Braxton Southwick, a close cousin to Lori Vallow Daybell, recently shed significant light on the dark undertones of Lori's apocalyptic beliefs, raising further questions about the extent of Chad Daybell's influence on Lori, especially in the harrowing months preceding the death of her children.
Southwick, who spent much of his early life within close proximity to Lori's family, reminisced about their intertwined childhoods, stating, "Growing up within an hour of Lori, Adam (her brother) and I were as close as cousins could be." Their bond, while always strong, was solidified post-2001. "Following the tragic 9/11 terrorist attacks," Southwick detailed, "my prepper inclinations intensified, and Lori seemed to mirror my passion. We'd excitedly exchange notes on survival strategies, recommending books and sharing new insights. Our mutual interest created a sort of feedback loop that just kept amplifying."
Braxton's dedication to prepping wasn't just a fleeting interest. He lent his expertise to two seasons of National Geographic's renowned show "Doomsday Preppers", and has frequently been a sought-after voice on various television programs and conferences nationwide, elaborating on end-of-times preparation. "While Lori wasn't exactly keen on accumulating tangible prepping resources like food storage due to her frequent moves," Southwick recalled, "she took a deep dive into the realm of spiritual and religious preparation."
Southwick painted a vivid picture of his 2017 trip to Hawaii, where he and his wife stayed with Lori and her then-husband, Charles Vallow. "Our discussions predominantly revolved around prepping—books, our personal emotions, thoughts—it was exhilarating," Southwick reflected. "For Lori, this wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way of life she deeply yearned to delve into."
Lori's zeal for preparing for the end times took a sharp turn when she chanced upon "Visions of Glory", a book narrating a man's near-death experiences and his apocalyptic visions. This book, which depicted catastrophes like plagues, floods, earthquakes, and the heralding of 144,000 righteous souls before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, deeply resonated with her. Southwick admitted, "The book was certainly compelling, but Lori interpreted it with extreme fervor. We frequently discussed its content, and regrettably, I was the one who first introduced her to it."
Casting a shadow on Lori's obsession with the book, Kauai police, in January 2020, found her lounging beside a pool, the infamous "Visions of Glory" perched on her chair, with Chad Daybell by her side.
Southwick's first encounter with Chad Daybell was in 2018 at a religious conference in Rexburg. Although he was aware of Chad's vocation as a book publisher, their real conversation only commenced in March 2020. "Chad reached out to me, seeking financial assistance for Lori's bail," Southwick narrated. "I grappled with the situation; my initial instinct was to help Lori. But then, risking my house for her bail? The stakes were too high. The conversations with Chad were unsettling—his demeanor was eerily calm. Something felt amiss."
The discovery of Lori's children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan's bodies on Chad's property, jolted Southwick. "I had initially assumed Lori was protecting her children by hiding them, but the gruesome reality was far from what I'd ever imagined," he confessed.
Lori's subsequent arrest led to convictions of conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree murder of her children, and additionally, charges relating to Chad's former wife, Tammy Daybell. "It was utterly staggering. Lori was always an exemplary mother. Her transformation was beyond comprehension, and Chad played a pivotal role in that drastic change," asserted Southwick. He speculated on Lori's distorted perceptions, “She possibly believed her children were better off dead than facing the impending doomsday. And Chad likely manipulated her, asserting the Second Coming's imminence."
Braxton also touched upon the volatile mix of Chad's prophecies and Lori's admiration for him, "Chad was basking in the admiration from a beautiful woman, which likely egged him on to keep up his prophetic pretense. Lori, drawn to the power he seemingly wielded, clung to his every word."
Even after Lori's arrest and the chilling revelations, Southwick’s affection for his cousin remains. "She's been a wonderful cousin. The path she's taken devastates me daily. My heart aches for her, and I continue to hold her in my prayers," he revealed, his voice thick with emotion.
This chilling narrative paints a picture of two lives converging, resulting in an unfathomable tragedy, raising questions about influence, belief, and where the line between passion and obsession truly lies.
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