Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield

Episode: Lori Vallow Trial Day 1: Lori Cries in Court, Then Gets Hammered by the State
Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Ashleigh Banfield's gripping podcast, "Drop Dead Serious," Banfield dives into the tumultuous first day of Lori Vallow Daybell's second trial. With over three decades of true crime reporting, Banfield provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of the courtroom drama surrounding Lori Vallow, a figure infamous for her involvement in multiple criminal cases and doomsday prophecies.

Overview of the Trial

Lori Vallow Daybell stands accused of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, specifically in the planning and execution of the killing of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. Assisted by her brother, Alex Cox, Charles was fatally shot on July 11, 2019, in Chandler, Arizona. The trial has garnered national attention due to Vallow's complex history and the sensational nature of the accusations against her.

Opening Moments and Jury Challenges

Before the proceedings officially began, Banfield recounts an early hiccup in the trial: the dismissal of a juror. A juror was excused due to personal financial obligations, resulting in the jury operating with one fewer member from the outset.

Notable Quote:
"And when he did, the juror said that he didn't really understand everything about jury duty and that because of his child support and his alimony obligations, he could not serve on this jury and he was excused."
— Ashleigh Banfield (00:05)

Prosecution's Opening Statement

Prosecutor Trina K. Alerted sets a formidable tone, outlining Lori Vallow's alleged motivations rooted in her distorted religious beliefs and financial incentives. She describes Vallow as a "mother turned triple murderer" who believed her husband was possessed by a dark spirit named Ned, justifying the need to eliminate him to preserve her lifestyle and secure life insurance benefits.

Notable Quote:
"Lori Vallow is why Charles Vallow is dead."
— Prosecutor Trina K. Alerted (12:30)

Vallow's actions are depicted as a premeditated plan influenced by her apocalyptic ideologies, with the prosecution highlighting her text message referencing Nephi from the Book of Mormon as evidence of her intent.

Defense's Opening Statement

Defending herself, Lori Vallow adopts a markedly different demeanor. Instead of a forceful legal stance, she emphasizes her long-standing marriage and family bonds, portraying the incident as a tragic altercation rather than a calculated murder.

Notable Quote:
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I've been charged with conspiracy, but the question is, did I commit this crime?"
— Lori Vallow Daybell (13:04)

Her emotional moment in court, where she breaks down in tears while recounting the events of July 11, underscores her attempt to humanize herself and evoke empathy from the jury.

Key Witness Testimonies

1. Sergeant Irwin Woodsbicky

   • Describes arriving at the scene to find Charles Vallow dead with two gunshot wounds.
   • Notes Alex Cox's calm demeanor despite the chaos.

   Notable Interaction:
   Vallow persistently mispronounces Woodsbicky's name, signaling her lack of courtroom decorum.
   — Ashleigh Banfield (15:10)

2. Officer Robert Krautheim

   • Observes Alex Cox's lack of emotional response and minimal interaction with law enforcement upon arrival.
   • Highlights Vallow's indifferent behavior during the emergency response.

   Notable Interaction:
   Vallow faces multiple objections during her cross-examination, revealing her inexperience as a self-representing defendant.
   — Ashleigh Banfield (21:00)

3. Scott Cowden, EMT

   • Raises questions about the CPR administered, suggesting possible inconsistencies in the medical response.

Courtroom Dynamics and Objections

Throughout Day 1, the courtroom was a battleground of legal maneuvers. The prosecution effectively challenged Vallow's attempts to introduce certain testimonies, frequently citing hearsay to sustain objections. Vallow's repeated faltering under pressure, such as her overuse of the phrase "the evidence will show," indicated potential weaknesses in her self-representation.

Notable Quote:
"I love it when judges get like this."
— Ashleigh Banfield (04:30)

Banfield critically remarks on Vallow's legal strategy, suggesting that her approach may inadvertently highlight inconsistencies to the jury.

Host's Insights and Reactions

Ashleigh Banfield offers her seasoned perspective on the unfolding trial, noting Vallow's struggles in court and the prosecution's adept handling of the case. She underscores the complexities of litigating high-stakes criminal cases, especially when the defendant opts to represent herself.

Notable Commentary:
"Lawyering is hard. It is not like it looks like on TV."
— Ashleigh Banfield (02:00)

Banfield emphasizes the gravity of the situation, preparing listeners for the continuous updates and intricate details that will unfold in subsequent episodes.

Conclusion and What to Expect Next

As Day 1 concludes, Banfield teases the developments to come, including further witness testimonies and the evolving defense narrative. She maintains that listeners will receive comprehensive coverage, ensuring they remain informed about every critical twist in this high-profile case.

Closing Remark:
"The truth is not just serious, it's drop dead serious."
— Ashleigh Banfield (End)

Key Takeaways

• Prosecutorial Strength: The prosecution effectively portrays Vallow's alleged motives and connections, utilizing emotional and financial angles to build a compelling case.

• Defense Challenges: Vallow's self-representation presents significant hurdles, as her lack of legal expertise becomes apparent under cross-examination.

• Courtroom Tensions: Frequent objections and legal challenges underscore the trial's complexity and the high stakes involved.

• Host's Expertise: Ashleigh Banfield's insightful commentary provides clarity and depth, making the trial's proceedings accessible and engaging for listeners.

Stay tuned to "Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield" for ongoing coverage and analysis of Lori Vallow Daybell's trial as it progresses.

Timestamps Reference

• 00:05 - Introduction by Ashleigh Banfield
• 02:00 - Commentary on the difficulties of lawyering
• 04:30 - Reaction to prosecutorial strategies
• 12:30 - Prosecution's closing impactful statement
• 13:04 - Vallow's emotional opening statement
• 15:10 - Interaction during Sergeant Woodsbicky's testimony
• 21:00 - Cross-examination challenges with Officer Krautheim
• End - Final thoughts and closing remarks

Note: All quotes are attributed as per the transcript provided and correspond to their respective timestamps for reference.