Lori Daybell, known as the so-called ‘doomsday mom,’ has been sentenced to two life sentences in a Maricopa County, Arizona courtroom. This ruling follows her conviction for conspiring to murder her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, who was shot dead in 2019, and her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux, who narrowly survived a drive-by shooting that same year.
In separate trials this spring, Daybell was found guilty on two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. The sentences—life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years for each conviction—will run consecutively, as declared by Judge Justin Beresky.
Before sentencing Daybell, Judge Beresky emphasized the societal need for justice and the affirmation of the sanctity of human life. He stated, ‘In the face of such profound damage, a long prison sentence is not merely a punishment; it is a necessary affirmation that our society values justice, protection, and the sanctity of human life.’
Daybell is already serving multiple life sentences after her conviction in Idaho for murdering her two children, J.J. Vallow and Tylee Ryan, in 2019. Prosecutors alleged that Daybell and her current husband, Chad Daybell, believed their children had become ‘zombies’ and felt justified in their killings to be together.
In the Arizona trials, prosecutors argued that Lori Daybell conspired with her brother, Alex Cox, to kill Charles Vallow in order to claim his $1 million life insurance policy and pursue a relationship with Chad Daybell.
The prosecution claimed that the motivations behind Daybell’s actions were linked to their belief system, which they described as ‘twisted,’ asserting that she provided her brother with the ‘religious authority’ to murder Vallow, whom they believed was possessed by an evil spirit named ‘Ned.’
During the first trial, Lori Daybell attempted to argue that her brother acted in self-defense during Vallow’s shooting at her home in Chandler, Arizona, in July 2019. In the second trial, she faced charges for her collaboration in the failed assassination of Brandon Boudreaux, who experienced a harrowing near-death experience when someone shot at him from a passing vehicle three months after Vallow’s murder.
Cox passed away from natural causes in December 2019, shortly after the events in question.
Lori Daybell did not testify in her trials nor call any witnesses, choosing instead to represent herself. In summation, she pleaded that her family had endured unimaginable tragedy and denied any involvement in criminal activities.
Returning to the subject of the sentencing, Maricopa County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Treena Kay dismissed Daybell’s assertions of a family tragedy. She noted, ‘A family tragedy does not involve the intentional killing of a person. A family tragedy does not involve conspiring with others to kill.’
Kay highlighted the central motives in Daybell’s case: financial gain and sexual desires, stating that the murders of Vallow and Boudreaux would have provided financial benefits to her and her niece.
Despite maintaining her innocence, Lori Daybell expressed empathy towards the victims’ families during her remarks before sentencing, stating, ‘I want everyone to know that I mourn with all of you. I am sorry for your pain. Losing those close to you is painful, and I acknowledge all of the pain, and I do empathize, I feel it, too.’
She maintained, ‘If I was accountable for these crimes I would acknowledge it,’ while simultaneously questioning the rationale for additional life sentences alongside the ones she is currently serving in Idaho.
Judge Beresky responded by affirming the necessity of her additional sentences, stating, ‘Justice demands not only recognition of the pain inflicted, but a firm response that upholds the dignity of every victim harmed.’ He characterized her manipulations and the premeditated nature of her crimes as ‘unparalleled’ in his judicial career, stating that her actions left a ‘wake of destruction across multiple states.’
This sentencing follows failed motions from Daybell to seek new trials for both counts, as she also attempted to have Judge Beresky removed from her case, claiming bias against her.
The dynamic in the courtroom was tense, particularly in the second trial, which saw Judge Beresky remove Daybell from the room when her comments became combative.
In a convoluted tale of loss and grief, Daybell and her husband, Chad, have been convicted of the murders of her children, J.J. Vallow and Tylee Ryan, whose remains were discovered in June 2020 after they had been reported missing months earlier.
Moreover, both Daybells were found guilty of conspiring in the murder of Chad’s first wife, Tamara Daybell, shortly before Lori and Chad married in Hawaii. Chad Daybell has received a death sentence for those murders, while Lori Daybell is currently serving life without the possibility of parole.
Emotional testimonies from the victims’ families characterized the sentencing hearing. Family members expressed their sorrow, anger, and disbelief at the extent of Daybell’s actions.
Colby Ryan, Lori Daybell’s eldest son from her previous marriage, shared his deep sorrow about the losses he has faced, stating, ‘I’m here to tell you the effect that this has had on me. In simple terms, each one of my family members was taken from us all in one swoop.’ He criticized his mother for not acknowledging her wrongdoing, implying that she, too, represents a tragedy.
Sister to Charles Vallow, Susan Vallow, emotionally stated, ‘My brother’s death was a deliberate act of evil and self-seeking financial gain. Your greed has caused so much pain to this day.’
Kay Woodcock, JJ’s biological grandmother, read a poignant letter in court from the perspective of her deceased grandson. In it, she conveyed heartbreaking sentiments of betrayal: ‘I can’t be here to read this letter, because I am dead. I was murdered by the defendant Lori Daybell, or as I used to call her, mom.’
This deeply affecting statement concluded with a powerful accusation, ‘I trusted you!’ extinguishing any doubt regarding the gravity of Lori Daybell’s actions.
Larry Woodcock, JJ’s grandfather and another family member, described Daybell as a ‘narcissist, psychopath, delusional murderer,’ expressing his feelings of disgust towards her.
He stated, ‘You’re nothing, murderess,’ during his emotional outburst.
Boudreaux, the intended victim of the drive-by shooting, spoke out about the psychological toll he’s endured following Daybell’s attempts on his life. He expressed the emotional scars that have left him in a continuous state of fear and paranoia.
Despite the profound impact of Daybell’s actions on his life, he reiterated his choice to forgive her, emphasizing the importance of this act for his own personal growth and well-being.
The courtroom proceedings reflected not just the disturbing narrative of Lori Daybell’s life but also its devastating repercussions on numerous families, effectively encapsulating the pain, betrayal, and sorrow that followed her heinous acts.
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