The sentencing hearing for Lori Vallow Daybell, who stands convicted for the murder of her two children and conspiracy to murder a romantic rival, began Monday morning in Idaho. Vallow Daybell, now 50, may face life imprisonment without parole for her crimes.
An Unsettling Trial: From Religious Beliefs to Murder Conspiracy
The trial, notorious for its shocking revelations and unusual moments, was broadcasted live from the Fremont County Courthouse. Prosecutors have presented a case, asserting Vallow Daybell was driven by esoteric religious beliefs and a desire for a life with her new husband, Chad Daybell. This included plans to murder his late wife.
The sentencing hearing comprised four key parts: the victim impact statements, the prosecution’s sentencing recommendation, the defense’s sentencing recommendation, and an opportunity for Vallow Daybell to address the court.
Impact of Vallow Daybell’s Actions on the Victims’ Families
After hearing the victim impact statements from relatives of the deceased, Judge Steven Boyce will announce his sentence. The relatives include those of Tylee Ryan and Joshua Jaxon “JJ” Vallow, Vallow Daybell’s children, and Tammy Daybell, Chad’s previous wife. Chad Daybell also faces charges in connection with all three deaths.
The defense team argued for a 20-year fixed term with an “indeterminate” life sentence for Vallow Daybell. On the other hand, Prosecutor Rob Wood demanded the maximum penalty of several fixed life sentences without parole, considering the gruesome betrayal of trust towards her children.
‘Zombie’ Beliefs and Crimes Unveiled
A jury found Vallow Daybell guilty of murdering her children Tylee and JJ, who were last seen alive in September 2019. Their bodies were discovered in June 2020, buried on a property in Rexburg, Idaho, owned by Chad Daybell. Before the discovery of the bodies, Vallow Daybell faced charges of felony desertion and obstruction for failing to report her children missing.
The trial revealed Vallow Daybell’s belief that her children had turned into ‘zombies,’ which she allegedly learnt from Daybell. The couple reportedly referred to themselves as ‘James and Elaina,’ claiming the ability to detect dark energy in individuals.
Tammy Daybell’s Family’s Emotional Statement
In an impact statement, Samantha Gwilliam, Tammy Daybell’s sister, described the devastation inflicted upon their family following Tammy’s sudden death. The grief further deepened when they discovered Chad Daybell’s remarriage to Lori Vallow just weeks after Tammy’s death.
Defense Claims Vallow Daybell is ‘Misunderstood’
Despite the allegations, Vallow Daybell’s attorneys argued that she was a misunderstood figure driven by love, urging for a sentence that provided a sense of hope. They recommended a 20-year fixed term with an “indeterminate” life sentence.
A Love Story Turned Deadly
Prosecutors depict a disturbing tale where the love affair between Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell twisted into a lethal conspiracy. The duo allegedly plotted to kill close relatives to financially benefit from insurance payouts and social security benefits.
Other criminal charges still hang over Vallow Daybell in Arizona, where she previously resided. These include conspiracy murder charges for allegedly orchestrating her fourth husband’s death, Charles Vallow, in 2019 and conspiring to murder her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux, who survived an attempted shooting.
