Lori Daybell sits during the final day of testimony in her trial on Tuesday. She is accused of killing her two children and conspiring to kill her new husband's former wife. (Lisa Cheney)
BOISE — Eighteen jurors are set to hear closing arguments in the murder trial for Lori Vallow Daybell on Thursday before the case is handed over to 12 of them to determine whether she is guilty. Six jurors will be released before the deliberations.
The jurors have already listened to 20 days of testimony as prosecutors called witnesses and presented their case.
Since testimony began on April 10, the jurors have heard from multiple investigators, friends and family of Lori Daybell about the deaths of her two children — 7-year-old JJ Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan — and Tammy Daybell, her new husband’s previous wife. They have also heard from Lori Daybell through texts and recorded calls.
Defense attorneys decided not to call any witnesses, and Lori Daybell did not testify herself.
A sketch of 7-year-old JJ Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan created on Wednesday. Their mom, Lori Vallow Daybell, is on trial for their murders, and closing arguments in the trial are scheduled for Thursday. (Photo: Lisa Cheney)
She is charged with conspiracy to commit the murders of Tylee and JJ, murdering Tylee and JJ, and conspiring to murder Tammy Daybell, all first-degree felonies. She is also charged with grand theft, a felony.
Lori Daybell’s husband, Chad Daybell, is charged with each of the same first-degree felonies, along with two felony counts of insurance fraud and murdering Tammy Daybell. Judge Steven Boyce is considering setting a trial for him in June of 2024.