Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty Against Mother Charged With Killing 2 of Her Children and Husband’s Ex-Wife

Prosecutors are set to seek the death penalty against Lori Vallow Daybell, an Idaho mother who was charged with killing two of her children and her husband’s former wife.

As CBS News reports, prosecuting attorneys announced their intentions to pursue the death penalty if she is convicted when her trial starts later this year. They argued that she’ll qualify for capital punishment due to the nature of her crimes, which they described as depraved and motivated by financial gain. She has showed an “utter disregard for human life” according to prosecutors, who added that she also “has exhibited a propensity to commit murder which will probably constitute a continuing threat to society.”

Prosecutors previously announced intent to seek capital punishment against her husband, Chad Daybell, last year. The couple have been charged with murder, conspiracy and grand theft in connection with the deaths of their children, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, and 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow. The children were first reported missing in 2019, and were not located for months before their remains were discovered at Chad’s home in Idaho the following year. The couple have both pleaded not guilty. 

The investigation into the two individuals was first launched when their extended family members voiced concern regarding the whereabouts of the two kids. The couple reportedly lied to police about where their children were, and to cap it off they married just two weeks after Chad’s previous wife Tammy Daybell died. While her death was initially ruled as “natural causes,” her body was later exhumed due to the suspicions surrounding Chad and Lori marrying so quickly after her death. 

Lori has additionally been charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the death of her previous husband, Charles Vallow. His brother Alex Cox shot and killed Charles, and claimed self-defense. Alex later died of natural causes.