Lori Vallow back in court ahead of Arizona murder conspiracy trial
Lori Vallow: Doomsday Mom back in Arizona court
Lori Vallow, a convicted murder also known as the so-called 'Doomsday Mom,' is facing charges in Arizona in connection with the death of her husband, Charles Vallow. The case is already shaping up to be rather different that her murder case in Idaho. FOX 10 Investigator Justin Lum has more.
PHOENIX - Lori Vallow was back in a Phoenix courtroom on Friday for a status conference.
In Arizona, the so-called "Doomsday Mom" is accused of conspiring in the fatal shooting of Charles Vallow, her fourth husband, and the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux, who was married to her niece. The shootings of Charles and Brandon happened within months of each other in 2019, and for Charles' shooting, investigators identified the suspect as Vallow's late brother, Alex Cox.
According to police, the shootings of Charles and Brandon were motivated by money and a bizarre spiritual system.
Lori Vallow can represent herself at her Arizona trials, judge rules
Lori Vallow, the so-called "Doomsday Mom," will be allowed to represent herself during her upcoming trials in Arizona, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled on Dec. 6.
Vallow was deemed competent to stand trial after questions were raised by her former attorneys. Her trial date has been set for March 31.
She was previously found guilty in Idaho for the murders of two of her children, Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan. She was also found guilty of her role in the death of Tammy Daybell. Tammy was the first wife of Chad Daybell, who is Vallow's current husband. Vallow was sentenced to life in prison in Idaho for the deaths.
Vallow called out prosecutors while in court
Vallow is representing herself in her Arizona trial, and during the proceedings on Jan. 10, she criticized the prosecution.
"The state has continued to impede the defense from conducting a defense," said Vallow. "This is a violation of the 14th Amendment of our great Constitution, and the defense’s due process rights."
She argued the state may be holding back evidence as a strategy against the defense, and she claims responses and motions should be sent to her in a timely manner.
During her court appearance, Vallow said she wants the state's witness list to be pared down, so that she can prepare interviews. She also wants all the discovery related to her extradition from Idaho to Arizona.
"What does anything in the extradition have to do with the underlying charges? Can you tell me that?" Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Justin Beresky asked Vallow.
"Yeah, it’s to find out why all this started, when I can’t find any evidence that there is," Vallow replied.
"Have you read the grand jury transcripts?" Judge Beresky asked.
"I have," Vallow replied.
"OK. The grand jury transcripts summarize the state’s evidence they intend to bring at trial," Judge Beresky said.
"I understand that," Vallow replied.
Vallow also told Judge Beresky she believed she wouldn't be extradited to Arizona until her appeals in the Idaho case were done.
"There’s a lot of things that are mystery questions to the defense that we are entitled to, according to the law," said Vallow.
"Well, alright. Everything you’ve just told me, none of that would be relevant in the trial in the case in chief," Judge Beresky replied.
Vallow's family declined to comment after the hearing.
As for Vallow herself, her pre-trial hearing is set for March 18, and her trial related to the murder of Charles Vallow is set for March 31. Once that trial ends, Vallow will be put on trial for the second time: the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, said it could take a couple of weeks to present its case, and then, it's up to Vallow as to how long her defense will take.
Takeaways from Lori Vallow Daybell hearing
Fox 10 Investigator Justin Lum spoke with Nate Eaton of East Idaho News about the latest developments in the Arizona case against Lori Vallow Daybell. She's accused of conspiring in the fatal shooting of her former husband, Charles Vallow, allegedly motivated by her religious beliefs and life insurance money. The convicted child killer's trial is scheduled for March 31.
Lori Vallow in court for status conference
On Jan. 10, Lori Vallow appeared in a Phoenix courtroom for a status conference. In Arizona, Lori Vallow is accused of conspiring in the fatal shooting of her fourth husband and the attempted murder of her nieces ex-husband. She is representing herself in her upcoming trial, which is scheduled for March 31.