Lori Vallow Daybell Case Timeline: A Complete Guide to the Doomsday Cult Mystery

Published on: Apr 10, 2025

The case of Lori Vallow Daybell and the disappearance of her children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, captivated the nation and became a chilling example of a complex web of religious extremism, deception, and ultimately, tragedy. This detailed timeline aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding this perplexing case, from the early warning signs to the eventual convictions.

2019: The Year of Disappearances and Growing Concerns

September 8, 2019: Tylee Ryan's Disappearance

Tylee Ryan, Lori Vallow's 16-year-old daughter, vanishes in Yellowstone National Park. This marks the beginning of a series of events that would eventually unravel a complex and disturbing narrative.

September 23, 2019: JJ Vallow's Disappearance

JJ Vallow, Lori's 7-year-old adopted son, who had autism, disappears from his Rexburg, Idaho, home. His absence goes initially unreported, adding to the complexity of the investigation later on. The lack of initial reports fueled suspicion later.

November 26, 2019: Welfare Checks and Growing Suspicion

Concerned family members, unable to reach JJ and lacking information about Tylee, initiate welfare checks. Lori's increasingly erratic behavior and evasive answers further raise red flags.

2020: The Investigation Intensifies

January 2020: Lori Vallow Flees to Hawaii

Facing mounting pressure from law enforcement, Lori Vallow flees to Hawaii with her new husband, Chad Daybell. This flight further fuels suspicions and adds to the urgency of the investigation.

February 2020: Arrest Warrants Issued

Arrest warrants are issued for Lori Vallow for desertion and nonsupport of dependent children. The investigation intensifies as authorities begin to focus on the potential involvement of Chad Daybell.

June 2020: Lori Vallow's Arrest in Hawaii

Lori Vallow is finally arrested in Hawaii and extradited back to Idaho to face charges related to the disappearance of her children.

June 9, 2020: Chad Daybell's Arrest

Chad Daybell, Lori Vallow's husband, is arrested on charges related to the concealment of evidence and conspiracy to commit destruction or alteration of evidence.

2021-2022: The Trial and Conviction

June 2021: Remains Discovered

The remains of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan are discovered on Chad Daybell's property, confirming the worst fears and significantly impacting the ongoing investigation.

2022: Trial Proceedings Begin

The trial for Lori Vallow begins, with the prosecution presenting evidence of her erratic behavior, her doomsday cult beliefs, and her alleged role in the deaths of her children.

May 2023: Lori Vallow's Trial Concludes

A jury finds Lori Vallow guilty on all counts, including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The verdict is a significant conclusion to a long and complex investigation.

Key Players and Aspects of the Case

Lori Vallow Daybell:

The central figure in the case, Lori Vallow's actions and motivations remain a subject of intense scrutiny. Her beliefs in doomsday prophecies and her relationship with Chad Daybell played a crucial role in the events.

Chad Daybell:

Lori Vallow's fifth husband, Chad Daybell, was a self-proclaimed doomsday author. His involvement in the case is deeply intertwined with Lori's actions and beliefs. His own trial is pending.

Alex Cox:

Lori Vallow's brother, Alex Cox, played a significant, albeit controversial, role in the case. He died before he could be questioned further.

Doomsday Cult Beliefs:

The case highlights the dangers of extreme religious beliefs and the potential influence they can have on individual actions. The investigation revealed a network of individuals sharing similar beliefs.

The Aftermath and Lasting Impact

The Lori Vallow Daybell case has left a lasting impact on the community and the nation. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extremism, the importance of parental responsibility, and the complexities of investigating such a high-profile case.

The case also raises questions about the role of law enforcement in addressing missing persons cases and the challenges involved in investigating cases involving complex religious beliefs and potential cult involvement. The investigation and trial shed light on the vulnerabilities of children in such situations and the crucial role of community awareness and intervention.

This detailed timeline provides a comprehensive overview of the Lori Vallow Daybell case, but further research and analysis are encouraged to fully grasp the intricacies of this disturbing and complex tragedy. It is a story that will continue to be studied and debated for years to come.