal troubles. His involvement in the events leading up to the children's disappearance raised suspicions and led to his arrest.

Chad Daybell faced charges related to the concealment and destruction of evidence. Specifically, he was charged with two counts of destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence, both felonies. These charges stemmed from the discovery of JJ and Tylee's remains on his property.

Chad's legal battles added another layer of complexity to the case. It became evident that the legal system was closing in on those involved, and the charges against him hinted at a possible cover-up.

The intertwining legal battles of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell highlighted the suspicious circumstances surrounding the children's disappearance. They raised questions about their involvement in a religious cult and apocalyptic beliefs. The legal journey was far from over, and the world watched as these developments unfolded, inching closer to the truth about the fate of JJ and Tylee.

The Cult Connection

One of the Lori Vallow case's most enigmatic and chilling aspects lies in its alleged connection to a religious cult steeped in apocalyptic beliefs and doomsday prophecies. This section delves deep into the intricate web of religious convictions and the charismatic leaders who may have played a pivotal role in the unfolding tragedy.

Chad Daybell's Apocalyptic Writings

At the center of the cult connection is Chad Daybell, Lori Vallow's new husband and a self-published author with a penchant for apocalyptic literature. Chad's books, including "Times of Turmoil" and "The Great Gathering," delve into themes of the end times, spiritual awakenings, and the coming of a New Jerusalem. These writings have garnered a significant following among like-minded individuals who share his apocalyptic beliefs.

Chad's writings were not merely speculative fiction but deeply intertwined with his convictions. Some followers saw him as a prophetic figure with unique insights into divine revelations. The connection between Chad's writings and Lori Vallow's actions became a focal point of the investigation, prompting questions about whether these apocalyptic beliefs played a role in the disappearance of JJ and Tylee.

Lori Vallow's Beliefs

Lori Vallow's journey into the world of apocalyptic beliefs was equally intriguing. Friends and family members reported that Lori's demeanor and behavior underwent a dramatic transformation after she became involved with Chad Daybell. She started espousing ideas that aligned closely with his writings, including a belief in spiritual "zombies" and the necessity of removing "dark spirits" from individuals.

Lori's belief system appeared to revolve around the notion that she and Chad were chosen by a higher power to prepare the world for the Second Coming. This conviction raised disturbing questions about her motivations and actions, particularly about the disappearance of her children. Did these beliefs lead her to make unthinkable decisions, or were they merely a convenient justification for her actions?

The Circle of Believers

The cult connection extends beyond just Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell. It encompasses a network of individuals who shared their beliefs, attended their speaking engagements, and followed their online communities. Some followers viewed Lori and Chad as modern-day prophets, while others saw them as the embodiment of a religious movement that promised salvation in the face of impending doom.

The influence of this circle of believers on the case cannot be underestimated. It raised questions about the extent to which external pressures, groupthink, and communal beliefs may have played a role in shaping the actions of Lori and Chad. Were they acting out of their own volition, or were they swept up in a collective enthusiasm that clouded their judgment?

The Investigation's Focus on the Cult

As the investigation into the disappearance of JJ and Tylee progressed, law enforcement agencies began to shine a spotlight on the cult connection. They sought to understand how these apocalyptic beliefs might have motivated Lori and Chad's actions, particularly about the alleged deaths of the children.

The examination of electronic communications, recorded conversations, and social media activity became a critical part of the investigation. Investigators aimed to uncover any evidence that could shed light on the cult's influence on Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell and provide insights into their mindset during the critical period surrounding the children's disappearance.

The Legal Roller Coaster

The legal journey of Lori Vallow has resembled a roller coaster ride, with ups, downs, and dizzying twists that have left both legal experts and the public baffled. This section will provide an in-depth look at the various aspects of this legal roller coaster.

Competency Evaluations

One of the earliest and most pivotal turns on this legal roller coaster was the question of Lori Vallow's competency to stand trial. Concerns about her mental state arose as she faced charges related to the disappearance of her children. Competency evaluations conducted by mental health professionals were ordered to determine if she was mentally fit to participate in her defense.

These evaluations introduced uncertainty and complexity to the case. Lori Vallow's competency became a contention between the defense and the prosecution, leading to legal wrangling that significantly delayed the proceedings. The roller coaster took a steep dive as legal experts debated the impact of her mental health on the case's outcome.

Delayed Trials and Legal Maneuvering

The legal journey encountered numerous roadblocks that seemed to prolong the pursuit of justice. COVID-19, with its widespread court closures and restrictions, introduced unexpected delays. The pandemic-induced slowdown made it challenging for the court system to keep pace with the case's urgency.

In addition to the pandemic, the legal roller coaster was further complicated by legal maneuvering from Lori Vallow's defense team. Continual motions, requests for delays, and attempts to suppress evidence created a legal maze that seemed never-ending. Each legal maneuver added another twist to the roller coaster, leaving observers wondering when, if ever, the case would reach its conclusion.

Public and Media Attention

The Lori Vallow case garnered an extraordinary level of public and media attention. This spotlight on the proceedings created challenges for the legal system. The media circus that surrounded the case introduced an element of sensationalism and scrutiny that was unprecedented.

The public's fascination with the Lori Vallow case led to speculation, rumors, and armchair sleuthing on social media platforms. This complicated the task of finding an impartial jury and put pressure on the legal teams and the judge to ensure a fair trial. The legal roller coaster climbed to new heights as lawyers grappled with the impact of public opinion and media coverage on the case's proceedings.

Ongoing Legal Battles

Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell continue to face legal battles that keep the roller coaster in motion. Murder charges related to the deaths of JJ and Tylee loom large, with the prospect of high-stakes trials on the horizon.

The defense and prosecution continue to spar in court, with each side presenting its arguments and evidence. The roller coaster ride persists as the legal teams jockey for advantageous positions, seeking to sway the outcome. Legal experts and the public eagerly await the next twist and turn in this extraordinary legal saga.

The Ongoing Quest for Answers

Despite the passage of time and the legal battles that have unfolded, the heart of the Lori Vallow case lies in the continued quest for answers surrounding the mysterious disappearance and tragic deaths of JJ and Tylee. The discovery of their remains on Chad Daybell's property in June 2020 sent shockwaves through the nation and marked a sad turning point in this convoluted narrative.

Closure and Healing for Families

For the families of JJ and Tylee, the discovery of their remains brought a mixture of relief and immense grief. While it confirmed their worst fears, it also provided a semblance of closure, allowing them to begin mourning their loved ones. The ongoing quest for answers has, in many ways, transformed into a journey of healing as they come to terms with the unimaginable loss.

Forensic Analysis and Investigation

The recovery of the remains triggered an extensive forensic analysis to determine the cause and manner of their deaths. Experts in forensic science, pathology, and anthropology have been tirelessly working to piece together the puzzle of what happened to JJ and Tylee. The results of these analyses are expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming trials of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell.

Seeking Accountability

One of the primary motivations behind the ongoing quest for answers is the pursuit of justice. Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the legal system are determined to hold those responsible for the children's deaths accountable for their actions. This commitment to justice extends to understanding the roles that Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell may have played in the tragedy.

Unraveling the Motive

While the discovery of JJ and Tylee's remains was a significant breakthrough, it raised new questions about the motive behind their deaths. The ongoing investigation aims to delve into the minds of the accused, seeking to understand the factors that led to such a tragic outcome. Motive can be critical in criminal trials, shedding light on the intent and premeditation involved.

Implications for Future Cases

The Lori Vallow case has garnered national attention for its complexity and potential impact on future cases involving missing children and allegations of cult involvement. Legal experts and child advocacy organizations closely monitor the proceedings, hoping that lessons learned from this case will better inform future policies and procedures to protect vulnerable children.

The Path to Trial

As of October 6, 2023, Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell are awaiting trial for multiple charges, including murder. Lori Vallow's trial is scheduled to begin on April 10, 2024, and Chad Daybell's trial is scheduled to begin on June 12, 2024.

What to Expect in the Courtroom

The trials of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell are expected to be highly publicized. Both trials are likely to last several weeks. The prosecution will present evidence to support their claim that Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell murdered JJ and Tylee. The defense will present evidence to support their claim that Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell are innocent.

The outcome of the trials will significantly impact the Vallow and Daybell families, as well as the communities of Rexburg, Idaho and Gilbert, Arizona. The trials will also answer many of the questions raised about the disappearance and murders of JJ and Tylee.

Parting Note:

The Lori Vallow case is a gripping and complex legal saga that continues to unfold. As we follow the legal journey of Lori Vallow, it becomes clear that this case is not just a true crime story but a testament to the resilience of law enforcement and the pursuit of justice. While many questions remain unanswered, the legal system remains steadfast in its quest for the truth, and the world watches closely as justice unfolds.