The “cult mom” arrives in Arizona for conspiracy charges following a lengthy journey and a new mug shot.
Lori Vallow has been transported from Idaho to Arizona to face new charges in connection to the murder of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. The so-called “cult mom,” already convicted of killing her two children, was “very chatty” during the 18-hour extradition journey, according to Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone. Despite her sociable demeanor, no details of her conversation were shared, though authorities confirmed she was not giving any direct information related to the investigation.
Vallow, 50, was booked into Maricopa County Jail on Wednesday, where a new mug shot was taken, showing her with a wide-eyed expression. On Thursday morning, she appeared at the Maricopa County Superior courthouse, where she inquired about the possibility of combining her two ongoing cases. The judge clarified that separate proceedings would take place, with her first hearing scheduled for December 7.
Vallow had been serving time at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center since her conviction in August for the murders of her children, Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow. Additionally, she was convicted of conspiring to kill Chad Daybell’s former wife, Tammy Daybell. Following the signing of an extradition warrant by Idaho Governor Brad Little, Vallow was transported to Arizona for the new charges, which include conspiracy to murder Charles Vallow and Brandon Boudreaux, her niece’s ex-husband.
Vallow’s fourth husband, Charles, was killed in 2019 by her brother, Alex Cox, who claimed he acted in self-defense. However, Cox was never charged, and he later died of natural causes. Following Charles’ death, Vallow moved to Idaho with her children, allegedly to be closer to her then-boyfriend, Chad Daybell. Shortly after, Daybell’s wife, Tammy, died under suspicious circumstances. The quick marriage between Daybell and Vallow raised suspicions, and it was later determined that Tammy had been asphyxiated.
In addition to the murder charges, Vallow and Daybell allegedly conspired to eliminate anyone they saw as an obstacle to their happiness, including their spouses and Vallow’s children. Evidence also points to a failed attempt on the life of Boudreaux, which was linked to the same conspiracy. Vallow’s niece, Melani Pawlowski, who was closely involved with her, shared similar doomsday beliefs, contributing to the breakdown of her marriage to Boudreaux.
New details have emerged from video footage and location data showing Alex Cox’s involvement in the attempted shooting of Boudreaux, further cementing the connection between the murders and the conspiracy to eliminate perceived “obstacles.” Vallow faces another potential life sentence if found guilty of conspiracy charges in Arizona, adding to the already tragic and complicated case.
