The trial of Lori Vallow Daybell has started in Arizona. She is charged with conspiring to kill her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. This comes after she was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her two children in Idaho. Lori has already been convicted of killing her children, Tylee and JJ, but the Arizona trial will focus on the death of Charles Vallow.
What Lori Vallow Daybell ‘Doomsday Mom’ Did
Lori Vallow Daybell was sentenced to life without parole for killing her children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua “JJ” Vallow. Tylee was Lori’s daughter from a previous marriage. JJ was adopted by Lori and Charles in 2012.
In 2018, Lori met Chad Daybell, a man who wrote about doomsday. A year later, she separated from Charles and began a relationship with Chad. They believed the world was ending soon. Prosecutors say these beliefs led to the deaths of Tylee, JJ, and Chad’s first wife, Tammy Daybell.
Tylee and JJ disappeared in September 2019. Tammy Daybell was found dead just a few weeks later. Her death was initially believed to be from natural causes. But after an autopsy in December 2019, it was revealed she died from asphyxiation.
Lori was arrested in Hawaii in February 2020. Police had been searching for her children, who were reported missing. In June 2020, their bodies were found on Chad Daybell’s property.
Lori and Chad are both charged with murder and conspiracy in the deaths of Tammy, Tylee, and JJ. Lori was also convicted of theft for money that was sent to her children.
Charles Vallow’s Relationship with Lori
Lori and Charles Vallow were married for 13 years, from 2006 to 2019. In early 2019, Charles became worried about Lori. He told police she believed she was a “god” and that the world was ending. He said she threatened to kill him.
Charles filed for divorce in February 2019. In his filing, he said he feared for his life. He also worried about the safety of JJ and Tylee.
How Charles Vallow Was Killed
Charles Vallow was shot and killed by Lori’s brother, Alex Cox, on July 11, 2019. Charles had gone to Lori’s home in Chandler, Arizona, to pick up JJ. Lori and Charles were separated at the time.
Tylee told police she heard arguing between Charles and Alex. She said the noise was loud, but she didn’t understand what they were saying. Alex later told police he shot Charles in self-defense. He was not arrested after the shooting.
Alex’s wife, Zulema Pastenes, testified that Chad and Lori convinced Alex that he was on a mission from God. Alex feared that Lori and Chad would make him the “fall guy” for the crimes. Alex died in December 2019 from a blood clot.
Doomsday Mom’s New Charges and Legal Battle
Lori Vallow Daybell now faces charges in Arizona for conspiring to kill Charles Vallow. This trial will take place in Phoenix, Arizona. It is separate from her earlier trial in Idaho for the deaths of her children.
Lori’s former friend, April Raymond, told a TV show that Lori once said Charles was dead and had a demon inside him. She made similar claims about her children.
Lori decided to represent herself in this trial. She believes her knowledge of law will help her defend herself. But she has struggled with the responsibility. In a hearing, she admitted that it was hard to communicate with her legal team while in jail.
What’s Next for Doomsday Mom?
Lori faces life in prison if convicted. She is already serving life without parole for the murders of her children.
This trial isn’t the only legal issue Lori is facing. She also faces charges for an attempted murder. In 2019, Lori’s niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux, was shot at while driving. He was unharmed, but prosecutors say Alex Cox was the one who fired the shots.
Jailhouse Interview
Lori Vallow Daybell gave an interview from jail in March. She denied any involvement in the deaths of her children and Tammy Daybell. She even tried to blame Tylee for JJ’s death. But investigators say Tylee died before JJ.
Lori also talked about representing herself in court. She said it was difficult but that she wanted to take charge of her defense. Her comments show that she believes she can still control her fate, even from prison.
Lori’s trial will be livestreamed. The case is complicated, and many people are watching closely.
