In a shocking conclusion to a three-year investigation, an Idaho jury has convicted Lori Vallow Daybell of murder in the deaths of her two youngest children and a romantic rival. This high-profile case captured international attention with its disturbing doomsday plot, bizarre claims of zombie children, and illicit affairs.

Lori Vallow Daybell and her husband, Chad Daybell, were charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, murder, and grand theft in connection with the deaths of Vallow Daybell’s two youngest children: 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan. Prosecutors also accused the couple of involvement in the October 2019 death of Chad Daybell’s late wife, Tammy Daybell.

Throughout the trial, defense attorneys argued that there was insufficient evidence linking Vallow Daybell to the crimes. Chad Daybell, who pleaded not guilty, is still awaiting trial.

The prosecution depicted Lori Vallow Daybell as a power-hungry manipulator driven to kill her children for financial gain, while the defense portrayed her as a protective mother influenced by the charismatic Chad Daybell and his apocalyptic religious beliefs.

The jury heard compelling arguments from both sides before deliberating for several hours. Ultimately, they reached a verdict that would be announced after noon local time, marking the end of this harrowing trial.

Prosecutors emphasized Vallow Daybell’s desire for the victims’ money, asserting that she manipulated her brother and lover to carry out the crimes. The defense, on the other hand, argued that Vallow Daybell was not directly involved in the killings and accused Chad Daybell and Vallow Daybell’s brother, Alex Cox, who died in December 2019, as the true culprits.

The testimony presented during the trial ranged from heartbreaking to gruesome. Vallow Daybell’s surviving child, Colby Ryan, accused her of murdering his siblings in a recorded jailhouse phone call. Witnesses recounted Vallow Daybell’s belief that some people in her life had become “zombies,” including her own children.

The discovery of JJ and Tylee’s remains buried in Chad Daybell’s yard added to the chilling nature of the crimes. Prosecutors described the brutal murders, highlighting the extent of the violence inflicted upon the innocent victims.

With the conviction, Lori Vallow Daybell now faces the possibility of life in prison. Meanwhile, Chad Daybell’s trial is still pending.

The case, which began with the shooting death of Vallow Daybell’s then-husband, Charles Vallow, has drawn worldwide attention. Vallow Daybell’s beliefs about being a goddess sent to bring about the apocalypse and her relationship with Chad Daybell added to the intrigue. The trial proceedings took place under close scrutiny, leading the judge to ban cameras from the courtroom and move the trial to Boise, the capital city of Idaho.

As this disturbing case comes to a close, the verdict brings a sense of justice for the victims involved. The shocking details of the doomsday plot, the claims of zombie children, and the bizarre religious beliefs have left a lasting impact on the community and the public at large.

By: William Jensen