‘Cult mum’ Lori Vallow Daybell pleads not guilty to murder

Trial set for 19 October will have 104 witnesses and run for 10 weeks

Niños Asesinados Mamá Acusada (Post Register no sales no mags)

Lori Vallow Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the murder of her two children and the former wife of her new husband, Chad Daybell.

Ms Daybell, 48, could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted on multiple first-degree murder charges. She remained silent as her plea was entered on her behalf by defence attorneys.

Mr Daybell, 53, has pleaded not guilty to similar charges, with the pair scheduled to face trial in a 10-week hearing, which is set to begin on 19 October.

When asked by District Judge Steven Boyce if she remembered signing her advisement rights, Ms Daybell replied softly, “Yes, I do,” according to NBC affiliate KTVB.

The couple is charged with the murder of Ms Vallow’s two children Tylee Ryan, 16, and Joshua “JJ” Vallow, seven, after their remains were found in a shallow grave on the grounds of Mr Daybell’s property in Idaho in June 2020 – nine months after they were last seen alive.

Under Idaho law, prosecutors have 60 days following the entry of a plea to decide whether they will seek the death penalty in a case.

Prosecutors have already indicated in court documents that the death penalty would be sought for Mr Daybell “in the event of the defendant’s conviction for any of the three counts of first-degree murder”.

Ms Daybell’s arraignment comes after she was declared competent to stand trial following treatment at the IdahoDepartment of Health and Welfare.

Earlier at the hearing on Tuesday, the court heard arguments over whether to hold the trial in Ada County or Freemont County, where the alleged crimes took place. At least 104 witnesses are expected to be called during the trial.

JJ Vallow’s grandparents, Larry and Kay Woodcock, appeared in court to hear how the seven-year-old’s mother would plea to first-degree murder charges.

“We hope she looks at us. We’ll be here every step of the way until they’re in prison forever,” Ms Woodcock told CBS News.

“We want to show her we’re determined and we’re not going to give up.”