Lori Vallow: 'Doomsday Mom' extradited to Arizona, booked into Maricopa County Jail

PHOENIX - Lori Vallow, the so-called "Doomsday Mom" and convicted child murderer has been extradited from Idaho back to Arizona. She now faces two other murder charges in a trail of death that began in Maricopa County.

We're told by Sheriff Paul Penzone that Vallow is in isolation, as she is a high-security inmate here at the Estrella Women's Jail. She's on the first floor in her own pod.

Late Wednesday night, she finally stepped foot back onto Arizona soil for the first time in four years.

The woman convicted of killing her own children in Idaho is back in her old home of Arizona. Authorities extradited Lori Vallow to Maricopa County just months after her sentencing in Idaho.

Prosecutors have been waiting to try her on two murder charges.

Vallow has not been in this state for four years. The long saga taking another twist with two criminal cases against her stemming back to 2019.

The 50-year-old so-called "Doomsday Cult Mom" is in isolated custody and will be in Arizona for the near future -- just months after being sentenced to life in prison for killing her two youngest children, J.J. Vallow and Tylee Ryan, and conspiring in the murder of a romantic rival, Tammy Daybell, the former wife of her husband, Chad Daybell.

"Jesus Christ knows that no one was murdered."

Those were some of the last words Vallow spoke at her sentencing in Idaho after impact statements were read on behalf of J.J. Vallow, Tylee Ryan, and Tammy Daybell.

Early Thursday morning, Lori changed from a blue to an orange jumpsuit, and was extradited back to Arizona on two murder conspiracy charges she will finally face.

"I know the devastation that’s been left in the trail. I know the importance of making sure that this office handles our business professionally and efficiently," said Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone.

Penzone says four deputies brought Vallow back on an 18-hour road trip.

Vallow is accused of conspiring in the fatal shooting of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, in Chandler and planning the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux, her niece's ex-husband in Gilbert. In both 2019 shootings, investigators say Vallow's late brother, Alex Cox, was the suspect, following his sister's determination that the victims were dark spirits.

But months before Charles was killed, he told Gilbert officers that his wife was mentally ill, and believed she was a goddess preparing for the second coming of Christ.

"She needs help. She needs some serious help. I want her to get help. I'm worried about her," Charles said.

Penzone told the press that the goal of extradition was to get back to Arizona as quickly and safely as possible while transporting a dangerous criminal.

As for Vallow's demeanor, "I understand that she was very sociable the entire trip, talked quite a bit… I don’t know that she gave any specific statements related to the investigation, but she was very chatty," said Penzone.

J.J. Vallow's grandfather, Larry Woodcock, watched the latest developments -- ready for justice here in the Valley.

"All we can do for now is hope that that continues, and that Lori is found guilty on the charges that she has been presented with."

He also reacted to Vallow's behavior.

"You know, Justin, Lori's Lori. She's gonna play, Lori. She's going to play the poor, pitiful me, and that's just Lori."

Woodcock still believes Arizona authorities could have done more to stop Lori before the Idaho murders.

Boudreaux released a statement to FOX 10, saying in part, "Of course I wish many things happened differently. But today I choose gratitude towards those who are helping to create accountability. And hope that this process leads to healing and closure."

New chapter in the Vallow saga

Lori will remain at the Estrella Women's Jail until her case in Arizona is fully prosecuted.

She has filed to appeal her murder convictions in Idaho, but as court proceedings get underway in Maricopa County, she'll remain at the Estrella Jail.

"She’ll be housed here until the conclusion of her case and then once there is a conclusion, the county attorney will have to determine – I would imagine that she would have to return to spend her time there," said Penzone.

"We were told from the beginning. Remember, this is a marathon. It's not a hundred-yard dash," said Woodcock.

"For me, just from just one human to another, my heart breaks for them. Anybody that suffered a loss at the hands of an evil person like this and I pray that they find peace," said Penzone.

This latest development comes after the Maricopa County Attorney's Office said they intended to extradite Vallow back to Arizona in connection with the death of Charles Vallow, as well as an alleged conspiracy involving the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux, who was the husband of Vallow's niece.

Lori's husband, Chad Daybell, is set to go on trial next April for the murders of Vallow's two children, and his first wife, Tammy, in 2019.

On Wednesday, an Idaho judge ruled in favor of Daybell's motion to allow cameras in the courtroom for his trial.

Judge Steven Boyce originally banned cameras in the courtroom for the Vallow-Daybell case in October 2022. Lori Vallow's verdict reading and sentencing were streamed via courtroom cameras, but her trial did not permit any broadcasting.

Police say Vallow conspired with her late brother, Alex Cox, who shot and killed Charles in 2019. Police allege that Cox also shot at Boudreaux but missed.

Vallow was found guilty in May 2023 of six charges, including the murders of Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan, both of whom were her children. On July 31, Vallow was sentenced to life in prison without parole by an Idaho judge.

Vallow makes initial court appearance after extradition

After she was brought back to Arizona by MCSO deputies, Lori Vallow made her initial court appearance on Nov. 30.

"You do have a court date. A lawyer will be appointed for you. Do you have any questions?" the judge asked Vallow.

"Are the cases going to be combined or together?" Lori asked.

"They are two separate cases, but they're going to be handled at the same time," the judge replied.

Vallow also asked if two lawyers would be appointed for her. However, only one lawyer will be appointed.

Vallow's next court date is scheduled for Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m.. She is being held without bail. 

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