TRUE CRIME JUNKIE

As soon as the dust settled in the high-profile Alex Murdaugh case back in March, all eyes turned to the trial of Lori Vallow. The world of true crime has seen more than its share of psychopaths over the years, but few measure up to the "doomsday cult mom" from Idaho who'd been suspected of involvement in the deaths of her two children, Tylee, 16, and J.J., 7. The pair had gone missing in September of 2019 yet Vallow and her boyfriend at the time, Chad Daybell, seemed unconcerned; in fact, the two lovers jetted off to Hawaii just weeks later to tie the knot. Questions lingered as to the whereabouts of Tylee and J.J. but no answers were forthcoming from the newlyweds.

Vallow and Daybell met in 2018 at a spiritual conference in Utah where the latter was booked as a speaker. Chad, who worked in Idaho as a cemetery sexton but also wrote apocalyptic, religion-based novels (which Vallow reportedly obsessed over) and hosted a podcast, confided in Lori, sharing that he could see both good and bad spirits - or "zombies," effectively. She was immediately smitten. However, both Lori and Chad were married at the time and needed to extricate themselves from those relationships (in fact, Lori's husband Charles Vallow would file for divorce in early 2019, citing safety concerns; he was shot and killed soon after by Alex Cox, Lori's brother). Still, they kept in contact, continuing to encourage each other's delusions and sink further into the muck of religious extremism. One particularly disturbing belief the two shared - which would have dire consequences for those close to Lori and Chad - was that "some people on Earth had souls that had left their bodies, and the only way to release their spirits to heaven was to kill the bodies."

Not long before her two children went missing, Vallow reportedly told friends that she was on a mission from God. Coincidently, after the disappearance of Tylee and J.J., Tammy Daybell, Chad's first wife, died suddenly at the age of 49. Her death in October of 2019 was initially deemed a result of natural causes though the circumstances appeared suspicious - not to mention it conveniently paved the way for Vallow and Daybell's Hawaiian getaway, a move that spurred law enforcement to exhume Tammy's body and further investigate her passing. It was ultimately ruled a homicide by asphyxiation.

A few months later, Vallow, back in Hawaii, was arrested for failing to produce Tylee and J.J. after a nationwide search turned up nothing. Their bodies were eventually discovered buried in Daybell's backyard in June of 2020. Subsequently, both Lori and Chad were charged with first-degree murder - a charge that also included the couple's suspected involvement in Tammy Daybell's death. Vallow was the first to go to trial and on May 12, 2023, she was found guilty on all counts. Chad Daybell is expected in court later this year.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE NO-KILL RESCUE

IT TAKES A VILLAGE HAS RESCUED OVER 10,000 ANIMALS SINCE FORMING IN 2010. THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IS A FAVORITE OF THE COMMUNITY, WORKING TIRELESSLY TO SAVE THE TRI-STATE'S FURRY FRIENDS AND FIND GOOD HOMES FOR THEM - ON A SHOE-STRING

BUDGET, NO LESS. ITV PRIMARILY RELIES ON DONATIONS AND THE GENEROSITY OF VOLUNTEERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS; ANY SUPPORT YOU CAN PROVIDE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF LOCAL HOMELESS ANIMALS.

ABBI: Abbi is a five-year-old female that came to ITV after her former guardian passed away. She sports a classic Mackerel tabby coat. Abbi's been very laidback at the rescue centers, but recently started a torrid love affair with her new bed which will be sent along with her should she be adopted. Imagine how Abbi will react when presented with human-sized furniture to lounge on. She does prefer a calmer home. Besides being a bed aficionado, Abbi enjoys eating and being admired. Pretty perfect, right? Abbi can be adopted by applying at ITVrescue.org.

APOLLO: Apollo is 105 pounds of goofy Great Dane perfection. He's four-years-old and previously lived with another Dane, kids, and cats. So he's got the Good Boy trifecta! Apollo was surrendered to a shelter when his former family no longer had time for him. Apollo is lovable, gentle, and playful - and a good car rider, too. He also enjoys going for walks and treats. Apollo is house-trained and leash-trained and knows basic commands. His foster mom raves that "he is a sweetie" and "a good dog." Apollo can be adopted by applying at ITVrescue.org.

SALEM: Just look at that smile! Salem is a four-year-old male pit mix with a friendly disposition and charisma to spare who's just waiting for the right person to come along. We haven't had the opportunity to do playgroups with him yet, but he has been doing adorable play bows to his doggie neighbors. Salem has a lot of best friend potential, so please come meet him to see if Salem would be a good fit for your home. Salem can be adopted by applying at ITVrescue.org.

THINKING ABOUT ADOPTION? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN REACH US!

TUESDAYS 12-5PM

WEDNESDAYS 12-7PM

THURSDAYS 12-5PM

FRIDAYS 12-5PM

SATURDAYS 10AM-5PM

UPCOMING EVENTS AT ITV:

6/3 DINE OUT FOR DOGS @ CHIPOTLE

6/4 PICTURES IN THE PARK

6/24 PAWS & CLAWS

For more info, visit ITVrescue.org. It Takes A Village is located at 1417 N. Stockwell Rd. in Evansville. Or call 812-909-1306