What Kind of Defense Will Lori Vallow Daybell Put Up In AZ Murder Trial?

Nov 02, 2023, 11:00 PM

Is justice truly attainable when the accused seems to be living in a world of her own? This is the burning question as Arizona braces itself for the high-profile trial of Lori Vallow Daybell, who is now set to face murder conspiracy charges in the state. The story, having taken numerous twists and turns, has gripped the nation, and it only seems to get more convoluted as we dive deeper into the labyrinth of Lori’s mind and her alleged crimes.
 
 Tony Brueski, host of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, recently sat down with Neama Rahmani, an attorney and former federal prosecutor, to discuss the upcoming trial and the numerous complexities surrounding it. One of the primary points of discussion was Lori’s mental state and whether she is indeed fit to stand trial. "Clearly someone who's not all there," Brueski remarks, drawing attention to Lori’s bizarre behavior during her sentencing hearing for previous charges.
 
 Rahmani echoes this sentiment, highlighting Lori’s documented mental health issues and temporary incompetence ruling in Idaho. He poses a critical question, asking whether pursuing a trial in Arizona would amount to anything more than a significant expense to taxpayers, given that Lori is already serving a life sentence and has no strong basis for an appeal.
 
 The conversation then shifts to the concept of justice and what it truly means in a case as perplexing as Lori Vallow Daybell’s. Lori’s apparent lack of awareness or understanding of her wrongdoings makes one wonder if she can ever truly grasp the gravity of her actions or the punishment she may face. "You're basically bringing the injured monkey into the courtroom and poking it with a stick, and it's still not going to realize it's being poked with a stick or why it's even there," Brueski vividly describes.
 
 This, coupled with the potential mental health fluctuations that Lori might experience, begs the question of whether the trial in Arizona would serve any purpose other than providing the victims’ families with a sense of closure or justice. Rahmani and Brueski both seem to agree that while some victims do seek their day in court, the family of Charles Vallow, Lori’s deceased fourth husband, might have to ponder whether they want to re-live the trauma and be re-victimized by someone who might never fully comprehend the pain she has caused.
 
 Rahmani also brings into focus the comparison with other high-profile cases, such as Jodi Arias, suggesting that Lori Vallow Daybell’s trial could become the biggest case in Arizona since then. He touches upon the intricacies of the legal proceedings, pointing out that the case is likely to go to trial given Lori’s current mental state and her lack of incentive to plead or accept any deals.
 
 The conversation between Brueski and Rahmani not only sheds light on the legal aspects of the case but also delves deep into the psychological and emotional turmoil that surrounds it. The discourse underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of justice, especially when dealing with defendants who have severe mental health issues.
 
 As Arizona gears up for what promises to be a riveting, albeit heart-wrenching trial, one cannot help but ponder: "What does justice look like for Lori Vallow Daybell, and is it attainable in the conventional sense of the term?" The "Hidden Killers" podcast leaves us with this thought-provoking question, encouraging listeners and readers alike to reflect on the true meaning of justice and accountability in cases shrouded in mystery, mental illness, and overwhelming tragedy.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com