IDAHO MOTHER CONVICTED IN THREE MURDERS
Idaho mother Lori Vallow Daybell was convicted Friday in the murders of her two youngest children and a romantic rival, a verdict that culminates a three-year investigation that included bizarre claims that her son and daughter were zombies and she was a goddess sent to usher in the Biblical apocalypse.
Vallow Daybell showed no expression as the verdict was read. Some in the courtroom gallery wiped tears from their eyes.
Prosecutors in the case described Vallow Daybell as a power-hungry manipulator who would kill her two youngest children for money, while the defense team said she was a normally protective mother who fell under the romantic sway of a wannabe cult leader.
Jurors heard both stories Thursday during final arguments in the seven-week trial, and deliberated for about four hours before breaking for the evening. They resumed deliberations Friday morning and reached a verdict, which was announced shortly after noon.
Vallow Daybell was convicted of conspiring to commit the murders of 7-yearold Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 16year-old Tylee Ryan, and Tammy Daybell. She was also convicted of grand theft as well as first-degree murder of the two children, a charge that indicates a more direct role in the crimes.
Vallow Daybell’s fifth husband, Chad Daybell, faces the same charges, but his trial is still months away.
Prosecutors say the two worked with Vallow Daybell’s brother, Alex Cox, to carry out the crimes. Cox died in December 2019 and was never charged.
Vallow Daybell faces up to life in prison at sentencing, which a judge said would be in at least three months.
Prosecutors said they were not able to comment on the verdict because of pending charges against Chad Daybell. In a statement, they thanked jurors for their service and said they “remain committed to pursuing justice for Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell.”