Lori Vallow Daybell was removed from an Arizona courtroom this week during her latest attempted murder trial, following a contentious exchange with Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Justin Beresky. The incident occurred on June 6, the second day of her trial concerning allegations of conspiring to kill Brandon Boudreaux, her niece’s ex-husband.
During the proceedings, Lori, who is acting as her own attorney, clashed with Judge Beresky over the potential inclusion of character evidence in her defense. The judge cautioned her that introducing evidence of good character could open the door for the prosecution to present evidence of her prior convictions, which include the murders of her two children, Joshua “J.J.” Vallow and Tylee Ryan, and the conspiracy to murder her husband Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell.
Judge Beresky highlighted that this evidence could include details of her four murder convictions, urging her to consult with her advisory council during a break. The exchange escalated when Lori protested, accusing the judge of yelling at her, which he denied. In response to her interruptions, the judge ordered court security to remove her from the courtroom, stating that her conduct was not courteous.
When Lori returned, she offered an apology, reminding her of the importance of maintaining decorum throughout the trial and warning that disruptive behavior could affect her self-representation.
The case surrounding Lori involves serious allegations, with a grand jury indictment in 2023 for the conspiracy to kill Boudreaux, dating back to a gun incident involving her late brother, Alex Cox. Prosecutors allege Lori played a role in orchestrating the attack, using Cox as her alibi. She recently cross-examined Boudreaux regarding their relationship, which he described as troubled.
As she stands trial, Lori is currently serving three life sentences from previous convictions, while Chad Daybell faces the death penalty for similar charges related to the same crimes.
The ongoing legal battle highlights the complexity of the case against Lori. Although the proceedings have been tumultuous, observers hope that the truth regarding these serious allegations will come to light as the trial continues. This trial underscores the legal system’s commitment to addressing violent crimes and ensuring justice for victims.