In a courtroom filled with tense anticipation, witness Zulema Pastenes provided a deep dive into the convoluted and mystical world shared by Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow, a couple at the center of a high-profile legal battle that has captivated the nation.
According to Pastenes, Daybell and Vallow believed they had been married in multiple past lives and were destined to reunite in this one to complete a spiritual mission. This mission, according to their beliefs, involved gathering the 144,000 souls mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants 77:11 and casting out dark spirits, including one named "Ned" who they believed had possessed Lori's then-husband, Charles Vallow.
"Chad told Lori that they were the angels who were supposed to gather the 144,000," Zulema recounted, shedding light on the depth of their shared delusions.
Their actions based on these beliefs culminated tragically. Charles Vallow was shot by Lori's brother, Alex Cox, who was under the impression, fueled by Lori and Chad, that Charles was a "zombie" possessed by a dark spirit.
The narrative shared by Zulema in court highlighted several gatherings, including a notable event where the group attempted to cast out dark spirits from Charles Vallow, who was not physically present. "Lori was in constant communication with Chad, who was directing the casting," Zulema added, indicating the level of control and influence Chad maintained over the group's activities.
The relationship between Chad and Lori was not only spiritual but also physically intimate, with Zulema describing scenes of them being affectionate in ways typical of a couple, despite both being married to others at the time. "They held hands, hugged, and Chad even had a portal in his home where he claimed to receive instructions from the spirit world," she explained.
This portal supposedly communicated not only spiritual messages but also a foretelling of death, specifically regarding Chad's then-wife, Tammy Daybell, whom Chad claimed would die prematurely—a prophecy that disturbingly came true.
The courtroom also heard about the so-called "Seven Gathers," a group that included Zulema and other women close to Lori, who performed these castings under Lori's guidance. The influence Chad and Lori wielded, wrapped in a veneer of spiritual urgency, often left the group turning to Lori for answers which she claimed were provided by Chad.
As the trial progresses, the bizarre and tragic details continue to unfold, painting a picture of two people deeply entwined in a dangerous narrative of spiritual missions and predestined roles that have led to real-world consequences, including murder and deceit.
This case not only challenges the boundaries of criminal law but also delves into the psychological impacts of spiritual delusions on behavior and the fatal outcomes they can precipitate. As more details emerge from the trial, the public and legal community alike are left grappling with the complexities of belief, manipulation, and the law.
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May 10 202447 mins
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