Lori Vallow – live updates: ‘Cult mom’ faces extradition to Arizona amid Chad Daybell plea speculation

Oliver O'Connell and Rachel Sharp

“Doomsday cult mom” Lori Vallow has been found guilty of the first-degree murder of her two children and conspiracy to murder her husband Chad Daybell’s late wife.

The jury of seven men and five women reached a verdict at around 11.45am on Friday after nearly seven hours of deliberations at the Ada County Courthouse, Boise, Idaho.

Vallow, 49, was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and grand theft over the deaths of her daughter Tylee Ryan, 16, son Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, and Tammy Daybell, 49.

Tylee and JJ were last seen in September 2019. In June 2020, their remains were found buried on the Daybell property. Tammy died one month after their disappearance in October 2019.

Over six weeks, prosecutors argued that Vallow conspired with Mr Daybell and her brother Alex Cox to kill the three victims, motivated by greed and their doomsday cult beliefs.

Following the verdict, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced that they have submitted a request to extradite Vallow to Arizona, where she is facing charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the death of her previous husband Charles Vallow and the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux, who was married to her niece.

Key points

Watch: NewsNation host surprised by guilty verdict in Tammy Daybell conspiracy charge

17:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Vallow’s family reacts to her murder conviction

17:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow’s family and the family of her sister Summer Shiflet have issued a joint statement after the announcement of the verdict in her trial.

Read more:

Lori Vallow’s family reacts to her murder conviction, thanking judge and jury

Vallow to be prosecuted for attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux

16:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in Arizona has announced that in addition to pursuing charges against Lori Vallow over the murder of her fourth husband Charles Vallow, they also plan to prosecute her in the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux.

Read more:

Lori Vallow faces charge for attempted murder of niece’s husband Brandon Boudreaux

Tammy Daybell’s parents and family react to conviction of Vallow

16:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The parents and family of Tammy Daybell released the following statement after the conviction of Vallow for conspiracy to murder her husband’s late wife:

What a beautiful day to receive the news of Lori’s convictions. Thank you to everyone that had a part in bringing the truth to light. We are especially grateful to the detectives, the jury, Judge Boyce and the prosecution team. We thank you for your tireless efforts. We will move forward with renewed energy and faith that justice will be fully served. We anticipate next steps will be swift resolution of the case at hand.

We share this victory with the Vallow-Woodcock family and their precious JJ and Tylee. Thank you to the many prayers sent from people all around the world, we feel them and they lift us up.

Ron and Phyllis Douglas and family

One of Lori Vallow’s accomplices will never face justice

15:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The “doomsday cult” couple had a third – lesser-known – alleged accomplice who also conspired with them to kill as part of their bizarre cult beliefs and for monetary greed.

That third co-conspirator was Vallow’s brother Alex Cox – a man who can never be brought to justice as he mysteriously dropped dead as the net closed in.

Cox mysteriously died in December 2019 at the age of 51.

Lori Vallow had two alleged murder accomplices. One will never face justice

Verdict form made public

15:13 , Oliver O'Connell

JJ's grandparents send strong message as his mother Lori is convicted of murder

15:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The grandparents of Joshua “JJ” Vallow sent a powerful message to his mother Lori Vallow after she was convicted of all charges in the murders of the seven-year-old boy, his sister Tylee Ryan, 16, and Chad Daybell’s first wife Tammy Daybell.

JJ’s grandparents Larry and Kay Woodcock choked up with emotion as they spoke to reporters outside Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, on Friday after the verdict in the doomsday cult mom’s trial was read out.

Rachel Sharp reports.

JJ Vallow’s grandparents send message to mother Lori as she is convicted of murder

Lori Vallow’s family issues statement thanking jury following verdict

14:29 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow’s family (her original last name was Cox) and the family of her sister Summer Shiflet issued the following statement after the announcement of the verdict.

We want to thank each person that has offered kindness, support, and prayers on behalf of our family and the other victim’s families. That support is deeply felt and appreciated.

We sincerely appreciate the time and dedication of the jury in this case.

We also appreciate all the time and effort that dedicated law enforcement, attorneys and Judge Boyce has taken to adjudicate this case. We acknowledge countless hours put into this case and also time away from their families. We thank you.

We fully accept the determined decision in our justice system. We understand this is just one step towards justice for the beloved victims in this case.

Despite today’s verdict, we are left with our grief and sorrow over the loss of Tylee and JJ who are irreplaceable. Our family will always feel this loss and will never be the same. We will continue to honor their memories to the best of our ability.

We send our deepest sympathy to Tammy’s family and Charles’ family who have also been devastated by the loss of Tammy and Charles who are also irreplaceable.

We share your grief and offer our heartfelt prayers for healing for all who have been hurt by these horrific crimes. We hope this outcome can offer you a measure of peace and comfort.

We will continue to firmly put our faith in Jesus Christ, and seek for His Mercy and Grace for all of those involved.

Summer Shiflet testified against her sister at the trial and an explosive, emotionally wrought video call between the two was played as part of the evidence.

Vallow trial hears devastating call with sister after discovery of children’s bodies

Vallow appeared to even accidentally confess to knowing more than did about the fate of her children during the call.

Did Lori Vallow make a key confession about children’s deaths in a jail call?

Lori Vallow shows no reaction as she’s convicted of all charges

14:00 , Oliver O'Connell

“Cult mom” Lori Vallow has been convicted of murdering her two youngest children and conspiring to murder her new husband Chad Daybell’s first wife in a shocking doomsday plot that has horrified the nation for the last three years.

The 49-year-old mother-of-three was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and grand theft over the deaths of her daughter Tylee Ryan, 16, and son Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, in Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, on Friday.

She was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the death of Mr Daybell’s first wife Tammy Daybell, 49.

Rachel Sharp reports.

‘Cult mom’ Lori Vallow convicted in murders of children and Chad Daybell’s wife

Convicted murderer Lori Vallow to be extradited to Arizona, prosecutors announce after Idaho trial

13:15 , Andrea Blanco

Convicted child killer Lori Vallow is expected to be extradited to Arizona following her sentencing for the murder of her two youngest children in Idaho.

Vallow, 49, was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and grand theft over the deaths of her daughter Tylee Ryan, 16, and son Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, in Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, on Friday.

The Independent has more:

Lori Vallow to be extradited to Arizona following end of Idaho murder trial

In pictures: Moment Lori Vallow was found guilty on all six counts

12:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow Daybell talks with her lawyers before the jury’s verdict is read at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho (AP)
Lori Vallow Daybell talks with her lawyers before the jury’s verdict is read at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho (AP)
Lori Vallow Daybell stands and listens as the jury's verdict is read (AP)
Lori Vallow Daybell stands and listens as the jury's verdict is read (AP)
Larry Woodcock hugs an attendee after the verdict was read (AP)
Larry Woodcock hugs an attendee after the verdict was read (AP)

Voices: Lori Vallow never tried to convince us of her innocence

10:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Megan Sheets writes:

What began as a small-town search for two missing children in the fall of 2019 quickly exploded into an unimaginable saga with too many twists and turns to count, including the exposure of at least five mystery deaths, a doomsday cult preparing for the end of times and a joyful beach wedding between that cult’s two recently-widowed leaders. The world watched as Lori’s portrait transformed from devoted mother-of-three to accused child abandoner to murder suspect — and now, convicted killer.

Read on...

Lori Vallow never tried to convince us she was innocent

Lori Vallow turned on ‘nutty’ Chad Daybell in final bid to avoid murder conviction

08:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow turned on her lover, fellow cult member and alleged accomplice Chad Daybell in a dramatic closing statement where she made a final bid to avoid life in prison for the murders of her two children and Mr Daybell’s first wife.

In Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, Ms Vallow’s attorney Jim Archibald sought to paint her as a hardworking “good mom” whose life suddenly changed when she met Mr Daybell.

“One year after meeting Chad, four people are dead,” said Mr Archibald.

Lori Vallow turns on ‘nutty’ Chad Daybell in final bid to avoid murder conviction

Lori Vallow ‘groomed’ and ‘manipulated’ Chad Daybell and Alex Cox to kill, prosecutor says

06:45 , Oliver O'Connell

“Cult mom” Lori Vallow “groomed” and “manipulated” her new lover Chad Daybell and brother Alex Cox to murder her two children and Mr Daybell’s first wife, according to the prosecution’s dramatic closing statement.

Read more:

Lori Vallow ‘manipulated’ Chad Daybell and Alex Cox to kill, says prosecutor

Who were the key players in the Lori Vallow trial?

04:45 , Oliver O'Connell

A who’s who of the sprawling case brought against Lori Vallow.

Victims and witnesses in the Lori Vallow Daybell trial

Lori Vallow is facing life in prison, why didn’t we hear her side of the story?

02:45 , Oliver O'Connell

This week, during her high-profile murder trial, the 49-year-old shocked the court when she not only declined to take the stand to testify in her own defence – but refused to entertain putting on any defence case at all.

Read on:

Lori Vallow is facing life in prison for murder. We only know one side of the story

Convicted murderer Lori Vallow to be extradited to Arizona, prosecutors announce after Idaho trial

Saturday 13 May 2023 00:51 , Andrea Blanco

Convicted child killer Lori Vallow is expected to be extradited to Arizona following her sentencing for the murder of her two youngest children in Idaho.

Vallow, 49, was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and grand theft over the deaths of her daughter Tylee Ryan, 16, and son Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, in Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, on Friday.

She was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the death of her doomsday preacher husband Chad Daybell’s first wife Tammy, 49.

Following the verdict, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced that they have submitted a request to extradite Vallow to Arizona, where she is facing charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the death of her previous husband Charles Vallow.

The MCAO said they expect the extradition to take place once Vallow is sentenced and transferred to the Idaho Department of Corrections.

Timeline of ‘doomsday cult mom’s’ sprawling case

Saturday 13 May 2023 00:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The case spans a deeply disturbing pattern of unexplained deaths and bizarre cult beliefs about killing zombies.

Rachel Sharp put together this timeline:

Timeline of the Lori Vallow Daybell case

Convicted murderer Lori Vallow to be extradited to Arizona, prosecutors announce after Idaho trial

Saturday 13 May 2023 00:18 , Graeme Massie

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office say they have submitted a request following murder conviction.

Lori Vallow to be extradited to Arizona following end of Idaho murder trial

Profile: Lori Vallow Daybell

Friday 12 May 2023 23:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A mother of three, a former game show contestant, a Mrs Texas Beauty Pageant queen and a cult follower.

An Idaho court has now determined she is also a killer.

Lori Vallow: ‘Doomsday cult mom’ convicted at trial for children’s murders

One of Lori Vallow’s accomplices will never face justice

Friday 12 May 2023 22:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The “doomsday cult” couple had a third – lesser-known – alleged accomplice who also conspired with them to kill as part of their bizarre cult beliefs and for monetary greed.

That third co-conspirator was Vallow’s brother Alex Cox – a man who can never be brought to justice as he mysteriously dropped dead as the net closed in.

Cox mysteriously died in December 2019 at the age of 51.

Lori Vallow had two alleged murder accomplices. One will never face justice

In full: What you need to know about the trial of Lori Vallow

Friday 12 May 2023 22:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Rachel Sharp delves into the deeply disturbing tale of murders, unexplained deaths and apocalyptic cult beliefs about killing zombies which surround Lori Vallow and her doomsday author husband Chad Daybell.

What we know about the Lori Vallow Daybell ‘doomsday cult’ murder trial

Tammy Daybell’s foundation reacts to Lori Vallow’s verdict

Friday 12 May 2023 22:00 , Andrea Blanco

JJ's grandparents send strong message as his mother Lori is convicted of murder

Friday 12 May 2023 21:42 , Oliver O'Connell

The grandparents of Joshua “JJ” Vallow sent a powerful message to his mother Lori Vallow after she was convicted of all charges in the murders of the seven-year-old boy, his sister Tylee Ryan, 16, and Chad Daybell’s first wife Tammy Daybell.

JJ’s grandparents Larry and Kay Woodcock choked up with emotion as they spoke to reporters outside Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, on Friday after the verdict in the doomsday cult mom’s trial was read out.

Rachel Sharp reports.

JJ Vallow’s grandparents send message to mother Lori as she is convicted of murder

Lori Vallow’s former sister-in-law says ‘today is a good day'

Friday 12 May 2023 21:23 , Oliver O'Connell

Annie Cushing, sister of Tylee’s father, tweeted out her reaction to the verdict.

Today is a good day! My former sister-in-law, #LoriVallow, was convicted of all charges. Justice won’t bring back my niece, Tylee Ryan, her little brother, JJ Vallow, or Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell, but it lightens the load a bit.

I want to thank Idaho law enforcement, the prosecutors, Judge Boyce, and the jurors for their tireless efforts to ensure that justice was served for Tylee, JJ, and Tammy. And for the media and podcasters who have kept this case on the front burner for the past 3+ years.

And for @NateNewsNow for his live updates throughout the trial. They made it possible for many to be able to follow the trial. I’m confident Chad Daybell will face a similar fate for his role in these heinous murders as these criminals had the sophistication level of a clown car. Hopefully we’ll see justice for Charles Vallow—and my brother, Joe Ryan, as well.

In pictures: Moment Lori Vallow was found guilty on all six counts

Friday 12 May 2023 21:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow Daybell talks with her lawyers before the jury’s verdict is read at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho (AP)
Lori Vallow Daybell talks with her lawyers before the jury’s verdict is read at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho (AP)
Lori Vallow Daybell stands and listens as the jury's verdict is read (AP)
Lori Vallow Daybell stands and listens as the jury's verdict is read (AP)
Larry Woodcock hugs an attendee after the verdict was read (AP)
Larry Woodcock hugs an attendee after the verdict was read (AP)

Larry Woodcock sings his message to Lori Vallow

Friday 12 May 2023 21:08 , Oliver O'Connell

Turn out the lights, the party is over

What happens now that Lori Vallow has been convicted?

Friday 12 May 2023 20:55 , Oliver O'Connell

After a six-week trial, Lori Vallow was convicted on all charges over the deaths of children Tylee and JJ, and her husband’s late wife Tammy Daybell.

The verdict may mark the culmination of a chilling case that spans bizarre cult beliefs, missing children, murder and mystery deaths, but the saga is still far from over.

Rachel Sharp reports.

What happens next after Lori Vallow’s murder conviction?

Friday 12 May 2023 20:44 , Oliver O'Connell

Gerry Vallow, brother of Charles Vallow and formerly brother-in-law of Lori, was succinct in his remarks to the press: “They got the bitch.”

Friday 12 May 2023 20:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Larry Woodcock says to JJ: “I love you. Papa wishes you were here. Tylee — papa loves you. Tammy — I never meant you. You are part of our life. I am sorry for what happened. My heart hurts for these three.”

Kay Woodcock: ‘We can put JJ to rest'

Friday 12 May 2023 20:39 , Oliver O'Connell

Voices: Lori Vallow never tried to convince us of her innocence

Friday 12 May 2023 20:35 , Oliver O'Connell

Megan Sheets writes:

More than three and a half years after her children were brutally killed and buried, Lori Vallow is set to face life in prison for their murders.

What began as a small-town search for two missing children in the fall of 2019 quickly exploded into an unimaginable saga with too many twists and turns to count, including the exposure of at least five mystery deaths, a doomsday cult preparing for the end of times and a joyful beach wedding between that cult’s two recently-widowed leaders. The world watched as Lori’s portrait transformed from devoted mother-of-three to accused child abandoner to murder suspect — and now, convicted killer.

Read on...

Lori Vallow never tried to convince us of her innocence

Larry and Kay Woodcock are giving a press conference

Friday 12 May 2023 20:35 , Oliver O'Connell

JJ Vallow’s grandparents Larry and Kay Woodcock are speaking to the press outside of the courthouse.

Larry says he wants to hug each of the jurors and that he has always wanted a fair and just decision to be made by the jury.

“They gave an honest, fair, and righteous verdict.”

As they exited the courthouse the assembled crowd sang JJ’s favourite song, ‘We Will Rock You’ by Queen.

When will Lori Vallow be sentenced

Friday 12 May 2023 20:23 , Oliver O'Connell

Sentencing is not expected for at least another three months.

‘We are very pleased with the jury’s verdict and we want to thank them'

Friday 12 May 2023 20:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The prosecution team has issued a statement following the verdict:

Statement from Madison County and Fremont County Prosecuting Attorneys

We are very pleased with the jury’s verdict, and we want to thank them, as well as the alternates, for their service over last six weeks during this trial.

Given the pending case against the co-defendant, we are unable to conduct any additional interviews or discuss further details of this matter. We want to assure each of you that we remain committed to pursuing justice for Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell.

We also want to express sincere appreciation to the many members of law enforcement and the community who tirelessly worked together to hold Lori Vallow Daybell accountable.

Rob WoodMadison County Prosecuting Attorney

Lindsey BlakeFremont County Prosecuting Attorney

Lori Vallow is convicted of murders of children and Chad Daybell’s wife

Friday 12 May 2023 20:10 , Oliver O'Connell

“Cult mom” Lori Vallow has been convicted of murdering her two youngest children and her new husband Chad Daybell’s first wife in a shocking doomsday plot that has horrified the nation for the last three years.

The 49-year-old mother-of-three was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and grand theft over the deaths of her daughter Tylee Ryan, 16, and son Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, in Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, on Friday.

She was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the death of Mr Daybell’s first wife Tammy Daybell, 49.

Rachel Sharp reports

‘Cult mom’ Lori Vallow is convicted of murders of children and Chad Daybell’s wife

Friday 12 May 2023 20:06 , Oliver O'Connell

COUNT ONE (conspiracy to murder Tylee) -- GUILTY

COUNT TWO (first-degree murder Tylee) -- GUILTY

COUNT THREE (conspiracy to murder JJ) -- GUILTY

COUNT FOUR (first-degree murder JJ) -- GUILTY

COUNT FIVE (conspiracy to murder Tammy) -- GUILTY

COUNT SEVEN (grand theft) -- GUILTY

Friday 12 May 2023 20:03 , Oliver O'Connell

The jury confirms to Judge Boyce they have reached a verdict.

The clerk will read the verdict.

Friday 12 May 2023 20:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The jury is being brought in.

Friday 12 May 2023 19:59 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow is seated with her defence team, chatting quietly. The court is almost silent.

Judge Steven Boyce enters.

Watch: Lori Vallow verdict livestream

Friday 12 May 2023 19:53 , Oliver O'Connell

Verdict to be read at 12.45pm MT

Friday 12 May 2023 19:00 , Oliver O'Connell

After nearly seven hours of deliberations, the jury has reached a verdict in the trial of Lori Vallow.

The announcement came as something of a surprise as jurors had just ordered lunch from local spot Cafe Zupas and court watchers believed they might have been settling in for the afternoon.

The panel deliberated for around four hours on Thursday afternoon and three on Friday morning.

Verdict reached in Lori Vallow murder trial

Key revelations from Lori Vallow’s murder trial

Friday 12 May 2023 18:39 , Rachel Sharp

“Cult mom” Lori Vallow is currently on trial in a case that has shocked the nation with its bizarre doomsday cult ties and the tragic deaths of almost everyone close to the mother-of-three and her new husband Chad Daybell.

The 49-year-old is charged with the murders of her children Joshua “JJ” Vallow, seven, and Tylee Ryan, 16, and conspiracy to murder Mr Daybell’s first wife Tammy Daybell.

JJ and Tylee vanished without a trace back in September 2019, with their mother refusing to reveal their whereabouts to authorities for many months.

One month after they were last seen alive, Tammy – an otherwise healthy 49-year-old – died suddenly and Ms Vallow and Mr Daybell soon jetted off to Hawaii to get married on the beach.

In June 2020, the remains of JJ and Tylee were found buried on the grounds of Mr Daybell’s property in Rexburg, Idaho, and the doomsday cult couple were eventually charged with murder.

Here are the key revelations from the trial:

Lori Vallow story: Key revelations from ‘cult mom’s’ murder trial

WATCH: Moment Lori Vallow was served court papers to show children as she sunbathed poolside in Hawaii

Friday 12 May 2023 18:20 , Rachel Sharp

Timeline of ‘doomsday cult mom’s’ case

Friday 12 May 2023 18:00 , Rachel Sharp

More than three years after her children were last seen alive, “doomsday cult mom” Lori Vallow is finally on trial for their murders.

Tylee Ryan, 16, and Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 8, vanished without a trace in September 2019, sparking a multi-state search while their mother appeared carefree – marrying her new husband Chad Daybell on a beach in Hawaii.

The children’s bodies were finally discovered nine months later buried in a pet cemetery on Mr Daybell’s property in Idaho.

Their disappearances and deaths mark only part of a dramatic case that spans a deeply disturbing pattern of murders, unexplained deaths and bizarre cult beliefs about killing zombies.

Here’s a timeline of the tragic and bizarre case:

Timeline of the Lori Vallow Daybell case

How can I watch the livestream of the verdict?

Friday 12 May 2023 17:40 , Rachel Sharp

While the judge banned cameras from the courtroom for the duration of the trial, he has allowed the verdict to be livestreamed.

It will be live here – on Judge Steven Boyce’s YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@JudgeStevenWBoyce

Jury has now deliberated five hours

Friday 12 May 2023 17:20 , Rachel Sharp

The jury has so far spent more than five hours deliberating the charges in Lori Vallow’s murder trial.

The panel got the case on Thursday afternoon and deliberated for around four hours in total for retiring for the night.

They began deliberations again at 9am local time on Friday.

Grandfather of Lori Vallow’s murdered son says ‘today is the day’ as he plays ‘The party’s over’ at trial

Friday 12 May 2023 17:00 , Rachel Sharp

The doting grandfather of Lori Vallow’s murdered son has vowed that “today is the day” as he arrived at the cult mom’s murder trial and blared the song “The party’s over” outside the courthouse.

JJ’s grandparents Larry and Kay Woodcock have attended every day of the trial of the woman now accused of their seven-year-old grandson’s murder, listening to harrowing testimony of the little boy’s last hours alive and seeing graphic photos of his remains buried on Chad Daybell’s property.

It was Larry and Kay who raised the alarm about Ms Vallow’s missing children JJ and Tylee Ryan, 16, back in September 2019 when the mother-of-three moved them from Arizona to Rexburg, Idaho, and they couldn’t get in touch with their grandson.

Nine months later, JJ and Tylee’s remains were found in shallow graves on Mr Daybell’s property.

After a gruelling six-week trial, Mr Woodcock appeared to be in more upbeat spirits as he arrived at Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, on Friday morning and voiced hope that justice would be served.

The Independent’s Rachel Sharp has the story:

Grandfather of Lori Vallow’s murdered son says ‘today is the day’ as jury deliberate

Who is the real Lori Vallow?

Friday 12 May 2023 16:40 , Rachel Sharp

Lori Vallow was once seen as a doting mother.

Now, she is on trial for the murders of her two youngest children and the ex-wife of her new husband Chad Daybell in a chilling case with a doomsday cult at its core.

The 49-year-old mother-of-three is charged with the murders of her daughter Tylee Ryan, 16, and Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, who vanished without a trace in September 2019.

She is also charged with the first-degree murder of Mr Daybell’s first wife Tammy Daybell who died suddenly one month after the children’s disappearance.

But who really is Lori Vallow and how did she end up here?

Lori Vallow: The ‘doomsday cult mom’ on trial for her children’s murders

JJ’s grandfather says ‘today is the day'

Friday 12 May 2023 16:20 , Rachel Sharp

JJ Vallow’s grandfather Larry Woodcock arrived at the courthouse, saying that “today is the day”.

JJ’s grandparents Larry and Kay Woodcock have attended every day of the trial of the woman now accused of his murder.

On Friday morning, Larry was wore a t-shirt saying: “World’s Greatest Papa.”

“I’m not be the worlds greatest papa… but I hope I was the worlds greatest papa to JJ and Tylee,” he told reporters.

Jury resumes deliberations in Lori Vallow’s murder trial

Friday 12 May 2023 16:05 , Rachel Sharp

The jury has resumed deliberations in Lori Vallow’s murder trial.

The panel of 12 got the case on Thursday afternoon and deliberated for four hours before calling it a night.

WATCH: Who is Lori Vallow? ‘Doomsday cult mom’ on trial for the murders of her two children

Friday 12 May 2023 15:50 , Rachel Sharp

RECAP: What happened Lori Vallow trial’s closing arguments

Friday 12 May 2023 15:30 , Rachel Sharp

The defence

Lori Vallow turned on her lover, fellow cult member and alleged accomplice Chad Daybell in a dramatic closing statement where she made a final bid to avoid life in prison for the murders of her two children and Mr Daybell’s first wife.

In Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, Ms Vallow’s attorney Jim Archibald sought to paint her as a hardworking “good mom” whose life suddenly changed when she met Mr Daybell.

“One year after meeting Chad, four people are dead,” said Mr Archibald.

Read the full story here:

Lori Vallow turns on ‘nutty’ Chad Daybell in final bid to avoid murder conviction

RECAP: What happened Lori Vallow trial’s closing arguments

Friday 12 May 2023 15:10 , Rachel Sharp

The prosecution

“Cult mom” Lori Vallow “groomed” and “manipulated” her new lover Chad Daybell and brother Alex Cox to murder her two children and Mr Daybell’s first wife, according to the prosecution’s dramatic closing statement.

In Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, prosecutor Rob Wood laid out the state’s case against the mother-of-three, placing her firmly front and centre of a plot to kill her son JJ Vallow, 7, daughter Tylee Ryan, 16, and 49-year-old Tammy Daybell – and then steal their money after their murders.

“Lori Vallow is the one that ties this all together,” he said.

Read the full story here:

Lori Vallow ‘manipulated’ Chad Daybell and Alex Cox to kill, says prosecutor

Lori Vallow is facing life in prison for her children’s murders. We only know one side of the story

Friday 12 May 2023 14:50 , Rachel Sharp

Lori Vallow was silent when authorities demanded to know where her missing children JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan were.

She wouldn’t speak when their remains were found – Tylee hacked to pieces and burned, JJ still in his red pyjamas – in shallow graves on her new husband Chad Daybell’s property.

She refused to give any answers when confronted by her distraught surviving child, sister and other loved ones as they begged her to tell them the truth in heartbreaking jailhouse phone calls.

She even continued to stay quiet over the next three years as she was hit with new charges for the murders of her fourth husband Charles Vallow and Mr Daybell’s first wife Tammy Daybell, spent time in a psychiatric facility and had her case severed from her alleged co-conspirator.

And now, even as she stares down the prospect of spending the rest of her life behind bars, she is still silent.

Now, as jurors retire for deliberations, the only story they have about what happened to little JJ, 7, teenager Tylee, 16, and mother-of-five Tammy, 49, is the one laid out by the state of Idaho.

The Independent’s Rachel Sharp reports:

Lori Vallow is facing life in prison for murder. We only know one side of the story

What happens now that Lori Vallow has been convicted of murder?

Friday 12 May 2023 21:06 , Oliver O'Connell

The verdict may mark the culmination of a chilling case that spans bizarre cult beliefs, missing children, murder and mystery deaths, but the saga is still far from over.

What happens next after Lori Vallow’s murder conviction?

Line already forming outside courthouse

Friday 12 May 2023 14:30 , Rachel Sharp

A line is already forming outside Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, as the second day of jury deliberations will soon get under way.

Jurors deliberated for about four hours on Thursday before calling it a night.

They will return to resume deliberations at 9am local time.

What is Lori Vallow charged with?

Friday 12 May 2023 14:11 , Rachel Sharp

- First degree murder of Tylee Ryan

- First degree murder of Joshua “JJ” Vallow

- Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of Tylee Ryan

- Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of Joshua “JJ” Vallow

- Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of Tammy Daybell

- Grand theft on suspicion of collecting Social Security benefits on behalf of Tylee and JJ after they were killed

The devastating call between Lori Vallow and her sister

Friday 12 May 2023 13:20 , Oliver O'Connell

This was cited as a major moment in the state’s rebuttal.

Vallow trial hears devastating call with sister after discovery of children’s bodies

Bizarre moments from Lori Vallow’s murder trial

Friday 12 May 2023 13:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Beyond the testimony, there have also been some bizarre happenings taking place inside the courtroom, Rachel Sharp reports.

Bizarre moments from Lori Vallow’s murder trial

Lori Vallow turns on ‘nutty’ Chad Daybell in final bid to avoid murder conviction

Friday 12 May 2023 12:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow turned on her lover, fellow cult member and alleged accomplice Chad Daybell in a dramatic closing statement where she made a final bid to avoid life in prison for the murders of her two children and Mr Daybell’s first wife.

Lori Vallow turns on ‘nutty’ Chad Daybell in final bid to avoid murder conviction

Lori Vallow’s cousin reveals haunting fear about children’s murders

Friday 12 May 2023 10:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow’s estranged cousin has revealed one of her most haunting fears about the murders for which the so-called “cult mom” is currently on trial.

Megan Eyden, whose father is Ms Vallow’s uncle, spoke out about the bombshell case in an interview with NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield.

Megan Sheets reports.

Lori Vallow’s cousin reveals haunting fear about children’s murders

Lori Vallow ‘groomed’ and ‘manipulated’ Chad Daybell and Alex Cox to kill, prosecutor says

Friday 12 May 2023 08:30 , Oliver O'Connell

“Cult mom” Lori Vallow “groomed” and “manipulated” her new lover Chad Daybell and brother Alex Cox to murder her two children and Mr Daybell’s first wife, according to the prosecution’s dramatic closing statement.

In Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, prosecutor Rob Wood laid out the state’s case against the mother-of-three, placing her firmly front and centre of a plot to kill her son JJ Vallow, 7, daughter Tylee Ryan, 16, and 49-year-old Tammy Daybell – and then steal their money after their murders.

“Lori Vallow is the one that ties this all together,” he said.

Lori Vallow ‘manipulated’ Chad Daybell and Alex Cox to kill, says prosecutor

Lori Vallow’s six-word response as police serve papers for missing kids

Friday 12 May 2023 06:30 , Oliver O'Connell

A newly resurfaced video shows the moment “doomsday cult mom” Lori Vallow was served court orders to produce her children, who had been killed four months before, while vacationing at a pool resort in Hawaii.

Andrea Blanco reports.

Bikini-clad Lori Vallow’s six-word response to police over missing kids

Key revelations from Lori Vallow’s murder trial

Friday 12 May 2023 04:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Rachel Sharp catalogues the most important revelations from the trial.

Lori Vallow story: Key revelations from ‘cult mom’s’ murder trial

Watch: Have Chad and Lori had any contact with each other?

Friday 12 May 2023 03:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Friday 12 May 2023 02:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Who is Lori Vallow? ‘Doomsday cult mom’ on trial for the murders of her two children

Jury going home

Friday 12 May 2023 01:35 , Megan Sheets

The jury has concluded its first day of deliberation, putting in just over four hours.

They will return at 9am local time (11am ET) on Friday.

Watch: What about Chad Daybell’s children?

Friday 12 May 2023 01:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Jurors assumed to have resumed deliberation

Friday 12 May 2023 00:53 , Megan Sheets

While there has been no official update from reporters inside the court, the jury is assumed to have resumed deliberation following the short dinner break.

Still no word on how long the night will go.

Lori Vallow’s disturbing texts revealed

Friday 12 May 2023 00:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell exchanged texts in which they discussed inflicting pain on children and giving them “a reason to scream”, the jury at her trial for murder heard on Monday.

Read more:

Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell’s disturbing texts revealed

Jurors on 15 minute dinner break

Friday 12 May 2023 00:28 , Megan Sheets

Jurors have paused deliberation for 15 minutes as they eat dinner - pizza delivered to the courthouse.

It still remains unclear when they intend to finish for the night.

We only know one side of the Lori Vallow story

Friday 12 May 2023 00:00 , Oliver O'Connell

As the jury deliberates, the only story they have about what happened to Lori Vallow’s children and Tammy Daybell is the one laid out by the state of Idaho. Rachel Sharp explains.

Lori Vallow is facing life in prison for murder. We only know one side of the story

Closing argument: Vallow turns on ‘nutty’ Daybell in final bid to avoid murder conviction

Thursday 11 May 2023 23:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow turned on her lover, fellow cult member and alleged accomplice Chad Daybell in a dramatic closing statement where she made a final bid to avoid life in prison for the murders of her two children and Mr Daybell’s first wife.

In Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, Ms Vallow’s attorney Jim Archibald sought to paint her as a hardworking “good mom” whose life suddenly changed when she met Mr Daybell.

Read more:

Lori Vallow turns on ‘nutty’ Chad Daybell in final bid to avoid murder conviction

Closing argument: Lori Vallow ‘groomed’ and ‘manipulated’ Chad Daybell and Alex Cox to kill, prosecutor says

Thursday 11 May 2023 23:00 , Oliver O'Connell

“Cult mom” Lori Vallow “groomed” and “manipulated” her new lover Chad Daybell and brother Alex Cox to murder her two children and Mr Daybell’s first wife, according to the prosecution’s dramatic closing statement.

Read more:

Lori Vallow ‘manipulated’ Chad Daybell and Alex Cox to kill, says prosecutor

Lori Vallow trial verdict will be livestreamed

Thursday 11 May 2023 22:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The judge presiding over Lori Vallow’s murder trial has ruled that the court will stream the verdict of the high-profile case once it’s reached.

The decision was made public on the fourth week of Ms Vallow’s trial over charges of conspiracy to kill her children JJ Vallow, seven; and Tylee Ryan, 16; as well as his doomsday preacher husband Chad Daybell’s wife Tammy Daybell.

Andrea Blanco reports.

Lori Vallow’s murder trial verdict will be livestreamed, judge rules

JJ’s grandfather plays his favourite song in courtroom as verdict watch continues

Thursday 11 May 2023 22:19 , Oliver O'Connell

Watch: Law&Crime Network breaks down key moment of closing arguments

Thursday 11 May 2023 22:11 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow didn’t put on a defence case, so we’ve only heard half the story

Thursday 11 May 2023 21:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Rachel Sharp reports that as jurors retire for deliberations, the only story they have about what happened to her children and Tammy Daybell is the one laid out by the state of Idaho.

Lori Vallow is facing life in prison for murder. We only know one side of the story

Key evidence: Lori Vallow’s DNA found on duct tape wrapped around son JJ’s corpse

Thursday 11 May 2023 21:33 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow‘s hair was found on duct tape wrapped around the corpse of her seven-year-old son, according to new evidence presented at the start of the fifth week of her murder trial.

Read more:

Lori Vallow’s DNA found on duct tape wrapped around son JJ’s corpse, jury hears

Thursday 11 May 2023 21:14 , Oliver O'Connell

The final jury consists of seven men and five women.

Judge Boyce asks attorneys on both sides for their contact information in case something comes up.

“With that, we will be adjourned until we hear back from the jury.”

The jury is officially deliberating as of 2:13pm MT.

Thursday 11 May 2023 21:07 , Oliver O'Connell

The state rests its case.

Judge Boyce addresses the jury and reminds them that only 12 of them will deliberate.

The clerk will draw six numbers of who the alternates are. These people will go home and be dismissed but need to be reachable should they need to be recalled and cannot discuss the case until it is over.

Thursday 11 May 2023 21:05 , Oliver O'Connell

“When Lori would tell her friend [Zulema] that nothing she did in this life counted for her, that she could do whatever she wanted, she made a little motion [he taps the podium and raises his hand] ‘Doesn’t count for me’.

“Well make it count for Lori Vallow that Tylee Ryan will never go to college. That her remains were buried and put in a bucket. Make it count for Lori Vallow that JJ Vallow, a boy with special needs, had a plastic bag over his head and fought for his life.

“And make it count for Lori that Tammy Daybell had to die so Lori could get to that money. Ladies and gentlemen, reason and common sense. Reason and common sense. You must convict her.”

Thursday 11 May 2023 21:03 , Oliver O'Connell

“If she didn’t intend for their children to die, what mother doesn’t go report that they are missing or dead? It makes no sense to say she is a good mom when she’s not reporting the deaths of her children or that her children are missing. She intended the deaths. You have the evidence. You must convict her.”

Thursday 11 May 2023 20:57 , Oliver O'Connell

Wood says: “When Chad Daybell is texting her about going into the light, we all know what that means. And what does she say? ‘Let’s not kill kids’ - no, she says, ‘That is sweet.’ Lori’s own words hold her words against her. Think about the times she says she has no more patience.”

She gets upset when the kids are at two or three per cent and not at zero, says Wood and reminds the jury she asked: “Do you think there’s a perfectly orchestrated plan to take the children?”

Thursday 11 May 2023 20:56 , Oliver O'Connell

Thursday 11 May 2023 20:55 , Oliver O'Connell

Wood reminds the jury of the jailhouse call from Chad to Lori telling her the police are searching his property.

“You will hear the guilt and the fear in her voice because she and Chad both know what the police are going to find.”

Lori Vallow trial hears jailhouse call with Chad Daybell on day bodies found

He tells the jury to rewatch the body camera footage of when Lori was served the order to present her children.

Thursday 11 May 2023 20:52 , Oliver O'Connell

Wood addresses the lack of insurance policies for the children and notes that to for a policy to pay out, there needs to be a body. There could be no bodies.

“Lori was tired of the obstacles. She was tired of JJ. She didn’t want to deal with him so she found someone else who could and they buried him in the ground.”

A graphic is shown on the screen that says: “Lies Lori told - tell is what REALLY happened.”

There are 14 circles with statements in each circle. They range from Tylee Ryan attending BYU Idaho to Charles Vallow dying of a heart attack to telling Melanie Gibb that JJ was with Kay.

“Remember the last thing Summer testified to you? Her own sister? When she was asked if Lori had been honest with her about the kids? Her response was Lori had lied. Lori lied to cover her crimes. Repeatedly. Does a good mom jet off to Hawaii when the rest of the world is looking for her kids?”

“The innocent don’t need to lie. The guilty lie.”

Thursday 11 May 2023 20:49 , Oliver O'Connell

Wood tells the jury to listen to the call with Summer Shiflet again.

Summer brings up Lori dancing on the beach when her kids were dead. Lori says “yeah” months after this event.

Wood says it’s an admission of guilt. “She knew her children were dead because she encouraged it.”

Here’s Rachel Sharp’s report on that key bit of evidence.

Did Lori Vallow make a key confession about children’s deaths in a jail call?

Thursday 11 May 2023 20:47 , Oliver O'Connell

“When the whole word is out looking for your kids, does a good mom dance on the beach in Hawaii? No. Does a good mom bury her children in her ground and go marry a recent widower? No.”

Thursday 11 May 2023 20:46 , Oliver O'Connell

Wood begins: “The state has met its burden with reason and common sense… The defence says Lori Vallow is not a killer. She is a killer.”

“The defence says the math doesn’t add up. But they didn’t give you all the numbers and you know that.”

Lori was the common thread between Chad and Charles. We have proven our case. Lori believes she was getting $1M - not social security. What you see consistently is when Lori wants something she will make it happen.

She learned her lesson with Charles when she didn’t get the money. When she needed more money she went after Tylee - she killed Tylee after the money hit Lori’s bank. Same with JJ. They killed them after.

Court resumes

Thursday 11 May 2023 20:43 , Oliver O'Connell

Judge Boyce has returned to the bench and the jurors are brought back in.

Attorney Rob Wood will now give the state’s rebuttal to the defence’s closing argument.

Back in the courtroom, Lori appears to be crying

Thursday 11 May 2023 20:42 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow turns on ‘nutty’ Chad Daybell as defence makes closing arguments

Thursday 11 May 2023 20:05 , Oliver O'Connell

Lori Vallow turned on her lover, fellow cult member and alleged accomplice Chad Daybell in a dramatic closing statement where she made a final bid to avoid life in prison for the murders of her two children and Mr Daybell’s first wife.

Rachel Sharp reports.

Lori Vallow turns on ‘nutty’ Chad Daybell in final bid to avoid murder conviction

Thursday 11 May 2023 19:49 , Oliver O'Connell

Archibald says that before Lori met Chad she believed in the compassionate Jesus who forgave sinners. He gets choked up.

“No one here thinks Lori actually killed anyone. That’s why she’s being charged with conspiracy. So they want you to be convinced that she’s part of this plan — that there’s a specific plan to kill. If you find her guilty, will that bring the kids back? Nope.

“If you find her not guilty, will that bring the kids back? Nope. You can’t be concerned about that. You need to be concerned with following the law and the lack of evidence.”

“If there is anything we’ve learned about a storm, you hide from a storm. You seek shelter from a storm. Lori spent her whole life protecting her children. Thank you again.”

The court breaks for lunch for 45 minutes.

There will then be a rebuttal from the state.

Thursday 11 May 2023 19:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Archibald is going full in on Chad being to blame. Is Lori a leader or just one of his followers?

“Why can’t people escape religious leaders? Why can’t Lori escape and get back to her good mom life? Lori is not a leader in Chad’s new church — the Church of the Fireborn. Lori so wants to testify for Jesus. She wants to tell the world how much she loves Jesus. She wants to tell you she personally met him on more than one occasion. But is Lori a leader or a follower of Chad? She so wants to be a leader but she’s not leading anyone. She’s following Chad. She thinks Chad is following Jesus but he’s not. He’s, unfortunately, being led by the storm — not the first guy to be led by the storm.”

We heard testimony that Lori and Chad referred to his penis as “the storm”.

Thursday 11 May 2023 19:43 , Oliver O'Connell

Archibald says Chad is “making it up as he goes. He can’t remember if it’s zero per cent when people die or 100 per cent when people die.”

“What’s going on in Chad’s brain? You and I wouldn’t believe it - but some people do. Some people follow religious leaders when others don’t. Was it proven who killed Tylee? No — but Alex and Chad were in the backyard. Chad had said, ‘Tylee doesn’t like me.’ ... Did they prove that Lori conspired? Of the 15,000 texts they have in evidence, show me one from Lori that says, ‘So when are you killing Tylee?’”

Archibald continues: “Was it proven who killed JJ? No but Chad got in a scratch fight with JJ the day before. Maybe those were the scratches on JJ’s neck. Alex was only at the gravesite for JJ for 17 minutes. That’s not enough time to find a board, find rocks and line them up. I’m guessing Alex had help from Chad. Of the 15,000 texts you have in evidence, show me one where Lori is part of that conspiracy. ‘When are you killing JJ by the way? There is no such text.’”

Thursday 11 May 2023 19:39 , Oliver O'Connell

Archibald brings up Audrey’s testimony and says he thought she was “making up stuff.” What did we learn about her?

“That she was married to Jesus, that kind of cool. That I’ll follow you to five different states even though I didn’t really follow you.”

Archibald then apologises to the jury for getting a little “excited” with Audrey because he didn’t believe her.

“You have to sort through that and decide what is credible and not credible with these witnesses. What is real and what is imaginary?”

Audrey claimed that Lori had threatened to cut her up and bury her.

Thursday 11 May 2023 19:36 , Oliver O'Connell

Describing Tammy’s death as “up in the air”, Archibald says: “Was she even murdered? Was it a natural death? To believe she was murdered, Chad is so smooth that he convinced a county coroner, a deputy coroner, and a police officer that it was all natural causes and convinced his kids. Remember the kids showed up, ‘Oh my. What happened to Mom.’ Chad convinced them all - Sorry kids, mom died in her sleep. Ok dad.”

“You’re being asked to convict Lori on killing Tammy when Lori’s in Hawaii. You’re being asked to convict Lori on killing Tammy when it isn’t even a homicide.”

Archibald talks about the prophecy Chad told the neighbors about - that Tammy would die before she was 50.

Thursday 11 May 2023 19:32 , Oliver O'Connell

Turning to the physical evidence and the autopsy pictures he is sure are burned on the juror’s brains, he zeroes in on Lori’s hair being found on the duct tape used to restrain JJ.

“Is that a smoking gun? No, not at all. Why not? Because decomposition fluid was also in that bag, the pajamas were also in that bag, kids socks were also in that bag, a kid’s blanket was also in that bag. To say Lori is a killer because they found a piece of her hair on duct tape, that’s not true. I would hope all of you who are mothers — I hope your hair is somewhere on your kid’s pajamas, socks or blanket.”

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website

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