Lori Vallow Daybell murder conspiracy trial moves into second week
Vallow Daybell trial: Jurors hear about insurance
The motive of greed was on display in the courtroom on April 14, as the Lori Vallow Daybell trial enters its second week. In Arizona, the so-called 'Doomsday Mom' is accused of conspiring to kill her then-husband, Charles Vallow. FOX 10's Lauren Clark has more.
PHOENIX - The "Doomsday Mom" murder conspiracy trial moved into its second week on April 14 in Phoenix.
In Arizona, Lori Vallow Daybell is accused of plotting to kill her then-husband, Charles Vallow, for insurance money.
Medical examiner testifies on Charles Vallows autopsy
Dr. Derek Bumgarner with the Maricopa County Medical Examiners Office took the stand on April 14 to testify on the autopsy of Charles Vallow. The Lori Vallow Daybell murder conspiracy trial entered its second week on Monday in Phoenix.
Last week, the prosecution called a dozen witnesses to the stand, including Kay Woodcock, Charles' sister and the ex-mother-in-law of Vallow Daybell.
Dozens more witnesses are expected to be called before the case goes to the jury, which could take weeks.
Vallow Daybell is acting as her own attorney in the case. She is required to wear a stun belt, which can deliver a sudden jolt in the event of any disturbances.
What Happened Today:
On Monday, topics that are normally considered to be ‘dry,’ such as Social Security benefits and life insurance, became a topic of interest in the courtroom.
One of the witnesses called to the stand on Monday works for Banner Life Insurance. The jury heard her tell Vallow Daybell, in a voice recording, that she was not Charles Vallow's beneficiary following his death.
"I can tell you the beneficiary was changed in March of this year," the employee was heard saying in the recording.
"OK. OK. Trying to figure out what he was doing, since we have five kids, and have been married for 15 years," Vallow Daybell was heard saying.
Also on the stand on Monday was Mari Saari, an investigator of Social Security fraud. Saari said Vallow Daybell did not inform Social Security of her new marriage.
"If a surviving spouse remarries, what happens to those benefits given to, say, the mother of the child?" Prosecuting attorney Treena Kay asked Saari.
"They would then cease upon that marriage," Saari replied.
Vallow Daybell later cross-examined Saari, but her questions, as well as the points she was trying to make, appeared unclear.
"You’re not really privy to what an agent might be telling that person as they are trying to get Social Security, is that correct?" Vallow Daybell asked.
"What they tell an agent - an employee? Or what? What is your question again?" Saari replied.
Besides the life insurance company worker and Saari, a doctor with the Medical Examiner's Office and a firearms forensic scientist also took the stand.
The backstory:
In Arizona, Vallow Daybell is accused of planning the death of her then-husband, Charles Vallow, in 2019. It was allegedly motivated by Vallow Daybell's religious beliefs, and a $1 million life insurance policy that Charles owned.
Charles was shot by Vallow Daybell's late brother, Alex Cox. Cox had said he shot Charles after a fight involving a baseball bat.
Charles Vallow and Lori Vallow Daybell.
Vallow Daybell is also accused of attempted murder in connection with her ex-nephew-in-law, Brandon Boudreaux. The shootings of Charles and Brandon happened within months of each other.
In Idaho, Vallow Daybell was found guilty of killing Tylee Ryan and Joshua "JJ" Vallow. She was also found guilty of her role in the death of Tammy Daybell, Chad Daybell's first wife. Vallow Daybell was sentenced to life in prison in Idaho.
Chad Daybell, Lori's husband, was convicted of all three murders last year. He was sentenced to death.
What's next:
Prosecutors only have a handful of witnesses left before they rest their case. After that, it's the defense's turn.
During a brief hearing, prosecutors said they believe they could rest their case by Thursday, April 17.
Vallow Daybell: Hearings held over trial witnesses
In a brief hearing held on April 14, 2025 following lunch recess, the judge asked Lori Vallow Daybell questions about witnesses and potential cross examination. The State also believes it could rest its case by Thursday as the prosecution plans to call 21 witnesses in total.
What you can do:
FOX 10's coverage of day five of the trial gets underway at 10 a.m. on April 14. You can watch it on our YouTube channel.