Will Lori Vallow Daybell’s Extreme Beliefs Affect Her Sentence?
As Lori Vallow-Daybell awaits her sentencing after being found guilty of crimes against her children, the “Hidden Killers” podcast hosted by Tony Brueski discusses the potentially influential factors with Shavaun Scott, a psychotherapist and author of “The Minds of Mass Killers”. The podcast delves into a deep analysis of the intersection of mental health, religious beliefs, and the law in the context of this high-profile case.
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Shavaun Scott raises the question of whether Lori’s religious beliefs should influence her sentencing. She asserts that while Lori’s religious beliefs, seen as bizarre by many, seemed to emanate from her psychotic thinking and influenced her behavior, it is unlikely the beliefs themselves will impact the sentencing. Instead, the potential mental health issues might be taken into consideration. She clarifies, “I think perhaps the psychosis may influence the sentencing, but probably not the religious beliefs themselves, probably the mental health problem.”
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Scott contends that despite the possible consideration of Lori’s mental health, a life sentence is likely. Brueski agrees with this prediction, pointing out that the real impact of this case lies in the attention it has garnered over the years and how it has influenced our perception of mental health. The psychotherapist echoes this sentiment, hoping that Lori Daybell’s story can bring awareness to severe mental illnesses that often go unnoticed due to the superficial functionality of the individual.
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Religious freedom and its intersection with the law also come into the spotlight. Scott highlights the difficulties when religious beliefs potentially lead to harm or death, as seen in cases where parents refuse medical treatment for their children due to their faith. She explains, “When do people’s religious beliefs, when is it a fairly normal and healthy expression of faith within the culture that they live in? Or when does it turn into something that’s really indicative of mental illness that’s going to get someone killed? This is a very difficult area…”
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The case has also highlighted gaps in child protective services, particularly with parents who present well on the surface but harbor dangerous and delusional thinking. Scott emphasizes the challenges CPS workers face, who operate in a gray area where laws lean towards keeping children with their biological parents. She advocates for better funding and staffing for the agency and encourages them to learn from this case.
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The conversation takes a critical turn when Brueski questions the notion that children are better off with their biological parents, a conclusion drawn from a decades-old study. He and Scott agree that this blanket statement needs to be re-examined, as it often overlooks each case’s specific variables and circumstances. Scott adds, “It’s outdated. It’s not good research. And it’s yeah, we need to revamp the whole system.”
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In conclusion, as Lori Vallow-Daybell awaits her sentencing, her case continues to shine a light on the complexities of religious beliefs, mental health, and the law. The necessity for re-examining the child protection system and a deeper understanding of mental health is more apparent than ever.
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Shavaun Scott raises the question of whether Lori’s religious beliefs should influence her sentencing. She asserts that while Lori’s religious beliefs, seen as bizarre by many, seemed to emanate from her psychotic thinking and influenced her behavior, it is unlikely the beliefs themselves will impact the sentencing. Instead, the potential mental health issues might be taken into consideration. She clarifies, “I think perhaps the psychosis may influence the sentencing, but probably not the religious beliefs themselves, probably the mental health problem.”
Â
Scott contends that despite the possible consideration of Lori’s mental health, a life sentence is likely. Brueski agrees with this prediction, pointing out that the real impact of this case lies in the attention it has garnered over the years and how it has influenced our perception of mental health. The psychotherapist echoes this sentiment, hoping that Lori Daybell’s story can bring awareness to severe mental illnesses that often go unnoticed due to the superficial functionality of the individual.
Â
Religious freedom and its intersection with the law also come into the spotlight. Scott highlights the difficulties when religious beliefs potentially lead to harm or death, as seen in cases where parents refuse medical treatment for their children due to their faith. She explains, “When do people’s religious beliefs, when is it a fairly normal and healthy expression of faith within the culture that they live in? Or when does it turn into something that’s really indicative of mental illness that’s going to get someone killed? This is a very difficult area…”
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The case has also highlighted gaps in child protective services, particularly with parents who present well on the surface but harbor dangerous and delusional thinking. Scott emphasizes the challenges CPS workers face, who operate in a gray area where laws lean towards keeping children with their biological parents. She advocates for better funding and staffing for the agency and encourages them to learn from this case.
Â
The conversation takes a critical turn when Brueski questions the notion that children are better off with their biological parents, a conclusion drawn from a decades-old study. He and Scott agree that this blanket statement needs to be re-examined, as it often overlooks each case’s specific variables and circumstances. Scott adds, “It’s outdated. It’s not good research. And it’s yeah, we need to revamp the whole system.”
Â
In conclusion, as Lori Vallow-Daybell awaits her sentencing, her case continues to shine a light on the complexities of religious beliefs, mental health, and the law. The necessity for re-examining the child protection system and a deeper understanding of mental health is more apparent than ever.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
