Ep 31. The Trial of Lori Vallow Daybell

In Dateline's season 31 episode 31, viewers are brought into a case that has captured national attention - the trial of Lori Vallow Daybell. Lori gained notoriety in 2019 when her two children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua "JJ" Vallow, went missing in Idaho. Despite being asked by law enforcement to produce the children, Lori instead fled to Hawaii with her new husband, Chad Daybell. The case only became more peculiar when Chad's wife, Tammy Daybell, died just weeks before Chad and Lori got married.

In the trial, viewers watch as prosecutors present evidence against Lori in the disappearance and death of Tylee and JJ, as well as conspiracy charges related to Tammy's death. The episode includes testimony from law enforcement officials involved in the investigation, as well as interviews with family members and legal experts.

One of the most chilling aspects of the case is Lori's alleged involvement with a group that believes in doomsday prophesies, and a desire to rid the world of "zombies" in the lead-up to the apocalypse. The prosecution argues that Lori's beliefs and behavior led her to view her own children as "zombies" and ultimately caused their deaths.

Throughout the trial, Lori remains mostly silent and stoic. Chad, who is being tried separately, does not appear in the episode. Viewers are left to grapple with the tragedy of two young lives lost, and the extreme lengths some individuals will go to in the name of their beliefs.

Dateline's coverage of the trial of Lori Vallow Daybell is a gripping and eye-opening look at a case that has captivated the nation. The episode skillfully presents the evidence and testimony, while also acknowledging the complexity and heartbreak of the situation. For those who have followed the case closely, the episode provides a deeper understanding of the legal proceedings and what led to Lori's arrest. For others, it offers a haunting reminder of the dangers of extreme beliefs and conspiracy theories.