Lori Vallow Daybell, in her pursuit of money, power and sex, “set in motion a series of events that led to three horrific murders,” prosecutors said on Thursday during an impassioned closing argument that marked the final day of the high profile trial.
For six weeks more than 60 witnesses took the stand, painting a damning picture of Vallow Daybell. They described her as a once loving mother, whose spiral coincided with an obsession over fringe beliefs espoused by her now husband, Chad Daybell.
Those beliefs, Wood said, were used to manipulate others and justify their crimes.
After a monthslong search that drew the attention of the nation as Vallow Daybell lied or refused to answer questions about their whereabouts, her children were found buried on Daybell’s Rexburg property.
But during the defense’s closing argument, Vallow Daybell's attorney painted a much different picture, describing her as someone with good intentions, who was manipulated by a cult leader.
Chad Daybell — Vallow Daybell's husband — is also charged in the murders and will face his own trial. Alex Cox, Vallow Daybell’s brother who is believed to be an accomplice in the deaths, died of blood clots before charges were filed.
A 12-person jury is now considering Vallow Daybell's case. The group deliberated about four and a half hours before recessing for the night. They will resume deliberations Friday morning.
Read here about the jurors' deliberation and conclusion.
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