PHOENIX — Just one day after Lori Vallow was deemed competent to stand trial in Arizona, she officially waived her right to an attorney and will be representing herself.
Vallow is facing two conspiracy cases in Arizona that are expected to have separate trials.
The so-called "Doomsday Mom" was convicted last year in Idaho in the deaths of her children, Tylee and JJ, who used to live in the Valley. She was also convicted for her role in the death of Tammy Daybell, her current husband Chad Daybell's first wife.
Vallow was sentenced to life in prison in Idaho. Chad Daybell was later sentenced to death in Idaho in the same case. Investigators believe dark religious beliefs were behind the crimes.
Last November, Lori Vallow was extradited from Idaho to Arizona to face two conspiracy to commit murder charges in Maricopa County. One charge is out of Chandler in the death of her former husband. The other stems from a shooting attempt in Gilbert at her niece’s ex-husband, who ultimately wasn’t injured.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Lori Vallow, se representará a sí misma en juicio
She's pleaded not guilty to the charges in Arizona and has been held in the Estrella Jail for more than a year.
On Thursday morning, Vallow was ruled competent to stand trial by a Maricopa County Commissioner. Her competency was evaluated by two doctors after previous attorneys filed for a Rule 11 hearing. Her latest attorneys did not think that was necessary and tried to end the process, but the judge ordered the process continue to play it safe.
On Friday, Vallow was back before a judge who asked her a series of questions about representing herself. Vallow told the judge she understood she would be held to the same standard as an attorney.
She told the court that she's studied case law in both Arizona and Idaho the past five years she's been incarcerated.
The judge asked if anyone forced or threatened to waive her right to an attorney.
"No, quite the opposite," Vallow replied.
Her most recent public defenders will stay on as advisory counsel. The judge advised that she can always request to have the attorneys represent her again, but she wouldn't be able to switch back to representing herself. If the attorneys take back over, she would waive any claim for inadequate representation.
Jury selection for the first trial is scheduled for March 31, 2025.