So-called ‘Doomsday Mom’ Lori Vallow Daybell asks for new trial over juror issue
Less than two weeks after being found guilty of conspiring to kill her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, Lori Vallow Daybell is seeking a new trial. In court documents recently released, Vallow Daybell is claiming that Juror 15 shared in a local television interview that they were aware of her prior murder convictions in Idaho, despite these convictions not being brought up during the trial.
During a post-trial juror interview, Vallow Daybell, who represented herself in court, stated that Juror 15’s reaction upon learning about her prior convictions was one of sympathy. Juror 15 reportedly said, “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…’” This revelation raised concerns about potential bias impacting the jury’s decision.
Vallow Daybell and her husband, Chad Daybell, were convicted of the 2019 murders of Vallow’s children, 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, as well as Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell. The couple, who shared apocalyptic religious beliefs, were sentenced to life in prison.
The motion filed in Maricopa County Superior Court also alleged “discovery violations, prosecutorial misconduct, and a lack of impartiality.” Vallow Daybell claimed that she was not allowed to present full statements from her late brother, Alex Cox, who she conspired with to kill her late husband, Charles Vallow. She argued that it was her brother who shot Charles Vallow during a physical altercation.
Furthermore, Vallow Daybell argued that prosecutors presented irrelevant and prejudicial character evidence, and made false statements to the jury regarding various details of the case. She also claimed that comments about her demeanor during a police interview constituted prosecutorial misconduct.
Despite these challenges, Vallow Daybell is scheduled to go on trial in Phoenix for an alleged plot to kill her niece’s ex-husband. A judge denied her motion to dismiss the case, and she continues to maintain her innocence. Vallow Daybell has been representing herself in court and expressed confidence in her ability to handle her case effectively.
As this legal saga continues, the complexities of Vallow Daybell’s case highlight the importance of ensuring a fair trial and upholding the principles of justice. The outcome of her request for a new trial remains to be seen, but the impact of these developments on the broader legal landscape is sure to be significant.
