Judge Rules Lori Vallow Daybell Will Not Face Death Penalty in Connection with Mysterious Deaths of Her Children

A judge has ruled that Lori Vallow Daybell, a woman charged with conspiracy and murder in connection with the deaths of her two children and her new husband’s late wife, will not face the death penalty. Vallow and her husband, Chad Daybell, have pleaded not guilty to murder, conspiracy and grand theft charges in connection with the deaths of Vallow Daybell’s children, 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and Tylee Ryan, last seen a few days before her 17th birthday.

Prosecutors had been seeking the death penalty for both defendants, but Vallow Daybell’s attorneys argued that it should be taken off the table due to the lack of time to review the large amount of evidence recently turned over. Judge Steven Boyce noted that Vallow has not waived her right to a speedy trial, so the proceeding could not be rescheduled to give her defense team more time.

Vallow and Daybell are also charged in connection with the October 2019 death of Chad Daybell’s late wife, Tammy Daybell. Vallow Daybell is scheduled to stand trial starting April 3.

The case has garnered national attention due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths of Vallow’s children. The investigation has spanned multiple states and included the search of multiple properties.

Vallow and Daybell remain in custody in Idaho, where they are awaiting trial. It is unclear how the judge’s ruling will affect the outcome of the case. The trial is set to begin in April and is expected to last several weeks.