LIVE UPDATES: Justice Hangs in the Balance as Closing Arguments Unfold in Lori Vallow Daybell Murder Conspiracy Trial

PHOENIX — The trial of Lori Vallow Daybell, accused of conspiracy to commit murder, heads into closing arguments on Monday. Vallow Daybell is representing herself in the courtroom, having previously indicated to the judge that she would not take the stand to testify in her defense.

She is charged with conspiring with her brother, Alex Cox, to kill her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, who was shot dead in July 2019 at Vallow Daybell’s rental residence in Chandler. Facing two conspiracy charges in Arizona, Vallow Daybell has already been convicted in Idaho for the murders of her children, Tylee and JJ, along with her former husband’s first wife, Tammy Daybell.

A recent court session discussed the admissibility of Vallow Daybell’s full interview with Detective Ynclan. Vallow Daybell expressed frustration over only snippets being presented as evidence. “That’s it,” she stated when asked if she had further comments, signaling her intent to rest her defense.

As the trial draws closer to its conclusion, the jury is expected to hear jury instructions this morning. After a lunch break, closing arguments will commence in the afternoon. The courtroom is notably filled with media and public spectators, all eager to witness the final stages of this high-profile case.

Vallow Daybell’s trial has been marked by unsettling revelations, including text messages detailing bizarre beliefs about her former husband being possessed by an evil spirit named “Ned.” Evidence presented also included exchanges with her new husband, Chad Daybell, which encompassed both romantic sentiments and discussions around financial matters linked to Charles Vallow’s death.

Throughout the trial, Vallow Daybell engaged in cross-examinations of various witnesses, frequently straying into argumentative territory, prompting the judge to redirect her. She maintains that she and her brother acted in self-defense. Notably, her brother Alex cannot be prosecuted due to his death in December 2019.

Following these closing arguments, Vallow Daybell will also face additional charges stemming from an attempted shooting at her niece’s ex-husband in Gilbert, set for trial after the current proceedings conclude.