PHOENIX (ABC4) — The first week of testimony has wrapped up in Lori Vallow Daybell’s Arizona murder trial, where she stands accused of conspiring to kill her late husband, Charles Vallow, in July 2019. Vallow Daybell, who is representing herself, is already serving multiple life sentences in Idaho for the murders of her two children, Joshua “JJ” Vallow and Tylee Ryan.
Day One: Opening Statements and First Responders
The trial began with opening statements. Prosecutor Treena J. Kay read a 2019 message from Vallow Daybell to her brother, Alex Cox, referencing a religious story in which a prophet kills under divine direction. The prosecution alleges Vallow Daybell used her religious beliefs and a story of the prophet Nephi as justification to plot Charles Vallow’s death and collect a life insurance payout and Social Security benefits.
Vallow Daybell offered a different narrative in her opening remarks, describing domestic strife and calling Charles’ death a “family tragedy, not a crime.”
First responders, including police officers and a paramedic, testified that both Vallow Daybell and Alex Cox were calm at the scene of Vallow’s death. One officer described Cox’s behavior as “not emotional at all,” which differed from what he would have expected.
Day Two: Crime Scene Response and Medical Testimony
Vallow Daybell cross-examined paramedics about the emergency response. Retired fire captain Kent Keller said the scene lacked the blood he would expect if CPR had been performed effectively.
Retired Chandler detective Daniel Coons then reviewed crime scene evidence, including a baseball bat and firearm. Coons testified that forensic evidence supported the claim that Vallow was on the ground when shot in the abdomen.
Day Three: New Witnesses and Tensions in the Courtroom
Coons returned for further testimony, confirming key forensic details. Next, Nancy Jo Hancock, who met Charles Vallow through a dating site, testified they had dinner the night before his death. Hancock claimed Charles said he had changed the beneficiary of his life insurance to his sister, Kay Woodcock.
Cross-examination grew tense as Vallow Daybell challenged the witness’s account. Hancock held firm, stating she was telling the truth.
Later, Christina Atwood, a family friend, testified that Vallow Daybell expressed fears about “dark spirits” in Charles. She also recalled conversations about religious concerns during a girls’ trip with Vallow Daybell and others.
Day Four: Family Members and Religious Beliefs
Vallow Daybell’s brother, Adam Cox, testified that she had made troubling religious statements and shared a belief that she was spiritually elevated above others. He also described his suspicions after learning that Alex Cox was at Vallow Daybell’s house the morning Charles died.
“I have no doubt in my mind that they killed him,” Adam Cox told the court.
Friend Sarena Sharpe testified about Vallow Daybell’s unusual spiritual claims and rituals, including an attempt to “cast out” evil from her husband. On cross-examination, Vallow Daybell challenged Sharpe’s credibility and understanding of religious figures.
Additional testimony came from digital forensic expert William McDonald and forensic scientist Marrisa Francisco, who reviewed phone records and evidence, including a baseball bat with no identifiable fingerprints.
The final witness of the week was Kay Woodcock, Charles Vallow’s sister, who shared her involvement in helping care for JJ during a period when Vallow Daybell left with Tylee for nearly two months. She also described assisting Charles with his move to Texas shortly before his death.
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