Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield - Episode Summary: "Lori Vallow Found Guilty As Sin + JURORS SPEAK!"

Release Date: April 23, 2025

Ashleigh Banfield, a seasoned true crime reporter with 36 years of experience, delves deep into the high-profile case of Lori Vallow in this gripping episode of "Drop Dead Serious." The episode not only covers the courtroom drama that led to Vallow's conviction but also brings listeners into the minds and hearts of the jurors who delivered the verdict. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the discussions, key insights, and emotional weight of the trial.

1. Verdict Announcement and Initial Reactions [02:15 - 04:10]

Ashleigh Banfield opens the episode with the announcement of Lori Vallow’s guilty verdict. The jurors in Maricopa County, Arizona, found Vallow guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in less than three hours—a timeframe Banfield initially thought would be under an hour.

Ashleigh Banfield [02:15]: "The jury has spoken. Judgment has been rendered and to the surprise of virtually nobody, Lori Valo stinks as a lawyer."

The courtroom scene captures the moment the judge reads the verdict, with each juror affirming their decision:

Judge [03:05]: "Do find the defendant, Lori Davout, as to the crime of count one, conspiracy to commit first degree murder, occurring on or about July 11, 2019, guilty."

Jurors repeatedly confirm their verdict, showcasing unanimity in their decision.

2. Jurors Reflect on the Trial and Their Decision [06:48 - 17:17]

Post-verdict, Banfield interviews several jurors to understand their perspectives and emotional responses. A significant revelation is that many jurors were unaware of Vallow’s prior convictions for the murders of her two children and her involvement in other killings until after the trial concluded.

Ashleigh Banfield [06:51]: "I'm guessing, and I'm talking to you just a few hours after the verdict here. I'm guessing that some of these jurors went home and started googling."

Juror 2 expresses profound sadness over the case:

Juror 2 [06:49]: "Sadness. It's sad."

Jurors discuss their surprise at not knowing Vallow’s history, highlighting the challenges they faced during deliberations without complete information.

Juror 1 [07:17]: "Were any of you folks aware that this woman had already..." Juror 2 [07:20]: "I had never been hurt."

The jurors recount the evidence that led them to convict Vallow, emphasizing the impact of text messages and perceived dishonesty.

Juror 2 [09:55]: "Well, for me, like her, it was the text."

Juror 4 underscores the significance of the text history in tipping the scales towards guilt:

Juror 4 [09:58]: "The text history."

The emotional toll of the trial is palpable as jurors discuss their feelings about the victims and the lack of personal connection they had with Vallow prior to the trial.

Juror 2 [12:22]: "Sad. Like, I kept wanting to hear from Tylee."

3. Legal Procedures and Stipulation to Aggravating Factors [17:17 - 23:44]

Banfield elaborates on an unusual aspect of Arizona law encountered in Vallow’s case—the aggravation phase. Unlike typical trials where sentencing follows a guilty verdict, Arizona requires a second phase to assess aggravating and mitigating factors. However, in Vallow’s case, she opted to stipulate to the aggravators, streamlining the sentencing process.

Ashleigh Banfield [17:17]: "They actually had another phase, an aggravation phase, where the jury would have to agree to the aggravating factors of this crime."

Vallow's decision to stipulate is portrayed as a strategic move to avoid further courtroom confrontations and expedite her sentencing, which results in the same sentence regardless of the aggravators.

Ashleigh Banfield [17:17]: "She can just stipulate to this?... What's the point? Isn’t the penalty the same anyway?"

4. Upcoming Trial and Future Implications [17:17 - End]

The episode concludes with a look ahead to Vallow’s impending trial for the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreau. Banfield predicts a likely guilty verdict based on Vallow’s history and courtroom behavior.

Ashleigh Banfield [17:17]: "She's already locked up for life in Idaho, right? So maybe she just had enough."

Vallow’s manipulative demeanor during the trial is highlighted, reinforcing Banfield’s expectations for the upcoming trial.

Ashleigh Banfield [17:17]: "Lori Valo turned off the cutes. She realized right then and there, it is over... She's not getting through to any of these dudes."

The episode wraps up with Banfield’s pledge to continue covering the unfolding legal saga, promising listeners more in-depth analysis in future episodes.

Ashleigh Banfield [17:17]: "We'll be back to check in on the Brandon Boudreau case... The truth isn't just serious. It is drop Dead Serious."

Notable Quotes

• Ashleigh Banfield [02:15]: "The jury has spoken. Judgment has been rendered and to the surprise of virtually nobody, Lori Valo stinks as a lawyer."

• Juror 2 [06:49]: "Sadness. It's sad."

• Juror 4 [09:58]: "The text history."

• Ashleigh Banfield [17:17]: "Lori Valo turned off the cutes. She realized right then and there, it is over, sista."

Conclusion

In this episode, Ashleigh Banfield masterfully navigates the complex layers of Lori Vallow's trial, offering listeners an insider’s view into the jury's decision-making process and the legal intricacies of the case. The emotional depth of the jurors' reflections combined with Banfield's incisive analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of why Vallow was found guilty and what lies ahead in this ongoing true crime saga.

For enthusiasts of true crime and legal dramas, this episode serves as a compelling exploration of justice served and the human emotions intertwined within high-stakes courtroom battles.