Lori Vallow Daybell: The Doomsday Defense Crumbles | 2025 Year in Review Special:

Lori Vallow Daybell: The Doomsday Defense Crumbles | 2025 Year in Review Special:

As part of our Hidden Killers 2025 Year in Review series, we revisit the opening week of one of the most sensational murder trials in America — the Arizona case of Lori Vallow Daybell, the self-proclaimed “Doomsday Mom” now defending herself against charges of conspiracy to murder her fourth husband, Charles Vallow.

In this two-part breakdown, Tony Brueski teams up with former prosecutor and defense attorney Eric Faddis and retired FBI Behavioral Analysis Chief Robin Dreeke to unpack the chaotic courtroom drama, bizarre legal strategy, and psychological meltdown that have turned this trial into both a legal cautionary tale and a study in delusional self-belief.

In part one, Tony and Eric dissect the prosecution’s sharp, disciplined opening statement — a methodical narrative of motive, manipulation, and murder. Prosecutors allege Lori conspired with her brother, Alex Cox, to eliminate Charles for a $1 million life insurance policy and clear the path to marry apocalyptic author Chad Daybell. With evidence including religious texts misused to justify killing, texts to Alex invoking scripture (“I will be like Nephi”), and forensic proof that Charles was shot twice — one bullet fired after he collapsed, the state paints a chilling picture of faith twisted into fanaticism.

Then comes the chaos. Lori, representing herself, opens with rambling monologues, misplaced objections, and narcissistic cross-examinations that seem designed more to satisfy curiosity than to construct a defense. Her fixation on her late husband’s private life leaves jurors bewildered and prosecutors almost amused. As Faddis notes, “It’s like watching someone try to build a house without knowing what a hammer does.”

Part two turns darker, as Robin Dreeke analyzes the devastating testimony of Alex Cox, now deceased but still very much present in the trial through recordings, statements, and evidence. Dreeke explores how narcissism, shared delusion, and familial loyalty intertwine in Lori’s world — and how her brother’s past words now serve as the prosecution’s most powerful witness.

Was Lori’s courtroom confidence a sign of faith — or pure delusion? And how does a woman who once claimed divine authority handle being her own undoing?

🎙️ Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski — 2025 Year in Review: The Trials, The Psychology, and The Crimes That Defined the Year.


#LoriVallowDaybell #CharlesVallow #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #EricFaddis #RobinDreeke #TrueCrimePodcast #DoomsdayMom #CultPsychology #CourtroomDrama #SelfRepresentation #ChadDaybell #FamilyConspiracy #YearInReview #TrueCrimeToday


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Episoder(500)

Paul Caneiro Trial: Did He Stab His 8-Year-Old Niece 17 Times or Did Police Get the Wrong Brother?

Paul Caneiro Trial: Did He Stab His 8-Year-Old Niece 17 Times or Did Police Get the Wrong Brother?

The Paul Caneiro quadruple murder trial is underway in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Prosecutors allege Caneiro shot his brother Keith, stabbed his sister-in-law Jennifer, and brutally killed his 11-year-old nephew Jesse and 8-year-old niece Sophia inside their Colts Neck mansion on November 20, 2018 — then set the house on fire to cover his tracks. According to autopsy findings cited in a civil lawsuit, Sophia survived for nine hours after being stabbed 17 times, ultimately dying from smoke inhalation.The State's case includes bloody jeans and gloves with the children's DNA found in Paul's basement, ballistics linking a gun in his home to the murder weapon, and security footage showing him disconnecting his cameras at 1:28 AM. Hours later, Paul's own Ocean Township home caught fire — allegedly another arson he committed to make it look like his family was being targeted.The defense says police had tunnel vision. They're pointing at Corey Caneiro, the third brother, who was never investigated and whose DNA was never collected — despite standing to inherit $1.5 million from the same life insurance policy. A civil lawsuit alleges Corey took control of the insurance proceeds and bought a $1.8 million home within a year of the murders.Paul Caneiro has maintained his innocence for seven years. He faces life without parole if convicted. We have full trial coverage and analysis. #PaulCaneiro #ColtsNeckMurders #MansionMurders #TrueCrimeToday #NewJerseyTrial #CanerioTrial #QuadrupleMurder #CourtTV #TrueCrime #BreakingNewsJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

16 Jan 34min

Nick Reiner Case: Psychotherapist Breaks Down His Mind, His Family's Trap & Why 18 Rehabs Failed

Nick Reiner Case: Psychotherapist Breaks Down His Mind, His Family's Trap & Why 18 Rehabs Failed

Psychotherapist Shavaun Scott delivers a complete three-part psychological analysis of the Nick Reiner case—examining what was happening in Nick's mind, how the Reiner family became trapped in a 30-year cycle, and why the mental health system failed despite unlimited resources.Nick was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder around 2020. His medication was changed one month before the murders after he complained about weight gain. Sources say he now admits killing his parents but believes his incarceration is a conspiracy. His meds still aren't stabilized.The Reiners had "grown used to" Nick's behavior. They brought him to parties because they were afraid to leave him alone. They paid for 18-plus rehab stays. Michele reportedly said "we've tried everything."Dr. Drew said 30-day programs were "almost meaningless" for Nick. He needed permanent custodial care. Patient autonomy laws let him refuse. The Reiners did everything families are told to do—and it still ended in tragedy. Shavaun explains what went wrong at every level and what other families need to understand.#NickReiner #RobReiner #TrueCrimeToday #MentalHealth #Psychology #FamilyDynamics #ShavaunScott #SystemFailure #SchizoaffectiveJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

16 Jan 59min

Banfield Trial: FBI Behavioral Analyst Robin Dreeke Examines The Accused | What His Actions Really Reveal

Banfield Trial: FBI Behavioral Analyst Robin Dreeke Examines The Accused | What His Actions Really Reveal

True Crime Today brings you an exclusive behavioral analysis of Brendan Banfield from retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke. Dreeke led the FBI's Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program and has spent over three decades reading people. His question for this case: does the prosecution's theory actually make behavioral sense?Brendan Banfield was an IRS criminal investigator — a federal agent who built cases for a living. Prosecutors say he used that expertise to plan an elaborate double murder: creating fake FetLife profiles, luring a stranger to his home, coordinating with his au pair mistress, staging the crime scene as self-defense. But if that's true, why did Banfield leave a framed photo of himself and Juliana on his nightstand for police to find? Why did he call 911 and give a detailed statement?Dreeke breaks down what deception looks like in real time — and whether Banfield's post-offense behavior fits the profile of a calculated killer. He examines the gun purchase prosecutors call premeditation. He analyzes the McDonald's detail where Banfield allegedly waited nearby. He explains what the 911 call should reveal about whether Banfield was telling the truth.The affair is central to the motive theory. But affairs happen constantly without murder. Dreeke identifies the escalation factors that would need to be present for someone to go from infidelity to allegedly orchestrating a double homicide — and whether they appear in this case.This is behavioral analysis you won't hear in the courtroom. Dreeke gives his expert read on what Brendan Banfield's actions actually tell us.#BrendanBanfield #RobinDreeke #TrueCrimeToday #FBI #BehavioralAnalysis #ChristineBanfield #AuPairMurder #MurderTrial #Psychology #DeceptionJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISDOES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

16 Jan 17min

The Reiners Did EVERYTHING Right — Therapist Explains Why the System Still Failed Them

The Reiners Did EVERYTHING Right — Therapist Explains Why the System Still Failed Them

Psychotherapist Shavaun Scott reveals why 18-plus rehab stays, unlimited resources, and decades of intervention couldn't prevent Rob and Michele Reiner's deaths at the hands of their son Nick.The Reiners paid for the best dual-diagnosis treatment facilities in the country. They kept Nick close. They supported him financially. They did everything families are told to do. And still, sources say Nick would stay only 30 days—long enough to detox—then leave before any psychiatric care could take hold. Patient autonomy laws meant he could refuse treatment and walk away.Shavaun breaks down why the private treatment industry fails people with severe mental illness, why doctors reportedly didn't pursue a psychiatric hold during Nick's dangerous medication transition, and what "permanent custodial care" would actually look like for someone with schizoaffective disorder. The Reiners couldn't save their son. Could anyone?#NickReiner #RobReiner #TrueCrimeToday #MentalHealth #Rehab #Treatment #ShavaunScott #SystemFailure #ReinerCaseJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

15 Jan 12min

Madeline Crowley Testifies in Brendan Banfield Trial — The "Au Pair Affair Murder Trial"

Madeline Crowley Testifies in Brendan Banfield Trial — The "Au Pair Affair Murder Trial"

Madeline Crowley, Senior DNA Analyst, took the stand in the murder trial of Brendan Banfield, the former IRS agent charged with four counts of aggravated murder in the deaths of his wife Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors allege Banfield and the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, lured Ryan to their Herndon home through a fetish website and staged the killings as a home invasion.The defense argues digital forensics contradict the catfishing theory and that investigators who disagreed were reassigned. Banfield faces life without parole if convicted. The four-week trial continues in Fairfax County.#TrueCrimeToday #BrendanBanfield #AuPairAffair #MurderTrial #ChristineBanfield #JosephRyan #FairfaxCounty #JulianaMagalhaes #Justice #BreakingJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

15 Jan 12min

Susan Greenspoon Testifies in Brendan Banfield Trial — The "Au Pair Affair Murder Trial"

Susan Greenspoon Testifies in Brendan Banfield Trial — The "Au Pair Affair Murder Trial"

Susan Greenspoon, Forensics Molecular Biologist at the Virginia Dept. of Forensic Science, took the stand in the murder trial of Brendan Banfield, the former IRS agent charged with four counts of aggravated murder in the deaths of his wife Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors allege Banfield and the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, lured Ryan to their Herndon home through a fetish website and staged the killings as a home invasion.The defense argues digital forensics contradict the catfishing theory and that investigators who disagreed were reassigned. Banfield faces life without parole if convicted. The four-week trial continues in Fairfax County.#TrueCrimeToday #BrendanBanfield #AuPairAffair #MurderTrial #ChristineBanfield #JosephRyan #FairfaxCounty #JulianaMagalhaes #Justice #BreakingJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

15 Jan 27min

Kathryn Colombo Testifies in Brendan Banfield Trial — The "Au Pair Affair Murder Trial"

Kathryn Colombo Testifies in Brendan Banfield Trial — The "Au Pair Affair Murder Trial"

Kathryn Colombo, Scientist at the Virginia Dept. of Forensics Science, took the stand in the murder trial of Brendan Banfield, the former IRS agent charged with four counts of aggravated murder in the deaths of his wife Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors allege Banfield and the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, lured Ryan to their Herndon home through a fetish website and staged the killings as a home invasion.The defense argues digital forensics contradict the catfishing theory and that investigators who disagreed were reassigned. Banfield faces life without parole if convicted. The four-week trial continues in Fairfax County.#TrueCrimeToday #BrendanBanfield #AuPairAffair #MurderTrial #ChristineBanfield #JosephRyan #FairfaxCounty #JulianaMagalhaes #Justice #BreakingJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

15 Jan 49min

Cara McCarthy Testifies in Brendan Banfield Trial — The "Au Pair Affair Murder Trial"

Cara McCarthy Testifies in Brendan Banfield Trial — The "Au Pair Affair Murder Trial"

Cara McCarthy, Supervisor at the Virginia Dept. of Forensics Science, took the stand in the murder trial of Brendan Banfield, the former IRS agent charged with four counts of aggravated murder in the deaths of his wife Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors allege Banfield and the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, lured Ryan to their Herndon home through a fetish website and staged the killings as a home invasion.The defense argues digital forensics contradict the catfishing theory and that investigators who disagreed were reassigned. Banfield faces life without parole if convicted. The four-week trial continues in Fairfax County.#TrueCrimeToday #BrendanBanfield #AuPairAffair #MurderTrial #ChristineBanfield #JosephRyan #FairfaxCounty #JulianaMagalhaes #Justice #BreakingJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

15 Jan 27min

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