Lori Vallow Daybell Sentenced to Life in Arizona for Conspiracy to Kill

Convicted “Doomsday Mom” Lori Vallow Daybell received two life sentences in Arizona on Friday for orchestrating the murder of her estranged husband and a family member. She is already serving life in Idaho for the homicide of her two young children, Joshua “JJ” Vallow and Tylee Ryan, as well as for killing a romantic rival.

The recent sentencing follows her conviction earlier this year in Arizona for conspiring in the murders of Charles Vallow, her ex-husband, and Brandon Boudreaux, the niece’s ex-husband. During the hearings, the judge emphasized the importance of justice, stating that long prison terms affirm society’s values of protection and human life.

“A long prison sentence is not merely punishment, it’s an affirmation of our society’s values,” said Judge Justin Beresky.

Prosecutors condemned Vallow Daybell’s repeated assertions that her actions were merely a “family tragedy.” They argued that her crimes involved premeditation and conspiracy, notably with her brother Alex Cox, who admitted to killing Charles Vallow and was involved in other violent acts. Cox died in 2019 without charges.

Prosecutors also revealed that Vallow Daybell had conspired to kill her ex-husband in order to claim his $1 million life insurance and marry her current husband, Chad Daybell. Charles Vallow was shot when he went to retrieve his son at her home. Later, someone shot at Brandon Boudreaux from a moving vehicle, fueling suspicions of ongoing violence.

Chad Daybell, who married Lori in 2019 after both spouses’ deaths, was sentenced to death for the murders of Lori’s children and his wife, Tammy. Lori, who believed her family was possessed by evil spirits due to her doomsday religious beliefs, chose to represent herself in her Arizona trials despite lacking legal experience.

She will be transferred back to Idaho to serve her sentences there, as officials continue to hold her accountable for the tragic events that shook her family and community.