Cult expert weighs in on Idaho missing children's case | Forensic Files

[Music] my name is flora Jessop and I have spent 20 plus years working with people coming
out of extreme religious organizations if you will I think that those children could be alive do I think Laurie Vala
would give them up absolutely not I think that those children are being going to be used for a greater purpose
within the ideology of whatever they're pulling toward I think that when somebody says that
they are chosen by God to do something special in the world it seems to me like because she believes she's special that
she's above the law she's on a higher mission and man has nothing they can do to her that is gonna veer her away from
that because if she steps away from that her salvation is at risk her eternal life these kids weren't victims waiting
to happen as soon as the dogmatic insect entered their lives these kids were victims and could these
children possibly be they're being held by someone other members absolutely they
could be in an underground bunker somewhere without any knowledge that all of this is going on there's a hundred
places they could be I still have trouble wrapping my head around what makes a mommy walk away from her kids
it's incomprehensible to me

After Lori Vallow Daybell’s two children went missing in September 2019, many began to fear the worst. Author and activist Flora Jessop offers her thoughts on how extreme religious beliefs may have come into play.

Get the latest news and best in original reporting from CBS News delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to newsletters HERE: http://cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T

Get your news on the go! Download CBS News mobile apps HERE: http://cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8

Get new episodes of shows you love across devices the next day, stream local news live, and watch full seasons of CBS fan favorites anytime, anywhere with CBS All Access. Try it free! http://bit.ly/1OQA29B

--- "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. For 27 seasons, "48 Hours" has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives. Check local listings for "48 Hours" broadcast times.

Brief Summary

Flora Jessop discusses Laurie Vallow's case and the missing children linked to extreme religious beliefs.

Key points

Flora Jessop's Mission. Flora Jessop has dedicated over 20 years to helping those escaping extreme religious organizations.
The Fate of the Children. Flora believes the children are being used for a greater purpose within a dangerous ideology.
The Incomprehensible Choices of Mothers. Flora expresses disbelief at how a mother could abandon her children.

Episode highlights

The Fate of the ChildrenFlora believes the children are being used for a greater purpose within a dangerous ideology.“I think that those children are being used for a greater purpose”0:23May 17, 2020

Episode quotes

If she steps away from that, her salvation is at risk.

1:00WatchMay 17, 2020

More from 48 Hours

Solve the Crime

Read a real case one clue at a time, then see how your call held up against the investigators.