Lori Vallow Daybell to face trial in ex-husband’s death after competency ruling
Lori Vallow Daybell, the “Doomsday Mom,” was cleared Thursday to stand trial in Arizona in the 2019 death of her ex-husband following a monthslong process to evaluate her competency in Maricopa County Superior Court.
After reviewing evaluations by two mental health experts who found her competent, Court Commissioner Travis Marderosian issued the ruling.
A finding of competency means it was determined that Vallow Daybell could understand the purpose and nature of the proceedings and assist in her defense.
Vallow Daybell was convicted in Idaho in 2023 for the murders of her two children, Joshua “J.J.” Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16.
Their remains were discovered buried on the property of her husband, Chad Daybell, who was sentenced to death earlier this year for his role in the murders.
Her mental fitness was also an issue during her Idaho prosecution, where she underwent almost a year of treatment before being deemed fit for trial.
In Arizona, her competency became an issue after her former defense team requested a competency evaluation. When she changed lawyers, her team tried to withdraw the request because Vallow Daybell told the court that she wanted to represent herself.
The court has yet to decide whether Vallow Daybell will be allowed to represent herself.
Extradited to Arizona, Vallow Daybell faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the shooting death of Charles Vallow and attempted murder of her ex-husband’s nephew, Brandon Boudreaux.
Charles Vallow was fatally shot by Vallow Daybell’s brother, Alexander Cox, in 2019, who claimed self-defense. Cox died months later of natural causes.
Reach the reporter at miguel.torres@arizonarepublic.com.