PHOENIX — Lori Vallow Daybell, the Idaho woman already convicted of murdering her two children, returned to court Monday facing new charges of conspiracy to murder her husband, Charles Vallow. Representing herself in Maricopa County court, Vallow Daybell is navigating the trial alone, which adds a layer of complexity to the case.
In the days leading up to Monday’s hearing, jurors were presented with testimonies from relatives and a woman who testified about an evening Vallow and she had spent together just before Charles Vallow’s death. The proceedings also featured first responders detailing the moments they encountered when they arrived at the scene of Charles Vallow’s killing on July 11, 2019.
Previously, Vallow Daybell was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted for the murder and conspiracy to murder her two children, Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ashlyn Ryan, 16. Currently serving five consecutive life sentences, she now faces additional scrutiny in this ongoing legal battle.
In Monday’s trial, multiple witnesses took the stand, including a medical examiner, a Social Security investigator, and an insurance agent connected to the case. Also testifying was a forensic scientist who specializes in firearms and a detective who responded to the scene.
Medical Examiner’s Testimony
Dr. Derek Bumgarner, the Maricopa County medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Charles Vallow, was called to the stand. Under questioning from Deputy County Attorney Treena Kay, Dr. Bumgarner provided insight into the details of the fatal gunshot wounds Vallow sustained.
Bumgarner described the path of the bullet that entered Vallow’s chest, explaining that the initial gunshot may not have been instantly fatal, and Vallow possibly moved or even spoke briefly before succumbing to the wounds. He also described a second gunshot wound located on Vallow’s abdomen, and explained the phenomenon of “shoring,” which occurs when a bullet exits a body while pressed against a firm surface.
When cross-examining Dr. Bumgarner, Vallow Daybell asked about the specific drugs tested in Vallow’s toxicology report and briefly inquired about the concept of “shoring.” Bumgarner clarified that a shored wound could not have been caused by something like a t-shirt.
Social Security Investigator’s Testimony
Mark Saari, a special agent with the Social Security Administration, took the stand to speak on Vallow Daybell’s case. Saari was responsible for investigating potential fraud in Vallow Daybell’s Social Security records. He revealed that Vallow Daybell had an appointment regarding her late husband’s Social Security benefits on August 12, 2019, during which she claimed to have been living with Charles at the time of his death. However, testimonies from Vallow Daybell’s brother and Charles’s sister contradicted this claim, stating that Vallow was living in Houston, Texas, while Vallow Daybell resided in Arizona.
Saari also detailed the Social Security benefits that Vallow Daybell was entitled to, noting that her benefits ceased after her marriage to Chad Daybell, while her son’s benefits continued. Vallow Daybell did not notify the Social Security Administration about her new marriage.
Insurance Representative’s Testimony
Robin Smith Scott, an insurance representative from Banner Life Insurance Company, testified regarding a life insurance policy Charles Vallow had with a $1 million payout. Scott explained that Vallow Daybell was initially the beneficiary until February 26, 2019, when Charles’s sister, Kay Woodcock, was named as the new beneficiary.
The trial heard recordings of phone conversations between Vallow Daybell and Scott, in which Vallow Daybell initially claimed that Charles had died in an accident and that she was the beneficiary. However, another call in mid-July 2019 revealed that she was no longer the beneficiary, prompting her concern over the financial situation.
Firearms Forensic Scientist’s Testimony
Jeff Moberg, a forensic scientist with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, was called to describe the investigation into the firearm found at the scene. Moberg identified the weapon as a Springfield Armory XDM 45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and testified that two bullets found at the scene were fired from this gun. During cross-examination, Vallow Daybell questioned whether the casings might have been displaced due to a ricochet or the gun being positioned sideways.
Chandler Police Detective’s Testimony
Detective Cassandra Ynclan, who responded to the scene on the day of Charles Vallow’s death, described her observations of Vallow Daybell’s behavior. Ynclan recalled that Vallow Daybell appeared calm and nonchalant when she arrived at the scene and was not visibly upset. The detective then provided clips from Vallow Daybell’s police interview, in which she discussed the threats she claimed to have received from Charles, as well as an altercation involving a bat.
Ynclan noted that Vallow Daybell had no immediate emotional reaction when being driven to the police station, and no Miranda rights were read to her because she was considered a voluntary witness at the time.
Throughout the cross-examination, Vallow Daybell focused on the testimony provided by her daughter Tylee during her police interview, though many of her questions were ruled out due to hearsay.
The trial recessed for the day, with Judge Justin Beresky explaining his rulings on evidence and witness questioning, ensuring the proceedings would continue with clarity .
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