Phoenix: Lori Vallow Daybell is now on trial in Arizona. She already faces life sentences in Idaho.
This case involves the death of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, in Chandler, Arizona.
Prosecutors claim Vallow planned Charles’ killing to marry Chad Daybell, an author of doomsday books.
She is defending herself in court and became emotional during her opening statement on Monday.
Vallow argued the incident was tragic but not criminal, framing it as an act of family defense.
Alleged Motive
Prosecutors said Vallow wanted to eliminate “obstacles” to marry Chad and claim Charles’ life insurance.
They said she believed ending Charles’ life would give her love, money, and freedom.
Vallow insisted Charles became violent first, chasing her with a bat before being shot.
Charles’ death, according to the state, marked the start of a wider deadly conspiracy.
Vallow’s late brother, Alex Cox, fired the fatal shots during the altercation, police records say.
Family Statements
Vallow told the jury Charles had previously threatened her and was aggressive the night he died.
She said her daughter Tylee used a bat to protect her during the argument.
Vallow claimed Charles wrestled the bat away and ran after her with it.
She and Tylee ran outside before Cox allegedly shot Charles inside the home.
Vallow said Cox acted only to protect her and himself during the violent clash.
Disputed Defense
Prosecutors argued it was not self-defense, pointing to texts and phone data from the time.
They allege Vallow and Chad Daybell saw Charles and others as barriers to their future.
Charles had filed for divorce in early 2019, citing her obsession with strange religious beliefs.
He feared for his life and asked for a mental health check on Vallow.
Wider Plot
Cox never faced charges and died later that year of natural causes, complicating the case.
However, his account has been questioned in light of new evidence and changed testimonies.
Prosecutors showed Vallow’s motive was to become “Lori Daybell” and live off insurance money.
They presented texts from 2023 suggesting she and Chad planned to remove “obstacles,” including her children.
Idaho Tragedy
Her children, JJ and Tylee, disappeared in September 2019. They were later found dead.
Chad Daybell’s wife, Tammy, died one month later under suspicious circumstances in Idaho.
Her autopsy revealed she died of asphyxiation, not natural causes as first believed.
Vallow and Chad married shortly after in Hawaii, with no children present at the wedding.
She was arrested in Hawaii and returned to Idaho in early 2020.
Wider Consequences
She is serving life sentences without parole in Idaho for those crimes.
Chad Daybell was sentenced to death in 2024 after being convicted of the same murders.
The Arizona case marks her return to court on new charges and renewed scrutiny.
She faces a second trial soon for a separate attempted murder conspiracy in Arizona.
Upcoming Trial
That case involves Brandon Boudreaux, her niece’s former husband, who was nearly shot in 2019.
The attack happened three months after Charles’ death and involved a Jeep once owned by Charles.
Boudreaux survived, but police believe the shooting was part of the same violent pattern.
Vallow has pleaded not guilty to both Arizona charges and maintains her innocence.
If convicted in Arizona, she could receive additional life sentences for her alleged crimes.
