The murder conspiracy trial of Lori Vallow Daybell, referred to in media as the "Doomsday Mom," has entered its third day. Vallow Daybell, representing herself, questioned witnesses about the death of her former husband, Charles Vallow, who was shot by her brother, Alex Cox, who claimed self-defense after a dispute involving a baseball bat, FOX 10 Phoenix reports.
On the stand, retired Chandler homicide detective Daniel Coons was closely questioned by Vallow Daybell. According to ABC15, she was direct in her approach, aiming to cast doubt on the state's case. Daybell highlighted specific details, such as the material of Charles's shirt and the decision not to test certain items at the scene, including the bullet. Coons maintained that the investigation was based on strong evidence, including the autopsy.
Witnesses also included Nancy Jo Hancock, who went on a date with Charles Vallow the night before he was killed, during her testimony, Vallow Daybell interrogated Hancock about their conversation that evening, leading to Hancock's firm response, "Don't flatter yourself." She added, "No. We did not spend the whole time talking about you," FOX 10 Phoenix covered the exchange in detail.
Tensions extended beyond Hancock as Christina Atwood, a former friend, testified about Vallow Daybell's belief that Charles was possessed by dark spirits and her presence during what prosecutors described as a "casting" attempt to remove these spirits. Atwood also mentioned statements made by Cox and Vallow Daybell leading up to the murder, which Vallow Daybell did not challenge during cross-examination, ABC15 reported.
The trial, being streamed live, will feature more testimony as the state continues to present its case against Vallow Daybell, who has been convicted of multiple murders in Idaho. Streams of the trial are available on various YouTube channels and local news outlets' streaming platforms, providing public access to the case.
