Lori Vallow is a mother who, after spiraling downward into religious fanaticism and paranoia, finds herself standing trial for the deaths of her two children. Leading up to the tragic events, Lori joined a fringe sect of Mormonism led by fifth husband Charles Daybell, believing she was in communication with angels and that the world would end in 2020. She and Daybell have since been charged in connection with several killings and remain in detention. Vallow’s trial began on April 3, while Daybell’s trial is set to begin in the coming months. Sins of Our Mother features interviews with family and friends of the accused, as well as a reporter who’s extensively covered the story. This three-part documentary series is available to watch now.
Colby Ryan is Lori’s eldest son from her second marriage. Abused by his stepfather and Lori’s third husband, Joe Ryan, he found a supportive and caring father in Lori’s fourth husband, Charles Vallow. Nevertheless, he ignored Charles’ concerns about Lori’s increasing mental instability. With the disappearance of his younger siblings, Tylee Ryan, and J.J. Vallow, Colby began to see that something was wrong with his mother. As the truth unfolds, he’s left with unspeakable grief and anger.
Cox is Lori’s mother, and she was initially in denial about her daughter’s alleged crimes but ultimately finds it impossible to ignore the overwhelming evidence. Heartbroken and horrified by her daughter’s alleged involvement, she struggles to make sense of it all.
Lum is an investigative reporter for local news affiliate Fox 10 in Phoenix who’s covered Lori’s story since the 2019 shooting of ex-husband Charles Vallow. With access to phone and email records, police footage and court documents, Lum’s put together a vivid portrait of Lori’s unraveling amid the suspicious deaths of her family members.
Cushing is the sister of Joe Ryan, Lori’s third husband, Tylee’s biological father and Colby’s former stepdad. Cushing encouraged Lori to leave Joe after learning of his predatory and abusive behavior. She was also one of the first to notice Lori’s delusional relationship with her faith and has seen it become progressively problematic over the years.
Raymond met Lori through the Mormon church when Lori and her family moved to Kauai, Hawaii, in 2014. Divorced at the time and stigmatized within her community, Raymond felt a kinship with Lori, who’d remarried several times, and the two became friends. At first, Raymond felt Lori and Charles Vallow had the ideal marriage, but later she saw that Lori felt spiritually superior to him.
Kelsee is Lori’s daughter-in-law through her marriage to Colby. She never felt accepted by Lori and mostly kept her distance, but after the suspicious death of Charles Vallow, she was even more inclined to avoid Lori. Still, she understands Colby’s complicated and painful relationship with his mother and has stood by him.
