Lori Vallow Daybell murder conspiracy trial: Opening statements made

PHOENIX - Opening statements were made on April 7, as Lori Vallow Daybell's murder conspiracy trial got underway in Phoenix.

In Arizona, the so-called "Doomsday Mom" is accused of planning the death of her former husband.

Prosecutor's opening statement

What they're saying:

Prosecutor Treena Kay began Monday by reading off disturbing text messages between Vallow Daybell and her brother, Alex. She gave jurors a road map of what they would expect in the next few days, including witnesses like her other brother, Adam, text message evidence and more.

"Lori Vallow wanted to keep the same lifestyle that she had with Charles, and she could get all of this if Charles was dead," said Kay. "She could marry Chad Daybell, become Lori Daybell. She would get a million-dollar life insurance policy from Charles Vallow."

‘Doomsday Mom’ representing herself

While Vallow Daybell is not a lawyer, she is representing herself in the case, and she also made her opening statements on April 7.

Vallow Daybell was allowed to go up to the podium without handcuffs or foot restraints. In the event something was to go wrong, deputies could push a button to activate a shock belt that was under her clothes.

Repeating the phrase ‘the evidence will show’ before each sentence, Vallow Daybell narrated the day of Charles' death, echoing the idea that her brother, Alex Cox, shot Charles in self-defense.

After her opening statement, Vallow Daybell cross-examined the officers who were there, asking about their demeanor.

At times during the proceedings, Vallow Daybell's inexperience with legal matters shone through, as she received four objections during her opening statement, and appeared to struggle during some parts of the cross examinations.

Jury selection for the trial concluded last week, with 13 men and three women selected.

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. 

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.

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