Lori Vallow Daybell, convicted in both Idaho and Arizona for murders and conspiracies tied to apocalyptic beliefs, is serving multiple life sentences. She was found guilty of killing her children, Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow, conspiring in Tammy Daybell's death, and plotting against Charles Vallow and Brandon Boudreaux. Appeals in both states are now underway.
Who Is Lori Daybell?
Born in 1973, Lori Vallow Daybell became a figure of public fascination after her children went missing in September 2019. Her relationship with Chad Daybell, a doomsday author and preacher, pushed her into an apocalyptic belief system that prosecutors later described as a motive for murder.
The disappearance of her children, both last seen alive in late 2019, triggered nationwide searches and media coverage. Lori Daybell's claims that her children were safe but in hiding collapsed in June 2020 when investigators discovered their remains buried on Chad Daybell's property in Idaho.
The Chilling Murder Trial
In May 2023, Lori Daybell stood trial in Fremont County, Idaho, on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and theft. Prosecutors presented evidence that she manipulated followers with talk of dark spirits and zombies, framing her children and Tammy Daybell as possessed.
The trial revealed disturbing details of how the victims were killed and concealed. J.J. Vallow's remains were wrapped in tight black plastic and tape, while Tylee Ryan's body had been dismembered and burned. Testimony from former friends and law enforcement painted a picture of a woman convinced she was carrying out a spiritual mission.
Chad Daybell, tried separately, was sentenced to death in June 2024 for his role in the murders.
Explosive Verdict and Sentencing
On 12 May 2023, a jury found Lori Daybell guilty of all major charges. She was sentenced in July 2023 to consecutive life terms without parole in Idaho.
Her legal troubles extended to Arizona, where prosecutors pursued cases linked to earlier attacks. In April 2025, a jury convicted her of conspiring to kill her former husband, Charles Vallow, who was shot dead in 2019. Two months later, she was found guilty of conspiring in the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux, who survived a drive-by shooting the same year.
In July 2025, Lori Daybell received additional life terms in Arizona. On 18 August 2025, authorities extradited her back to Idaho to continue serving her sentences. Notices of appeal have since been filed in both Arizona and Idaho.
The Netflix True-Crime Buzz
The Daybell saga has fed into the global appetite for true-crime stories that dominate streaming platforms such as Netflix. Series like Making a Murderer and Sins of Our Mother have shown how audiences seek deeper understanding of high-profile cases, and searches for 'Who is Lori Daybell?' continue to climb.
Although Netflix has not yet confirmed a dedicated series on Lori Daybell, speculation grows with every new development in court. Viewers are particularly drawn to the combination of religious extremism, family betrayal and courtroom drama that makes the case resemble other successful streaming projects.
Appeals in Idaho and Arizona
Lori Daybell's legal fight is far from over. In May 2025, her lawyers filed an opening brief in the Idaho Supreme Court, challenging her 2023 convictions and sentences. In Arizona, her defence team filed a notice of appeal following the 2025 verdicts.
Chad Daybell, meanwhile, remains on Idaho's death row while pursuing his own appeal. As both cases move through the courts, public interest shows no sign of fading, with searches for updates and potential Netflix projects keeping the Daybells firmly in the headlines.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
