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'Disgusted by lack of justice': Internet fumes as judge says 'Doomsday mom' Lori Vallow will not face death penalty

Defense attorney Jim Archibald argued to dismiss the death penalty due to the media's influence on the case

MADISON COUNTY, IDAHO: As the trial of Lori Vallow Daybell is about to begin on April 3, 2023, Judge Steven Boyce declared that the 'Doomsday mom' will not face the death penalty. She is a suspect in the killing of her two children -- Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow and has been charged with first-degree murder. 

Meanwhile, her fifth husband Chad Daybell has also been accused of conspiring to kill his ex-wife Tammy. They were set for trial together until judge Boyce severed the two cases on March 2. Lori wanted a speedy trial, however, Chadbell's attorney requested more time to prepare for their defense. With the recent declaration, she will now face a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. 

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Who is judge Steven Boyce?

Boyce graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law. He was appointed as a judge of Idaho county in 2019 replacing Justice Gregory W Moeller. During the appointment, the release read, “Judge Boyce has distinguished himself as a thoughtful and prudent attorney and jurist, committed to the people of southeast Idaho. His continued service to the State of Idaho is thoroughly appreciated.”

He has practiced law in southeast Idaho for two decades. When appointed as a judge, he said, “I am extremely honored to have been selected by Governor Little for this position,” Boyce said. “I look forward to serving this great region of Idaho and will strive to live up to the expectations placed on me through this appointment," as per Standard Journal. 

Prosecutors said they are "disappointed and respectfully disagree with the decision," as per The Sun. Meanwhile, the 'cult' couple is also facing charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and the first-degree murder of Daybell's ex-wife in October 2019. 

Why is Lori Vallow not being given the death penalty? 

Vallow's defense attorney Jim Archibald detailed some of the reasons to avoid the death penalty. “Media saturation, multiple violations by the government, the government’s knowledge of my client’s mental health, and the practical standpoint that Idaho has been trying to kill people on death row and hasn’t been able to do it because the Idaho Department of Correction can’t get chemicals to kill people,” Archibald argued.

'Thoroughly disgusted with the lack of justice in Idaho'

The Internet was furious with the news and quickly reacted to the update. A Twitter user said, "This makes me sad for kay & larry as I believe they wanted the death penalty and I feel before this trial has even begun they have had all their wants & needs overlooked so far, trial pushbacks,no cameras in court & now no death penalty. Lori gets her way again."

"Boyce better hand in his resignation letter, because he is getting voted out when his term is up," claimed another. "That’s it. I am thoroughly disgusted with the lack of justice in Idaho," read a comment.

A tweet claimed, "I’m so disappointed in Judge Boyce’s decision to take the DP off the table. Apparently he doesn’t care about the innocent victims." "I'm starting to get frustrated with Judge Boyce and all the back and forth games enough already. There are 4 plus people who should be alive and well right now," read another.

"So all those dead people, including two children…..and she gets to live," said a user. Another user stated, "I’m sorry but don’t agree taking the death penalty off the table while she was living her best life knowing her children were dead."

One wrote, "WHY??? If ANYONE deserved capital punishment it’s the woman who conspired to have her husband and defenseless CHILDREN MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD! If not her? Then WHO? What a gross negligence of justice for the human beings she murdered!! It’s disgusting!" 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.