Opening statements begin today in Maricopa County, Arizona, for Lori Vallow Daybell, the so-called “Doomsday Mom,” who is accused of conspiring to murder her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, in 2019. The trial marks the next chapter in a chilling saga that has captivated the nation with its twisted blend of religion, family tragedy, and murder.
Vallow Daybell, 51, is representing herself in this high-profile case, having waived her right to counsel. She claims she understands the details of the case better than any attorney could and insists she is best suited to defend herself. This unusual move follows her 2023 conviction in Idaho, where a jury found her guilty of the murders of her two youngest children—Joshua “J.J.” Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16—and of conspiring to kill her fifth husband Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell.
The current Arizona case focuses on the death of Charles Vallow, who was shot and killed by Lori’s brother, Alex Cox, in July 2019 during a confrontation at Lori’s home in Chandler. At the time, Cox claimed self-defense, and no charges were filed before his sudden death from natural causes in December 2019. However, prosecutors now allege Lori and Cox conspired to kill Charles, citing text messages and witness testimony suggesting premeditated planning.
During pretrial motions, Lori repeatedly clashed with Judge Justin Beresky, accusing prosecutors of misconduct and demanding the case be dismissed—claims the judge rejected. In a tense moment during jury selection, she lost her composure, interrupting proceedings and prompting the judge to warn her about courtroom decorum.
The jury, composed of 13 men and 3 women, was seated last week. Despite objections from Vallow Daybell, Judge Beresky has permitted a pool camera in the courtroom, allowing for a livestream of the trial. Among those expected to testify are former friends, law enforcement officials, and key figures tied to the couple’s fringe religious beliefs.
Lori Vallow Daybell’s disturbing journey into apocalyptic ideology began years ago when she became engrossed in books and teachings by Chad Daybell, a religious author who wrote about preparing for the end times. Friends and family have testified that Lori began to speak of spiritual visions, dark spirits, and people being “possessed.” Her relationship with Charles deteriorated quickly after she adopted these beliefs, with Charles filing for divorce and warning authorities she posed a danger.
Just months after Charles’ death, Lori moved to Idaho, where she eventually married Chad Daybell. Within months, her children went missing, triggering a nationwide search. Their remains were discovered in June 2020 on Chad’s rural Idaho property, buried in shallow graves. In May 2023, Lori was convicted of their murders and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Chad Daybell is also facing murder charges and was sentenced to death in a separate trial.
Lori’s Arizona legal troubles don’t end here. She is also facing charges for conspiring to kill her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux, in another failed shooting that took place in 2019. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
This Arizona trial is expected to last several weeks and may offer deeper insights into the psychological and ideological forces behind one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent memory.
Source Links:
https://people.com/lori-vallow-daybell-reveals-why-she-decided-to-represent-herself-in-arizona-11709948
https://abcnews.go.com/US/lori-daybell-arizona-murder-trial-opening-statements/story?id=120499584
https://www.ksl.com/article/51273085/judge-to-allow-camera-in-lori-vallow-daybells-arizona-trial-defense-releases-witness-list
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vallow–Daybell_doomsday_murders
https://youtu.be/1U-ouEEp5H4
