Who Is Lori Daybell? Lori Vallow Daybell, often dubbed the “Doomsday Mom,” is a name that has gripped headlines across the United States due to her involvement in a series of shocking crimes. Her story is one of tragedy, manipulation, and extreme beliefs that led to the deaths of her two youngest children and others close to her. Below, we dive into who Lori Vallow Daybell is, her background, and the events that made her infamous.
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Early Life and Marriages
Lori Vallow Daybell was born Lori Norene Cox on June 26, 1973, in San Bernardino, California. Described early on as a devoted mother and religious woman, her life took a dark turn as her beliefs and relationships evolved. Lori’s personal life was marked by multiple marriages, each shaping the path that led to her notorious crimes:
- First Marriage: At 19, she married Nelson Yanes, but the marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce with no children.
- Second Marriage: In 1995, she wed William Lagioia, with whom she had her son, Colby Ryan. This marriage also ended quickly in 1996.
- Third Marriage: Lori married Joseph Ryan in 2001, and they had a daughter, Tylee Ryan. They divorced in 2004, and Ryan died of a heart attack in 2018.
- Fourth Marriage: In 2005, she married Charles Vallow, adopting his nephew, Joshua “J.J.” Vallow. This marriage ended in tragedy, which we’ll explore later.
- Fifth Marriage: In 2019, Lori married Chad Daybell, a self-proclaimed doomsday prophet, just weeks after his wife’s suspicious death.
Her frequent marriages and shifting relationships set the stage for the chaotic events that followed.
The Doomsday Beliefs
Lori’s descent into crime was heavily influenced by her adoption of extreme religious beliefs, shared with Chad Daybell. The couple believed they were chosen to lead a group of 144,000 survivors after an apocalyptic event, a concept rooted in their interpretation of Mormon theology. These beliefs drove their actions:
- They labeled people as “zombies” or “dark spirits,” claiming their souls were replaced by evil entities.
- Lori reportedly called her children, Tylee and J.J., “zombies,” justifying their murders as a way to “free” them.
- Their cult-like ideology included claims of past lives and divine missions, which prosecutors said motivated their crimes.
These beliefs, described as a “bizarre religious rabbit hole,” played a central role in the murders that shocked the nation.
The Disappearance of Tylee and J.J.
In September 2019, Lori’s children, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old J.J. Vallow, vanished in Rexburg, Idaho. Their disappearance sparked a nationwide search:
- September 8, 2019: Tylee was last seen in a photo at Yellowstone National Park with Lori, J.J., and her brother Alex Cox.
- September 22, 2019: J.J. was last photographed in red pajamas, the final known image of him alive.
- June 9, 2020: The children’s remains were found buried on Chad Daybell’s property. Tylee’s body was burned and dismembered, while J.J. was wrapped in plastic with duct tape.
Lori and Chad’s refusal to cooperate with authorities, coupled with their flight to Hawaii, intensified suspicions. The gruesome discovery confirmed the worst fears of their families and investigators.
The Murders and Conspiracies
Lori Vallow Daybell was convicted of multiple murders and conspiracies, driven by her desire to remove obstacles and gain financially. The crimes included:
- Murder of Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow: Prosecutors argued Lori killed her children to eliminate them as barriers to her new life with Chad and to collect Social Security benefits.
- Conspiracy to Murder Charles Vallow: In July 2019, Lori’s brother, Alex Cox, shot and killed Charles Vallow in Arizona, claiming self-defense. Lori was later found guilty of conspiring in this murder to secure a $1 million life insurance policy.
- Conspiracy to Murder Tammy Daybell: Chad’s first wife died suspiciously in October 2019, initially ruled as natural causes. Lori was convicted of conspiring in her death.
- Attempted Murder of Brandon Boudreaux: Lori was also found guilty of conspiring to kill her niece’s ex-husband, who survived a drive-by shooting in 2019.
These acts painted a picture of calculated violence tied to greed and delusional beliefs.
Legal Consequences and Current Status
Lori Vallow Daybell’s trials have concluded with severe consequences. In 2023, she was sentenced to life without parole in Idaho for the murders of Tylee, J.J., and conspiring in Tammy Daybell’s death. In July 2025, she received two additional life sentences in Arizona for conspiring to murder Charles Vallow and Brandon Boudreaux. She is currently serving her sentences in Idaho, while Chad Daybell awaits execution on death row. Despite overwhelming evidence, Lori maintains her innocence, claiming the deaths were accidental and part of a “family tragedy.” Her surviving son, Colby Ryan, has publicly called her the true tragedy, mourning the loss of his siblings and stepfather.
Lori’s story, marked by manipulation and destruction, serves as a chilling reminder of how extreme beliefs can lead to unimaginable acts. Her case continues to captivate and horrify, leaving a legacy of loss and unanswered questions.