Jury selection begins in Arizona murder conspiracy trial for Lori Vallow Daybell

PHOENIX — Jury selection is underway for doomsday mom Lori Vallow Daybell’s first trial in Arizona.

Back in 2023, she was convicted in Idaho of killing her children, Tylee and JJ, who used to live here in the valley.  She was also convicted of her role in the death of Tammy Daybell, her current husband Chad Daybell’s first wife. 

Now,  she’s heading to trial in Arizona for conspiring to kill her former husband Charles Vallow, who died in July 2019 in Chandler.

Vallow Daybell pleaded not guilty and will be representing herself in this trial.

Jury selection is expected to go through this week.

The court is looking for twelve jurors and four alternates to hear testimony, which is expected to take four to six weeks.

The judge also heard arguments for a number of motions Monday afternoon, including two additional attempts by Vallow Daybell to get her case dismissed.

The judge denied both of those motions.  

Vallow Daybell repeatedly expressed frustrations over what she said are “limitations” in her ability to represent herself from her jail cell.  She’s been staying at the Estrella Jail in Phoenix since she was extradited from Idaho in late 2023. 

Vallow Daybell is allowed to wear civilian clothing in her upcoming trial.  On Monday she appeared wearing dark pants, a black blazer and red glasses.  

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said she will be wearing a “RACC” belt, which could send a shock to Vallow Daybell if she tries to flee the courtroom.  

The judge ordered she doesn’t have to wear handcuffs or leg restraints during testimony in front of the jury.  The belt should be under her clothing, according to MCSO.

This is the first of two trials Lori Vallow Daybell faces in Arizona.  She’s also accused of conspiring to kill her niece’s ex-husband, who ultimately wasn’t hurt.

As opening arguments start, 12News will have daily coverage from the courtroom.

Last year, Chad Daybell was convicted in Idaho for the murders of Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell. He was sentenced to death in Idaho.  He’s not facing charges in Arizona. 

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