Jury Empaneled in Lori Vallow Daybell Murder Conspiracy Trial, Opening Statements Set for Thursday

PHOENIX — Lori Vallow Daybell’s murder conspiracy trial commenced with the swearing-in of sixteen jurors Wednesday afternoon, following two delays attributed to her reported health issues.

During a previous court appearance, Daybell appeared in a wheelchair, citing a “terrible headache, nausea, chills.” Despite these claims, the judge indicated she seemed of sound mind.

Daybell faces charges related to the alleged conspiracy to kill her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux, in Gilbert. Investigators assert that her brother shot at Boudreaux in October 2019. Fortunately, Boudreaux was unharmed, though his vehicle sustained damage.

This trial adds to Vallow Daybell’s legal woes. She has already been convicted in Idaho and Arizona for multiple charges, including the deaths of her children, Tylee and JJ; additionally, she conspired to kill her ex-husband.

Live courtroom updates were provided by journalist Erica Stapleton. Initially scheduled for Monday, opening statements have been pushed to Thursday morning.

The jury’s composition includes eight men and eight women, as noted during the swearing-in process. The judge began reading jury instructions after the selections were finalized.

As the day progressed, prospective jurors answered questions regarding biases and their prior court experiences. Notably, during the inquiry, some jurors disclosed that they owned firearms, raising inquiries about their experiences with guns.

The trial is expected to span approximately two weeks, kicking off with opening statements this Thursday.

Vallow Daybell previously secured convictions connected to the deaths of her children and the murder of Tammy Daybell, her husband’s first wife. Her brother, Alex Cox, reportedly participated in these conspiracies but passed away before being charged.