Lori Vallow Daybell, currently serving a life sentence in Idaho for the murders of her two children and her husband’s former wife, is facing extradition to Arizona. She is charged in Arizona with conspiracy to commit murder in the deaths of her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, and her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux. This complex case, spanning multiple states and involving a web of relationships, began unfolding in 2019.
This Aug. 8, 2023 booking photo shows Lori Vallow Daybell after she was sentenced to life in prison. (Idaho Dept. of Corrections)
The Idaho Convictions: A Foundation of Deceit
Earlier this year, an Idaho jury found Vallow Daybell guilty of murdering her two youngest children, 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan. She was also convicted of conspiring to murder Tammy Daybell, the then-wife of Chad Daybell, whom Vallow Daybell later married. The Idaho trial revealed a chilling narrative of manipulation, religious extremism, and a desperate desire for a new life with Chad Daybell.
The Arizona Charges: Expanding the Web of Conspiracy
The Arizona indictment alleges that Vallow Daybell conspired to murder both Charles Vallow and Brandon Boudreaux. These alleged conspiracies add another layer to an already convoluted case, further illustrating the lengths to which Vallow Daybell allegedly went to achieve her desires.
The Timeline of Tragedy: Unraveling the Events
The tragic sequence of events began in 2019 when Vallow Daybell resided in a Phoenix suburb with JJ and Tylee. She was estranged from Charles Vallow, who had expressed concerns about her mental state and beliefs in divorce filings, claiming she believed herself to be a goddess preparing for the apocalypse.
Charles Vallow with his children, JJ and Tylee. (Source: Placeholder – Replace with actual source)
That summer, Charles Vallow was shot and killed by Vallow Daybell’s brother, Alex Cox. Cox claimed self-defense and was never charged. He died later that year of what authorities deemed natural causes. Shortly after Charles Vallow’s death, Vallow Daybell moved with her children to Idaho, closer to Chad Daybell.
The Idaho Murders and a Hasty Marriage
In Idaho, the children soon vanished. Weeks later, Tammy Daybell died under suspicious circumstances, initially attributed to natural causes. Just two weeks after Tammy Daybell’s death, Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell married. Authorities later exhumed Tammy Daybell’s body and determined she had been asphyxiated.
Chad Daybell also faces murder charges in Idaho. (Source: Placeholder – Replace with actual source)
The disappearance of JJ and Tylee sparked a multi-state investigation. Their remains were eventually discovered buried on Chad Daybell’s property. Chad Daybell has also been charged in the murders of the children and his late wife. He has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial.
The Attempted Shooting of Brandon Boudreaux
Adding another twist to the case, Brandon Boudreaux, recently divorced from Vallow Daybell’s niece, reported an attempted drive-by shooting. The vehicle involved matched the description of a Jeep purchased by Charles Vallow before his death. This incident led to the conspiracy charge against Vallow Daybell in Arizona related to Boudreaux.
Extradition and the Pursuit of Justice
With the extradition warrant signed by Idaho Governor Brad Little, Arizona authorities can now take temporary custody of Vallow Daybell to face these charges. The extradition process signifies another step in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families, as the legal proceedings in Arizona unfold.
The Legal Battles Ahead: A Complex Path to Resolution
The legal complexities surrounding Vallow Daybell’s case are significant. She has appealed her Idaho convictions, and the Arizona proceedings will likely be protracted. The intertwining narratives and overlapping jurisdictions present unique challenges for the legal system as it seeks to hold her accountable for the alleged crimes.
Conclusion: Seeking Answers and Accountability
The Lori Vallow Daybell case remains a chilling example of alleged manipulation and violence. As the legal proceedings continue in both Idaho and Arizona, the families of the victims seek answers and accountability for the devastating losses they have endured. The extradition to Arizona marks a crucial step in the ongoing quest for justice.
