An Arizona judge had to remove Lori Vallow Daybell from the courtroom during her third trial on Friday following a contentious exchange. In a recorded confrontation, Vallow Daybell addressed the judge, asserting, “You don’t need to yell at me either,” claiming she had been “very courteous”. The judge firmly responded by stating that she had not displayed courtesy during the proceedings and instructed her to consult with her advisory council before continuing.
The conflict arose when Vallow Daybell, who is acting as her own attorney, attempted to introduce character evidence, describing herself as “loving and peaceful.” The judge expressed concerns that allowing such evidence could set a problematic precedent, leading to the escalation of the argument. The situation culminated in the judge ordering officers to remove her from the courtroom.
Vallow Daybell has a complex legal history, including a previous conviction in Idaho for the murders of her two children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua “JJ” Vallow, resulting in three life sentences. In April, she was also found guilty in Arizona of conspiring to murder her estranged husband, Charles Vallow. Currently, she is standing trial for allegedly conspiring to murder Brandon Boudreaux, who is the ex-husband of her niece, Melani Pawlowski. Notably, she continues to represent herself in these Arizona trials.
This ongoing legal saga highlights the complexities and challenges of self-representation in high-stakes criminal cases. It also serves as a reminder of the judicial system’s commitment to maintaining decorum during proceedings, regardless of the circumstances.