Lori Vallow Daybell, known as the “Doomsday Mom,” had a heated exchange with an Arizona judge during her attempted murder trial, which led to her removal from the courtroom.
Representing herself, the 51-year-old faced Judge Justin Beleski in Phoenix on Friday. She stands accused of conspiring to kill Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of her friend, Nie.
Boudreaux reported being shot at while at home in Gilbert, Arizona, on October 2, 2019. Prosecutors allege that Vallow Daybell and her deceased brother, Alex Cox, plotted the attack, stating that a bullet came perilously close to Cox, hitting a relative instead.
In court, Vallow Daybell sought to discuss matters that could showcase her character, despite her background, including four murder convictions. She asked, “Are there hearings regarding what evidence can be introduced about my character? If you open that door, are you prepared to hear it?”
Judge Beleski interjected, suggesting a brief hearing could occur if she could present evidence of her character. He noted, however, that her convictions would likely complicate that. “If you can show good character, then we can discuss the evidence against that character, including your past convictions,” he mentioned.
During the exchange, Vallow Daybell claimed the judge was yelling at her, to which she responded, “There’s no need to speak to me that way. I treat you with respect.” Frustrated, Beleski called for security to remove her from the courtroom, asserting, “You’re not being polite to me either.”
She was then escorted out as the trial paused for about 15 minutes. The judge warned her that her conduct could potentially strip her of her self-representation rights. “If you keep asking inappropriate questions or make comments about myself or the prosecutor, I may have to revoke those rights,” he said.
This incident came after Vallow Daybell had expressed issues with her process status before the trial got underway. In 2023, she was found guilty of murdering her two youngest children, Joshua “JJ” Vallow and Tylee Ryan, in 2019. Their remains were discovered on land owned by her fifth husband, Chad Daybell.
Both Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell are connected to an apocalyptic-themed cult and have been convicted in relation to the death of Tammy Daybell, Chad’s former wife, who died under suspicious circumstances in October 2019.
The trial had initially begun with jury selection on May 30 but faced interruptions, including Vallow Daybell claiming illness during the process. Notably, she appeared in a wheelchair on June 2, alleging ongoing nausea.
Despite these claims, Judge Beleski found no documented medical issues that would hinder her participation, allowing the trial to proceed. During this latest hearing, Vallow Daybell cross-examined Boudreaux, who noted a complicated relationship with her. The judicial proceedings continue, as Vallow Daybell is currently serving multiple life sentences for her role in the murders of her children and Tammy Daybell, while Chad Daybell has been sentenced to death.
Additionally, Vallow Daybell was convicted for conspiring to murder her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, with her brother’s assistance, and will be facing sentencing in that case after Boudreaux’s trial concludes.
