Lori Daybell, the so-called "doomsday mom," has been found guilty of conspiring to commit murder in the death of her estranged husband, Charles Vallow. The jury in Maricopa County, Arizona, reached its verdict on April 22, 2025, after deliberating for just over three hours across two days.
Daybell, 51, represented herself during the trial, opting not to call any witnesses or present evidence in her defense. Prosecutors argued that she conspired with her brother, Alex Cox, to kill Vallow in July 2019, motivated by a desire to collect his $1 million life insurance policy and marry her then-boyfriend, Chad Daybell.
During the trial, which began on March 31, 2025, the prosecution presented over a dozen witnesses, including Adam Cox, Daybell's brother, who testified that he had "no doubt" his siblings conspired to murder Vallow. The state contended that Lori Daybell invoked their "twisted" religious beliefs to justify the murder, claiming Vallow was possessed by an evil spirit they referred to as "Ned."
On the day of the shooting, Charles Vallow was fatally shot in Daybell's home in Chandler, Arizona. Alex Cox, who claimed self-defense, shot Vallow during a confrontation. He died months later from natural causes. Prosecutors argued that the shooting was a premeditated act to eliminate Vallow, allowing Lori to collect on his life insurance policy.
In her closing argument, Lori Daybell maintained that the shooting was an act of self-defense, stating, "This was a tragedy. Don’t let them turn my family tragedy into a crime." However, the jury found her guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, a verdict that carries significant implications for her future.
Following the verdict, the court entered an aggravation phase, during which the state will present arguments for a harsher sentence. Lori Daybell agreed to several aggravating factors, including that her actions caused emotional and financial harm to the victim's family.
Daybell is currently serving life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of her two children, Joshua "J.J." Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16. Their remains were discovered on an Idaho property owned by Daybell in June 2020, following a lengthy search. Prosecutors argued that the couple believed their children were possessed zombies and murdered them to be together.
In addition to her current convictions, Lori Daybell is facing further charges for allegedly conspiring with Alex Cox to kill Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of her niece. This incident occurred three months after Vallow's shooting when Boudreaux reported a drive-by shooting incident involving a Jeep outside his home in Gilbert, Arizona. Daybell has pleaded not guilty in that case, which is set to go to trial in early June 2025.
Chad Daybell, Lori's current husband, was previously convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of Tylee and J.J., as well as the murder of his first wife, Tammy Daybell. He is currently on death row in Idaho, awaiting execution.
The high-profile nature of the case has drawn significant media attention, with many following the bizarre and tragic events surrounding the Daybells' lives. The couple's beliefs, rooted in doomsday prophecies and a perceived battle against evil spirits, have been a focal point in both trials.
As Lori Daybell prepares for her upcoming trial regarding the conspiracy to murder Brandon Boudreaux, the legal proceedings are expected to further unravel the complex web of her actions and beliefs. The outcome of her sentencing in the conspiracy case against Charles Vallow will also play a crucial role in determining her future.
With her conviction in Arizona, Lori Daybell's legal troubles are far from over. The implications of her actions, intertwined with her radical beliefs, continue to raise questions about accountability and the influence of ideology on behavior.
The trial and subsequent verdict serve as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from extreme beliefs and the lengths to which individuals may go to fulfill them. As the legal saga unfolds, the public remains captivated by the chilling story of Lori Daybell and the lives forever altered by her actions.
