State of Idaho files notice to seek death penalty against Lori Vallow-Daybell
FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) - On Monday, the State of Idaho filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Lori Vallow-Daybell.
The state said it will seek the death penalty if Vallow-Daybell is convicted for any of the counts of first degree murder and/or any of the counts of conspiracy to commit first degree murder as charged in the indictment.
The prosecutors also said Lori Vallow-Daybell showed “utter disregard for human life” and “has exhibited a propensity to commit murder which will probably constitute a continuing threat to society.”
You can read the full notice below.
Also on Monday, the state said it is seeking to continue Vallow-Daybell's trial from October to January so it can be tied together with her husband's case.
"This court has repeatedly found and held that these cases are one for trial. It is proper to continue the October trial setting for both defendants' cases and restore the prior trial date schedule to commence on Jan. 9, 2023. If both cases are not set for trial at the same time, it will result in an improper severance," the state said.
You can read the full 13 page motion below.
Lori Vallow-Daybell's co-defendant and husband, Chad Daybell, is also facing a potential death penalty if convicted. The pair are charged with murder, conspiracy and grand theft in connection with the deaths of 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan.
Prosecutors announced their intent to seek capital punishment in Chad Daybell’s case last August, but Lori Vallow-Daybell's case was on hold at the time because she was undergoing treatment at a mental health facility. Lori Vallow-Daybell is scheduled to stand trial in October, and Chad Daybell is scheduled for trial next January.
Idaho law enforcement began investigating the Daybells in November 2019 after extended family members reported the children were missing. The children were missing for several months, during which time police said the couple lied about the children's whereabouts, before their bodies were found buried on Chad Daybell's property in rural Idaho.
Chad and Lori Daybell married just two weeks after his previous wife, Tammy Daybell, died unexpectedly. Tammy Daybell's death was initially reported as “natural causes,” but investigators had her body exhumed after growing suspicious when Chad Daybell quickly remarried.
Lori Vallow-Daybell is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder in Arizona in connection with the death of her previous husband. Charles Vallow was shot and killed by Lori Daybell's brother, Alex Cox, who claimed it was self-defense. Cox later died of what police said was natural causes.
Chad Daybell has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and a judge entered a “not guilty” plea on Lori Vallow-Daybell's behalf after she stood silent when asked for a plea earlier this year.
Idaho law allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty if they can show certain “aggravating factors” for crimes like murder or conspiracy to commit murder.
