Lori Vallow Daybell, infamously dubbed the “Doomsday mom,” has done so. Only nine days after an Arizona jury convicted her of conspiring to murder her ex-husband, Charles Vallow, she filed her formal appeal for a new trial. On May 1, the original request was submitted. It makes a number of factual assertions, ranging from accusations of limiting her ability to mount a defense at trial to prosecutorial misconduct.
In July 2019, Vallow Daybell was convicted of conspiring with her brother, Alex Cox, to murder Charles Vallow. Prosecutors argued that the motive behind the murder was twofold: financial gain through life insurance and other benefits, coupled with a romantic relationship between Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell. During the trial, Vallow Daybell continued to push the narrative that the killing was not a crime, but just a sad family feud.
In her 13-page motion for a new trial, Vallow Daybell contended that she faced significant obstacles in presenting her case. She alleged a judge barred her from allowing important witnesses to testify. This list predictably placed on blast an Idaho journalist who had extensively covered her history of legal troubles. Furthermore, Vallow Daybell asserted that she was restricted from discussing a critical “walkthrough” conducted by her brother with local police prior to his death.
Vallow Daybell expressed concerns regarding her ability to counter the testimony of Detective Daniel Coons, who served as an expert witness during the trial. She claimed that the amount of time given for her rebuttal was not enough, compromising her ability to defend herself.
The motion includes claims of discovery violations, prosecutorial misconduct and even a Brady violation. It claims that such failures resulted in prejudice during the proceedings. Notably, Vallow Daybell represented herself throughout the trial but chose not to testify or present any evidence in her defense.
In 2023, Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell were both convicted of additional charges in Idaho. They were convicted of killing her two youngest kids, Tylee Ryan and Joshua “J.J.” Vallow, as well as Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell. After these convictions, Vallow Daybell was given a life sentence without parole.
It’s human drama that has held the media in rapt attention throughout Vallow Daybell’s story. Her radical apocalyptic religious views have led to her being dubbed the “Doomsday mom.” Her complicated and heartbreaking story still fascinates true crime fans, even as she works to finally clear her name and conviction.
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