Lori Vallow Daybell Seeks New Trial in Arizona Murder Conspiracy Case
Lori Vallow Daybell, notoriously known as the "Doomsday Mom," is aggressively pursuing a new trial in Arizona, just weeks after being convicted of conspiring to murder her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. The move comes on the heels of a guilty verdict delivered by an Arizona jury, adding another layer to Vallow Daybell’s already complex and disturbing legal saga.
Vallow Daybell, who chose to represent herself in the recent Arizona trial, is basing her appeal on several grounds, including allegations of juror misconduct, discovery violations, prosecutorial misconduct, and a perceived lack of impartiality during the proceedings. The newly filed court documents detail these claims, painting a picture of a trial she believes was fundamentally unfair.
At the heart of Vallow Daybell’s argument is the assertion that Juror 15, one of the individuals who contributed to her guilty verdict, was aware of her prior murder convictions in Idaho. These convictions, stemming from the deaths of her two children, Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan, and her husband Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell, were explicitly excluded from the Arizona trial to ensure a fair and unbiased jury. Vallow Daybell argues that the juror’s awareness of these prior convictions irreparably tainted the jury’s deliberations and ultimately influenced the outcome of the trial.
In a post-trial interview, Vallow Daybell claims that Juror 15 expressed feelings of sympathy towards her upon learning about the Idaho convictions. According to court documents, the juror allegedly stated, "You know, I feel sorry for her. Driving home yesterday, I was like, ‘God she’s spending the next three lives in prison in a cell…’" Vallow Daybell’s legal team contends that this statement indicates the juror was already predisposed to a negative view of her, based on information that should not have been considered during the trial.
The Arizona trial centered on allegations that Vallow Daybell conspired with her brother, Alex Cox, to murder Charles Vallow in 2019. Prosecutors argued that Vallow Daybell orchestrated the murder to collect a $1 million life insurance payout and pave the way for her subsequent marriage to Chad Daybell. The jury ultimately sided with the prosecution, finding Vallow Daybell guilty of the conspiracy charge.
In addition to the juror misconduct claim, Vallow Daybell’s motion for a new trial also alleges that the prosecution committed discovery violations by withholding crucial evidence. The specific nature of these alleged violations is not detailed in the provided text, but they likely pertain to information that Vallow Daybell believes could have aided in her defense.
Vallow Daybell further argues that the prosecution engaged in misconduct during the trial by presenting "irrelevant, prejudicial, and improper character evidence" and making false statements to the jury. She claims that these actions unfairly swayed the jury against her and deprived her of a fair trial.
One specific instance of alleged prosecutorial misconduct cited in the court documents involves the prosecution’s commentary on Vallow Daybell’s demeanor during a police interview. Prosecutors reportedly pointed out that Vallow Daybell did not cry during the interview, implying a lack of remorse or empathy. Vallow Daybell’s legal team argues that this was an improper comment because the prosecution selectively edited the interview to remove a portion where she did, in fact, cry.
Furthermore, Vallow Daybell asserts that she was unfairly restricted in her ability to present a complete defense. She claims that the court prevented her from introducing full statements from her late brother, Alex Cox, regarding the events leading up to Charles Vallow’s death. Vallow Daybell argues that these statements were crucial to her defense because they would have supported her claim that Cox acted alone in the shooting.
Specifically, Vallow Daybell contends that she should have been allowed to present evidence regarding Cox’s walk-through with police after the shooting and his statements to Chandler police before his death. She maintains that these statements would have shed light on Cox’s motivations and actions, potentially exculpating her from any involvement in the conspiracy.
Vallow Daybell’s defense hinges on the argument that it was her brother, Alex Cox, who ultimately shot Charles Vallow. She claims that a physical altercation occurred between Cox and Vallow at the time of the shooting, while she and her daughter, Tylee Ryan, were both present at the home. Based on Arizona Rules of Evidence 803(3), Vallow Daybell believes that the statements of both Cox and Ryan should have been admitted as evidence, as they would have demonstrated the "effect on listener" and provided context for the events that transpired.
The motion for a new trial highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding the Vallow Daybell case, raising questions about the fairness and impartiality of the Arizona trial. The court will now need to carefully consider the arguments presented by Vallow Daybell’s legal team and determine whether the alleged errors and irregularities warrant a retrial.
Adding to Vallow Daybell’s legal challenges, she is also scheduled to face trial in Phoenix in May for an alleged plot to kill her niece’s ex-husband. A judge has already denied her motion to dismiss this case, indicating that the prosecution has sufficient evidence to proceed.
Vallow Daybell’s decision to represent herself in the Arizona trial reflects her deep conviction in her own understanding of the case. She has stated that she has been "working on her case for five years" and believes she knows it "better than an attorney can learn it in two years."
The outcome of Vallow Daybell’s motion for a new trial will have significant implications for her future. If the court grants the motion, she will face another trial in Arizona, potentially offering her a chance to clear her name. However, if the motion is denied, she will remain convicted of conspiring to murder Charles Vallow and will likely spend the rest of her life in prison. The legal battles surrounding Lori Vallow Daybell continue to captivate the public, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of religious extremism, conspiracy, and violence.
