Lori Vallow Daybell, infamously known as the “Doomsday Mom,” was convicted in Arizona on June 12, 2025, for conspiring to murder her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux, in a trial that lasted 11 days. This marked her third criminal trial in less than three years, following convictions in Idaho for the murders of her two children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua “J.J.” Vallow, and conspiracy in the death of her fifth husband’s first wife, Tammy Daybell, as well as an Arizona conviction for conspiring to murder her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. She is currently serving multiple life sentences without parole in Idaho.
Case Background
The trial centered on an October 2, 2019, incident in Gilbert, Arizona, where Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of Vallow Daybell’s niece Melani Pawlowski, was shot at while driving into his rental home. A bullet fired from a dark-colored Jeep Wrangler, registered to Vallow Daybell’s late husband Charles Vallow, shattered his Tesla’s window but missed him. Prosecutors alleged that Vallow Daybell conspired with her brother, Alex Cox, who was identified as the shooter, to kill Boudreaux. The motive was tied to Vallow Daybell’s apocalyptic religious beliefs and efforts to eliminate perceived threats, potentially linked to protecting her niece’s custody case or financial gain through life insurance.
Key Evidence and Testimony
- Prosecution’s Case: Prosecutor Treena Kay presented evidence of premeditation, including cellphone data placing Cox near Boudreaux’s home at the time of the shooting, Google searches by Cox for shooting ranges and Boudreaux’s address, and Vallow Daybell’s involvement in preparing the Jeep (e.g., tinting windows, removing the back seat and spare tire for Cox to lie in wait). Surveillance footage showed Vallow Daybell and Cox at a storage unit handling the Jeep’s parts before and after the shooting, with Cox’s DNA and gunshot residue found in the vehicle. A burner phone purchased by Vallow Daybell and Cox was used to contact Chad Daybell, and a fake 24-minute call was initiated to create an alibi for Cox.
- Boudreaux’s Testimony: Boudreaux testified about the shooting, describing seeing a rifle barrel emerge from the Jeep’s back window. He immediately suspected Vallow Daybell and Cox, noting their influence over his ex-wife Melani and their shared doomsday beliefs, which labeled him as a “dark” soul. He also discussed family dynamics, including a June 2019 argument with Melani, where Vallow Daybell’s accusations (e.g., hacking her computer) escalated tensions.
- Other Witnesses: Forensic scientist Vanessa Mielke confirmed Cox’s DNA in the Jeep, and Detective Ray Hermosillo testified about rifles found in Cox’s apartment and the Jeep’s seizure in Idaho. Cell tower data and Google location histories further corroborated Cox’s movements.
Vallow Daybell’s Defense
Representing herself, Vallow Daybell pleaded not guilty, claiming no agreement or plan existed for the murder. She argued the case was speculative, emphasizing her absence from Arizona during the shooting and suggesting Boudreaux blamed her for his marital breakdown. She faced challenges in court, including being removed on June 6, 2025, after arguing with Judge Justin Beresky over character evidence. Her cross-examination of Boudreaux and attempts to introduce emails implicating Melani Pawlowski were met with objections, and she was cautioned against testifying during arguments.
Verdict and Aftermath
After less than 30 minutes of deliberation, the Maricopa County jury found Vallow Daybell guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder on June 12, 2025. Sentencing for this case, along with her earlier Arizona conviction for Charles Vallow’s murder, is scheduled for July 25, 2025, with potential additional life sentences. Post-verdict, Vallow Daybell filed a motion for a new trial, citing issues like judicial impartiality and evidence admissibility, but the outcome of this motion remains pending.
Context and Co-Conspirators
The prosecution named Alex Cox, Chad Daybell, and Melani Pawlowski as co-conspirators, though Cox died in December 2019 before charges were filed, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute Chad Daybell in this case. Melani Pawlowski was not charged, though an ongoing investigation was noted. The case was framed as part of a broader pattern of violence driven by Vallow Daybell’s cult-like beliefs, shared with Chad Daybell, who was sentenced to death in Idaho for the murders of Tylee, J.J., and Tammy Daybell.
In addition, NOBODY MENTIONS “WE MUST PROTECT THE CHURCH” MELANIE GIBB, who ran reconnaissance for Alex Cox the day after he shot at Brandon Boudreaux. A neighbor witnessed Melanie Gibb walking back and forth looking at the area and engaged Melanie Gibb in conversation. I believe it is only because of the neighbor that Melanie Gibb admitted this to the police. Melanie Gibb was present at Lori Vallow’s apartment the night JJ was murdered. Nobody seems worried about that either. Hmmm.