PHOENIX (AP) — Lori Vallow Daybell, the Idaho mother known for her doomsday beliefs, was sentenced to additional life terms in prison, during which she expressed dissatisfaction with jail conditions and the legal proceedings. Vallow Daybell argued that the legal system's evidence rules did not allow both sides of the story to be heard. Judge Justin Beresky interrupted her with a firm rebuttal, stating, "Actually, they do."
The exchange underscored the ongoing tension between Vallow Daybell, who chose to represent herself in the Arizona murder conspiracy cases, and Judge Beresky's no-nonsense approach in court. The judge criticized Vallow Daybell's claims of being denied a fair trial, noting the level of premeditation and manipulation involved in her crimes was unlike anything he had encountered in his career. "The amount of contemplation, calculation, planning and manipulation that went into these crimes is unparalleled in my career," he stated.
Vallow Daybell, aged 51, is currently serving three life sentences in Idaho for the murders of her two youngest children and the conspiracy to kill a romantic rival. In Arizona, she was convicted for conspiring to murder her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, who was fatally shot, as well as her niece's ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux, who survived the attack.
Despite the serious nature of her convictions, Vallow Daybell maintained her innocence, describing the series of deaths surrounding her as mere tragedies. She invoked her religious beliefs, claiming she believes she is among the chosen individuals whom Jesus has sent to prison to fight for a cause and expects to eventually be released to continue her mission.
Judge Beresky chastised her for misinterpreting a biblical verse, emphasizing that it pertains to those who accept Jesus and will be freed in the afterlife, stating, "it will take an act of God for you to go free... In short, you should never be released from prison." Throughout her trials, Vallow Daybell's religious convictions and her views on the supernatural significantly influenced her defense, as she often claimed that those around her were possessed by evil spirits.
Many observers, including victims' family members, praised Judge Beresky for his handling of the courtroom dynamics. Charles Vallow's sister, Kay Woodcock, lauded the judge, asserting, "I don’t think we could have had a better judge." Retired Maricopa County Judge Mel McDonald, who monitored the proceedings, commended Beresky for maintaining order and showing remarkable patience while managing Vallow Daybell's obstructive behaviors in court.
During the trial related to the conspiracy against Boudreaux, Vallow Daybell made false accusations against Beresky, claiming he had yelled at her when he was simply explaining the legal implications of her evidence submissions. In response to her disruptive behavior, Beresky ordered her removal from the courtroom on more than one occasion.
Vallow Daybell's self-representation included numerous challenges, as she often struggled with legal procedures that most attorneys would find straightforward. She insisted on exercising her right to a speedy trial and rejected the judge's proposals for extended preparation time, while simultaneously expressing her lack of readiness and claiming inadequate time for her defense. Additionally, she attempted to have Judge Beresky recused, asserting bias against her.
In a revealing moment of her trials, she expressed her unwellness to the point of postponing jury selection; however, Judge Beresky ultimately dismissed her claims due to a lack of objective evidence.
