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Opening statements are set to commence on Monday in the Arizona trial of Lori Vallow Daybell, infamously known as the “Doomsday mom.” She previously received a life sentence in Idaho for the murders of her children in 2019.
In Arizona, Vallow Daybell faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder regarding the death of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. She has entered a not guilty plea and is representing herself during the trial. Jury selection began on Monday, March 31, where approximately 200 potential jurors were vetted. Many were disqualified due to their prior knowledge of the case. Ultimately, 16 jurors, consisting of 13 men and three women, were selected, including four alternates, as reported by CBS affiliate AZFamily.
The trial is projected to continue until at least mid-May, according to AZFamily.
Background on Lori Vallow Daybell
Lori Vallow Daybell was handed a life sentence in prison following her conviction for the murders of her children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua Jaxon “JJ” Vallow. Tylee was Vallow Daybell’s biological child from a previous relationship, while JJ was adopted with her husband Charles Vallow in 2012.
In 2018, Vallow Daybell encountered Chad Daybell, a doomsday-themed author. The following year, she separated from her then-husband Charles and entered a relationship with Daybell. The couple shared extreme apocalyptic beliefs, which prosecutors contend were used to rationalize the tragic deaths of Tylee, JJ, and Daybell’s former wife, Tammy Daybell.
Tylee and JJ vanished within weeks of each other in September 2019, and in October of that year, Tammy Daybell was discovered deceased in her home. Initially, her death was ruled as natural causes, yet an autopsy was not performed until her body was exhumed in December 2019, after which the cause of death was classified as asphyxiation. Shortly after, in November, Lori and Chad wed in Hawaii.
After the unsettling discovery of Tylee and JJ’s remains in June 2020 on Chad Daybell’s property, both Daybells were charged in connection with the deaths of Tammy, Tylee, and JJ. They each faced separate trials and were found guilty of murder and conspiracy. Vallow Daybell was also convicted on additional charges related to financial crimes involving payments connected to her missing children.
Chad Daybell received a death sentence for his role in Tammy Daybell’s murder and other related charges.
Marriage to Charles Vallow
Lori Vallow and Charles Vallow were married from 2006 until their separation in 2019. In early 2019, Charles expressed escalating concerns over his wife’s mental state, contacting law enforcement to convey that she believed she was a “god” preparing for apocalyptic events.
Charles filed for divorce in February 2019, citing threats against his life from Vallow Daybell and expressing fears for the safety of JJ and Tylee as well.
Circumstances of Charles Vallow’s Death
Charles Vallow was fatally shot by Lori Vallow Daybell’s brother, Alexander Lamar Cox, on July 11, 2019. At the time, Charles had gone to retrieve JJ from the home where Lori lived with Cox and the two children. Following an argument, Cox claimed he acted in self-defense, resulting in the shooting. He faced no charges.
Cox told his wife, Zulema Pastenes, that he believed he was on a divine mission to protect Lori and his sister and expressed fears of being made a “fall guy” for the murders. Cox passed away unexpectedly in December 2019 from a pulmonary blood clot.
Current Charges and Trial Details
In the current case, Lori Vallow Daybell stands accused of conspiring with her brother to murder Charles Vallow. This trial is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, the location of Vallow’s death.
In a revealing conversation with “48 Hours,” former friend April Raymond indicated that Lori had expressed her belief that Charles was possessed by a demon. This belief extended to her views on her children as well.
A judge recently declared Vallow Daybell competent to stand trial, allowing cameras in the courtroom for the proceedings, which will be broadcast live. Despite the allowance for civilian attire, she will be required to wear a shock vest but will not be shackled during the trial.
Vallow Daybell’s choice to represent herself complicates the legal proceedings; she acknowledged the challenges of jury selection and expressed her intent to study case law during her time in custody. A recent hearing spotlighted her struggles with communicating with her legal team due to her confinement circumstances.
The trial is anticipated to unfold over the coming weeks, with Vallow facing the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted. Her current sentences from Idaho prohibit her from ever gaining parole.
Additionally, Vallow Daybell is embroiled in further legal issues, including a charge for conspiracy to commit murder related to the attempted shooting of her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux, who narrowly escaped injury in a 2019 shooting at his vehicle.
Interview Insights
In a recent NBC “Dateline” interview, Vallow Daybell made several unsubstantiated claims, demonstrating a combative demeanor toward correspondent Keith Morrison. She consistently asserted her innocence regarding all charges and attempted to place blame for JJ’s death on Tylee, despite evidence indicating the opposite.
Morrison highlighted Vallow Daybell’s aggressive approach in the interview, emphasizing her determination to shape the narrative in her favor.
As her trial approaches, the complexity of the case continues to develop, capturing the attention of the public and legal communities alike.
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