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BOISE, Idaho - As lawyers for both the prosecution and defense in Lori Vallow's murder trial rest their case, the focus is now on the jury, and whether they will find the so-called ‘Doomsday Mom’ guilty on several charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of murder conspiracy, and grand theft.
Vallow is accused by prosecutors of using her religious beliefs to justify the murder of two of her kids: Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan. She is also accused of conspiring in the death of Tammy Daybell, who was Chad Daybell's wife of nearly 30 years. Vallow and Daybell were married weeks after Tammy's death.
Jury set to deliberate case
Prosecuting attorney rested their case against Vallow on May 9, after calling on 60 different witnesses through nearly five weeks of testimony. Law enforcement from the FBI, Idaho, Hawaii and Arizona testified.
Besides law enforcement, Vallow’s oldest son, her sister and some of her former friends all took the stand.
In opening statements, prosecutors said this case was about money, power and sex. During the trial, we saw cell phone evidence, DNA evidence, graphic evidence and heard emotional recordings.
A surprise came during the trial on May 9, as it was revealed that Vallow chose now to testify. In addition, defense attorneys say they did not have one witness at all, and did not cross examine anyone else because they do not believe the state proved its case.
Victim's relatives praying for conviction
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Lori Vallow Trial: Closing arguments to start
A little more than three years after the so-called 'Doomsday Mom' was arrested, jurors will hear closing arguments in Lori Vallow's murder trial. The woman is accused of killing two of her kids, and conspiring with her husband, Chad Daybell, in the murder of Daybell's first wife, Tammy Daybell. FOX 10's Justin Lum spoke with Tammy's family members, as they wait for a verdict in the case.
As the trial steadily moves to its conclusion, we sat down with Tammy Daybell's aunt and cousin, Vicki Hoban and Julie Brooks.
"I really felt from the very beginning this is something really wrong," said Hoban.
Brooks said she knew Vallow for about a year, meeting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Their aughts became close, and Brooks also got to know JJ.
"She was very good with the kids. Very connected, and yeah, I was a friend, acquaintance with her. She was very likable," said Brooks. "I feel a mix of emotions that we’re even there because of what’s happened, but praying, honestly, that it ends up that the jury can see through everything,"
We asked both Hoban and Brooks what the closing arguments will feel like for both.
"I feel emotional," said Brooks.
"I get shaky," said Hoban.
"Because it’s finally here?" Hoban was asked.
"Well, it will give us some relief," Hoban replied.
Both Hoban and Brooks live in the Phoenix area, and traveled up to Idaho for the trial.
Murder, Money and the End of Days: The Lori Vallow story
Murder, Money & the End of Days. Why investigators believe religion, greed and an affair led an all-American mom on a trail of death. This is the Lori Vallow story. FOX 10’s Justin Lum walks us through the crucial timeline on the eve of Vallow’s trial.
For all previous and extensive coverage on this case, visit https://fox10phoenix.com/vallow + watch the in-depth special here.