Fiery first day in court for Lori Vallow jury selection
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Monday marked day one of jury selection in the Lori Vallow Daybell trial. This jury selection process is unique in that she is part of the jury selection process since she serving as her own defense attorney.
A lot of potential jurors were ruled out by all parties because they have knowledge of the case. Only some of the proceedings were allowed to be filmed Monday, and while the camera was recording, Vallow raised her voice, nearly yelling about the state wanting to preclude witnesses she wants.
“The state is claiming trial by ambush from the defense. How is the defense trial by ambush when they have interviewed every single one of these witnesses before? They have written, transcripted interviews and video interviews of all of these people. So how are they relevant? These witnesses will testify if and when they are needed to add additional facts or fill in the blanks that the state will in no doubt leave out,” Vallow said loudly.
The fiery back-and-forth continued for about 15 minutes. Vallow went on to say more. “I feel like the state is trying to say, ‘OK, here’s your speedy trial. Guess what? We’re not going to let you defend yourself. Guess what? You can’t have any experts. And guess what else? You can’t have any witnesses. You won’t have anyone speak on your behalf, so good luck, have a nice day,‘” Vallow said.
Vallow was in the courtroom wearing a black blazer suit, looking the same as any other counsel would. The judge ruled she could wear civilian clothes and no shackles when in the presence of the jury during the trial, but ordered she wear a shock vest underneath.
Monday was all about going through juror questionnaires and ruling people in it out. Of note in the courtroom were juror No. 18 in Lori Vallow’s Idaho trial and her cousin, Megan Conner. “It’s interesting. I haven’t seen her in person in about 10 years and we grew up together. We were close. She was a bridesmaid at my wedding. We spent a lot of time together. Our oldest kids are the same age. So it’s very strange to be even in this situation where she’s caused this whole horrible saga for our family,” said Conner.
In her Idaho trial, Lori Vallow was convicted in the deaths of two children, Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow and the death of her husband Chad Daybell’s former wife, Tammy Daybell.
Conner said she sees the same person she grew up with, even among what’s happened. “This is the same Lori that I know. I know some people have differing opinions on when she changed her demeanor. The Lori that I see in the courtroom is the same Lori that I know. Fiery, insistent, sometimes belligerent. Just wants to get her way and gets frustrated when she doesn’t,” said Conner.
Lori Vallow is standing trial for the murder of her ex-husband, Charles Vallow. Following this, she’ll also stand trial for the attempted shooting of her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux.
Jury selection will continue with jurors in person Tuesday. Opening statements are expected to begin next Monday.
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