Should Lori Vallow's 'Religion' Weigh On Her Sentence?
Jul 31, 2023, 03:00 PM
Retired FBI Special Agent and Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, Robin Dreeke joined Tony Brueski on the "Hidden Killers" podcast, discussing the impending sentencing of Lori Vallow Daybell. They contemplated the role her religious beliefs, which influenced her actions, might play in her sentencing.
Dreeke argued that her religious beliefs didn't serve as a moral compass but instead as a tool for her personal gain. He stated, "Her religion is a screwdriver she uses to give her what she wants. It was ingrained upon her from her upbringing, but she used it as a tool, not as much as a moral compass." Dreeke thus suggested that these beliefs shouldn't be considered during her sentencing.
The conversation shifted to a larger discussion on the societal perception of mental health, considering Vallow Daybell's ability to present herself as an average mother until her religious beliefs were disclosed. Dreeke highlighted that we are in a major mental health crisis and noted that the years following the COVID pandemic led to a rise in mental health issues, leading to a decrease in mental health stigma.
Dreeke opined that the societal trauma of the pandemic made people more forgiving of socially unconventional behavior, but it also enabled truly deviant individuals like Vallow Daybell to hide in plain sight. He stated, "Our mental health as a biological organism really stems in two major areas, and that is the first and foremost is our ability to connect with healthy relationships with others... and the other aspect of it is problem-solving."
Turning back to the case at hand, Brueski asked Dreeke if there were any gaps revealed in law enforcement and child protection through this case. Dreeke expressed hope that the case would bring about improvements, comparing it to the impact of 9/11 on security protocols. He said, "Anytime we face anything in society for the first time, and it's catastrophic, very rarely do we go back and make the same mistake twice."
In Dreeke's view, the tragedy of this case could provoke a societal shift toward a more proactive approach to protecting children and preventing such incidents. He believes this heightened awareness of the potential harm children can face at home will lead to more vigilance and intervention, potentially swinging the pendulum towards more positive outcomes for children in the future.
In summary, the discussion revolved around the role of Lori Vallow Daybell's religious beliefs in her actions, the societal perception of mental health, and the impact of such high-profile cases on child protection measures. The conversation illuminated the complexities of these intersecting issues and the urgent need for societal shifts in addressing them.
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