Arizona judge to allow cameras during Lori Vallow’s conspiracy trial
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Lori Vallow gave an animated display in court Tuesday ahead of her conspiracy trial for the death of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, and the attempted shooting of her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux.
Vallow was convicted of killing her kids, Tylee Ryan and JJ Valow, and her current husband, Chad Daybell’s wife, Tammy, in a web of mysterious deaths. Vallow is representing herself, which makes this high-profile case even more complicated, leading to concerns about jurors.
The judge ruled Tuesday that there will be a camera in the courtroom each day and that this trial is likely to be livestreamed, something Vallow isn’t particularly pleased about.
Since she’s on trial and defending herself, this will change typical jury selection.
“Lori Daybell on behalf of myself,” Lori said in court.
As defendant and defense counsel, perhaps no one believes Lori Vallow is more famous and well-known than she is.
“There’s people who will want to be on this jury just for this purpose,” Lori said confidently. “It’s going to be complicated.”
She’s not necessarily wrong.
Lori Vallow gained worldwide notoriety as “Doomsday Mom” after she and her self-proclaimed prophet husband Chad Daybell were convicted of killing Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow, and Tammy Daybell.
It spans many years, several states, and endless media coverage. It was death after death, including the one she’s about to be on trial for: the murder of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, and the attempted shooting of her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux.
The judge agrees with Lori, but finding an impartial jury may be tough.
“I anticipate losing quite a large number of people just based on prior media coverage and people already having some sort of opinion on the case,” Judge Justin Beresky said.
Lori told the judge they screened 1,900 potential jurors for her Idaho trial. The judge told the court this week they plan to screen hundreds of jurors for this case. He also said they plan to weed people out early by putting Lori Vallow’s name on the juror questionnaire, something they don’t typically do.
They also plan to take unusual steps to protect the jurors and witnesses from the public and media.
“We can also ensure that the jurors don’t have contact. If that means we bring them up in a separate elevator and have them assemble somewhere else we can accomplish that,” said Judge Beresky.
Lori was wearing arm and leg shackles in court, concerned about how this would affect her presentation as her own defense attorney.
The judge cleared it up for her quickly.
“Am I going to be able to stand at the podium to talk to my witnesses, question my witnesses, cross examine, or am I going to be able to move about with the leg thing and the shock vest and all that?” Lori asked.
“You’re going to stick to your table and go to the podium,” the judge said.
Several things still need to be cleared up at a court hearing next week. The trial for Charles Vallow’s murder will be first. Still, there’s confusion about whether Brandon Boudreaux’s will start immediately after since Lori is planning to represent herself in both and can’t do that simultaneously.
Opening statements are expected around Apr. 7
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