Lori Vallow: Prosecutors show graphic images of children's dead bodies on first day of murder trial
IDAHO COUNTY, IDAHO: Prosecutors have detailed how and the possible reason why Lori Vallow may have killed her two children on the first day of the accused murderer's trial. The explanation included showing graphic images of the bodies of Tylee, 16, and JJ, 7, who were found on her husband Chad Daybell's property in Idaho.
JJ's adoptive father Charles Vallow was killed in Arizona in 2019 by Lori's brother Alex Cox, who claimed it was an act of self-defense. Lori has since been charged with conspiracy to commit murder in Charles' death. The "cult mother" is also facing the same charge in the case of Chad's wife Tammy Daybell, who died that same year.
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What did the prosecutors say?
“You will hear it described as a mass of bone and tissue," Fremont County Prosecutor Lindsey Blake said of Tylee's remains, according to East Idaho News. "That’s what was left of this beautiful young woman, the defendant’s daughter. Her DNA was found on a pick ax and shovel later located on a shed on Chad’s property."
JJ's body images were also shown by the prosecutors which was found wrapped in a black plastic bag that had been cut several times. Blake went on to explain what may have triggered Lori to carry out such a heinous act. “The defendant used money, power, and sex to get what she wanted," the prosecutor said. “Tylee had money, Lori wanted it, Tylee’s gone," she said.
The prosecutor said that the mother's intention to get rid of JJ may have been more complex. “JJ took time and he also lost his father," the prosecutor said. "When he lost his father, he became much more difficult to care for. He was entitled to social security benefits..." she added. "The defendant didn’t want to have to take care of JJ anymore, he had money, JJ’s gone.”
Prosecutors provide potential motive for murder
“Tammy had a life insurance policy. Lori wanted Chad all to herself. Tammy’s gone," she said. Chad was also charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder in relation to Tammy's death. The deranged couple is also facing grand theft charges in connection to the children's deaths. Both have pleaded not guilty to all the charges. "Evidence will show Lori was a kind and loving mother," her attorney Jim Archibald said.