PHOENIX — Lori Vallow Daybell was sentenced to life in prison Friday in Arizona for conspiring to commit two separate murders, adding to the life sentences she’s already serving in Idaho. The convictions stem from 2019 murder plots involving her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, and her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux.
Vallow Daybell’s Arizona cases were based on her alleged collaboration with her brother, Alex Cox, who fatally shot Charles Vallow and attempted to kill Boudreaux. Prosecutors said Vallow Daybell orchestrated the attacks in part to collect a $1 million life insurance policy and move forward with plans to marry her then-boyfriend, Chad Daybell — an author of apocalyptic religious novels.
Though Cox admitted to killing Charles and was identified as the shooter in the attempted murder of Boudreaux, prosecutors held that Lori conspired behind the scenes to make the attacks happen. Cox died later in 2019 and was never charged.
Vallow Daybell, who gained national attention for her extreme religious views and claims that people were “possessed by evil spirits,” represented herself in both Arizona trials. She argued that Cox acted in self-defense and that there was no direct evidence tying her to the Boudreaux plot. Arizona juries found her guilty in both cases earlier this year.
During Friday’s sentencing hearing, Vallow Daybell appeared in court wearing an orange prison jumpsuit. Family members of the victims gave emotional statements, with some calling her “evil,” “greedy,” and “a monster.” Her son, Colby Ryan, spoke remotely and shared the emotional toll the deaths of his father and siblings have taken on him.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a statement that the convictions and sentences were hard-won but necessary.
“This was a long process, but one that was necessary to get justice for Charles Vallow, his family, and Brandon Boudreaux,” said Mitchell. “Lori Vallow Daybell returns to Idaho knowing she didn’t get away with her crimes in Maricopa County.”
