Lori Vallow Daybell receives two more life sentences in Arizona conspiracy trials
Lori Vallow Daybell
In a dramatic conclusion to her legal saga, Lori Vallow Daybell, often dubbed the “Doomsday Mom,” was sentenced on July 25, 2025 to two additional life sentences in Arizona. The court found her guilty of conspiring to murder her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, and her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux. Already serving multiple life terms in Idaho, Vallow’s Arizona verdict cements her fate behind bars, likely for the rest of her life.
Origins of the Conspiracy: Charles Vallow and Brandon Boudreaux
The Arizona trials stemmed from two separate murder plots in 2019. Prosecutors allege Lori enlisted her brother, Alex Cox, to carry out the shootings: one that killed her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, at her Chandler home in July, and another targeting Brandon Boudreaux, who survived the attempted ambush near his workplace. The motive, prosecutors argued, was to access a $1 million life insurance payout and clear the path to marry Chad Daybell, whom she wed shortly after Charles died.
Judge Delivers Stern Verdict Amid Courtroom Drama
Presiding judge Justin Beresky imposed two life terms in Arizona to be served consecutively and in addition to Vallow’s Idaho sentences. He sharply criticized Vallow’s “calculation, manipulation, and planning,” labeling her actions as exceptionally destructive and saying she should “never be released.” He added that her courtroom behavior, marked by religious rhetoric, delays, and self-representation, offered no excuse for the gravity of her crimes.
Self-Representation Sparks Controversy
Despite lacking legal training, Lori chose to represent herself during both Arizona trials, a decision that drew widespread criticism. The judge overruled numerous objections and described her conduct as manipulative and obstructive. Her defense intertwined religious delusions, claiming divine visions and labeling her victims as “demonic,” which the court rejected as delusional. She insisted the cases were “family tragedies,” a claim prosecutors and the judge strongly rebuffed.
Background: Idaho Convictions and Doomsday Beliefs
Lori was earlier convicted in Idaho (2023) for the murders of her two youngest children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua “JJ” Vallow, as well as conspiring in the death of Tammy Daybell, Chad Daybell’s first wife. Chad was sentenced to death for his role in those murders. Vallow’s actions stemmed from extreme religious beliefs, including claims that her family members were possessed by evil spirits and that she had a divine mission in the apocalypse.
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Survivors Speak: Impact on Victims’ Families
Family members of the victims delivered powerful courtroom statements. Colby Ryan, Lori’s surviving son, lamented losing both siblings and nearly his father. Brandon Boudreaux described long-term trauma following the shooting and highlighted his family’s fear. Charles Vallow’s relatives expressed grief over the betrayal they felt from Lori, condemned her actions as calculated evil, and voiced relief at the convictions. The consensus was clear: they see Lori not as a figure to pity, but as a calculated threat.
What Comes Next: Lori’s Legal Future
With seven total life sentences now upheld, five from Idaho and two from Arizona, Lori Vallow Daybell will remain incarcerated indefinitely, with no foreseeable chance of release. While she has filed an appeal in Idaho, her legal options appear exhausted. The additional Arizona convictions close out major judicial avenues and affirm a multi-state consensus on her guilt.
A Justice Realized Across State Lines
The Arizona sentencing marks the final chapter in a chilling cross-state prosecution of Lori Vallow Daybell. The courts have uniformly rejected her narrative of spiritual justification or victimhood, concluding instead that her actions were deliberate acts of violence and greed. With no future inside the courtroom for Lori, the verdicts stand as a testament to coordinated justice and accountability.
