Listen: Family give emotional impact statements as Lori Vallow sentenced
“Cult mom” Lori Vallow is back in court today to be sentenced for the murders of her two children in a dramatic case that gripped the nation.
Vallow, 50, was convicted in May of killing her seven-year-old son Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 16-year-old daughter Tylee Ryan, who vanished without a trace in September 2019. She was also found guilty of conspiring to kill her husband Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy, who died in October 2019.
The verdict came after prosecutors convinced a jury that Vallow and Mr Daybell conspired with her brother Alex Cox to murder Tammy, JJ and Tylee as part of their bizarre cult beliefs – but also for financial purposes so that they could collect Tammy’s life insurance money and the children’s social security and survivor benefits.
Before the sentence is handed down, the court will hear victim impact statements from several family members devastated by the harrowing saga that’s seen countless twists and turns over four years.
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Key points
- Lori Vallow to be sentenced today over doomsday cult murders
- Victims’ families to deliver impact statements in court
- Doomsday cult mom convicted of killing children and conspiring to kill Chad Daybell’s wife
- Chad Daybell yet to face trial
- Watch live: Lori Vallow sentencing
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Oliver O’Connell31 July 2023 18:29
Oliver O’Connell31 July 2023 18:10
Court breaks for a 30 minute recess ahead of the defence team’s sentencing recommendation.
Oliver O’Connell31 July 2023 17:57
Mr Wood asks that Vallow pay a $5,000 fine to the next of kin of the victims. He asks for restitution to be paid to the Department of Treasury — the money stolen in Social Security from the US Government.
The prosecution asks for $50,000 fines on each murder count, totalling $250,000. Mr Wood says the state has essentially asked for the maximum sentence under the law.
Oliver O’Connell31 July 2023 17:54
Oliver O’Connell31 July 2023 17:50
“Only a sentence of life without parole is acceptable,” Mr Wood says.
He adds that rehabilitation requires remorse and responsibility.
“There is literally zero evidence that she has remorse or responsibility.”
Oliver O’Connell31 July 2023 17:32
“This defendant has proven by her actions that she is dangerous to society. In Idaho alone, she was involved in three murders within the space of six weeks. The court can acknowledge she faces two charges of conspiracy to commit murder in Maricopa County.
“This defendant violated the most sacred trust that exists in society and she did it for gain. She did it for money. A defendant who is willing to murder her own children is willing to murder anyone.”
Oliver O’Connell31 July 2023 17:31
Oliver O’Connell31 July 2023 17:29
Mr Wood presents a brief timeline of the case.
Vallow continues to look ahead or look down as the prosecutor speaks.
Oliver O’Connell31 July 2023 17:28
Rob Wood now gives the state’s sentencing recommendation.
“What is the value of a human life? What is the value of a 16-year-old girl with her life ahead of her? What is the value of a 7-year-old with special needs? What is the life of a grandmother and mother?”
He says that the defendant has assigned a value of zero on their lives.
The sentencing should reflect how the state values those lives.
“We echo the sentiments made in the victim impact statements.”
Oliver O’Connell31 July 2023 17:23