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. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Children-of-Darkness-and-Light/Lori-Hellis/9781639367108 Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast! Have a story to share? Email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What is the background story of Lori and Chad Daybell?
This episode includes discussions of gun violence, dismemberment, child death, and murder. Consider this when deciding how and when you'll listen. It's January 2020, and newlyweds Lori and Chad Daybell lounge by a tranquil pool in swimsuits. After months of planning, they've traded snowy Idaho for the sunny Hawaiian island of Kauai.
It would almost be the portrait of marital bliss, except for a few details. One, Chad's first wife Tammy died in her sleep two weeks before he married Lori. Two, Lori's previous husband Charles was shot under mysterious circumstances in her home last summer. Three, her youngest children, 16-year-old Tylee and 7-year-old JJ, have been missing for four months.
And authorities say Lori refuses to help them with their search. Believing the children's lives are in danger, an Idaho judge orders Lori to bring them to the Department of Health and Welfare and prove they're safe. When she's served with these court documents, poolside, she seems unbothered. And she never shows up with Tylee or J.J., From that point on, the case explodes.
Tylee and JJ's disappearance hits national news. The public learns about several mysterious attacks and deaths connected to Lori and Chad, and strange buzzwords start to pop up in the media, like reincarnation, cult, possessions, zombies, all things Lori and Chad Daybell allegedly believe in that led them to be found guilty of an unthinkable crime. Welcome to Serial Killers, a Spotify podcast.
Every Monday, we bring you the true crime stories that stand out. I'm Janice Morgan. You might recognize me as the voice behind the investigative docuseries Broken and the true crime podcast Fear Thy Neighbor. I'll be your host for the next few weeks, and I am thrilled to be here. Be sure to check us out on Instagram at Serial Killers Podcast because we'd love to hear from you.
If you're listening on the Spotify app, swipe up and give us your thoughts. Today, we'll be talking to author and retired criminal defense attorney Lori Helles, who spent years researching the case for her new book, Children of Darkness and Light, Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, A Story of Murderous Faith. We're so thrilled she could join us today.
As Lori Daybell heads into her first of two trials in Arizona, it's important to note that she pleaded not guilty to all charges. Stay with us.
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Some monster, it reminded me of Bigfoot.
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