'Doomsday Mom' Lori Vallow Daybell Receives 2 More Life Sentences in Arizona Murder Trials

Lori Vallow Daybell Receives Additional Life Sentences for Murder Conspiracy Convictions

Lori Vallow Daybell, already serving life in prison for the deaths of her two youngest children and a romantic rival, has received two more life sentences in Arizona. These additional convictions stem from her involvement in conspiracy to murder two individuals: her late husband, Charles Vallow, and her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux.

The jury found Vallow Daybell guilty of conspiring to murder Charles Vallow, who was shot and killed by her brother, Alex Cox. Cox claimed self-defense, but he later died from a blood clot in his lungs five months after the incident. Months later, she was convicted for conspiring to murder Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of her niece.

Judge Justin Beresky, who presided over both trials, sentenced Vallow Daybell to serve two life sentences with the possibility of parole after 25 years. These sentences will be served consecutively with her previous life terms. A lifetime injunction was also issued, preventing her from contacting members of Charles Vallow’s family or Boudreaux.

In July 2023, Vallow Daybell was sentenced for her role in the murders of her children, Joshua “JJ” Vallow and Tylee Ashlyn Ryan, as well as for conspiring to kill Chad Daybell’s wife, Tammy Daybell. She was ordered to serve five life sentences for these crimes.

The Role of the Prosecution in the Sentencing

During the sentencing hearing, Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Treena J. Kay emphasized that Vallow Daybell's use of the term "family tragedy" was inappropriate. She stated that a true tragedy is not an intentional act committed with the help of an accomplice to carry out premeditated murder. Kay argued that Vallow Daybell’s actions were cold-blooded and showed no remorse.

Kay recommended that Vallow Daybell’s sentences for Charles Vallow’s murder and the attempted murder of Boudreaux be served consecutively rather than simultaneously. This means that each life sentence would be served one after another.

Vallow Daybell’s Statement During Sentencing

Vallow Daybell addressed the court during her sentencing, expressing gratitude to her investigator and paralegal for their support. She claimed to have learned a great deal about the legal system and alleged that she was not given the same rights as an attorney. She also spoke about being mistreated while in jail.

She expressed her belief that her loved ones are now in heaven and stated that regardless of how many life sentences she receives, she will continue to uplift those around her.

Judge Beresky’s Remarks

Judge Beresky corrected Vallow Daybell on several occasions during her speech, noting that she did not provide accurate information about the sentencing statistics or her belief that she could not receive a fair trial. He criticized her for shattering lives, undermining trust, and sowing fear among others.

He shared in the grief of Charles Vallow’s family, mentioning that they shared a birthday. He also highlighted the devastating impact of Vallow Daybell’s manipulation, which affected many people in her life. He noted that investigators had long doubted Alex Cox’s claim of self-defense.

Judge Beresky emphasized that Vallow Daybell should never be released from prison and that she would eventually fade into obscurity. He agreed with the prosecution’s aggravating factors, including the financial gain from her crimes and the extreme distress caused to Boudreaux and his family.

A total of $267,000 was ordered for restitution based on her crimes.

The Murder of Charles Vallow

Prosecutors argued that Vallow Daybell conspired with her brother, Alex Cox, to murder Charles Vallow. According to witness testimony, Vallow discovered that Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell were having an affair. He changed his life insurance beneficiary to his sister, Kay Woodcock.

Vallow arrived in Arizona the day before his murder to confront Vallow Daybell about her religious beliefs. On the day of the murder, Alex Cox went to Vallow Daybell’s home instead of meeting with Vallow and her other brother, Adam Cox.

According to Vallow Daybell, a fight broke out when Vallow came to pick up JJ, and Alex Cox shot him twice. She claimed to have fled the house immediately after the incident. However, 911 was not called for over 40 minutes, according to cellphone data.

Adam Cox, Vallow Daybell’s other brother, testified that Lori had told people that Charles was no longer alive and that there was a “zombie” inside him. He also said that Alex did not respond to his text messages on the morning of the shooting, leading him to believe that they were involved in the murder.

The Attack on Brandon Boudreaux

Just months after Charles Vallow’s death, someone shot at Brandon Boudreaux from a Jeep window as he was driving home from the gym. The bullet narrowly missed him, hitting his car just above his head.

Prosecutors alleged that Boudreaux’s wife at the time, Vallow Daybell’s niece, had begun following her aunt’s religious beliefs and attending meetings hosted by Vallow Daybell. She reportedly referred to Boudreaux as a “dark person,” similar to how she viewed Charles Vallow.

Investigators found that the Jeep used in the attack belonged to Vallow Daybell. Prosecutors argued that she loaned it to Alex Cox, and messages from a burner phone suggested they had planned the attack together, creating an alibi for Alex Cox.