Ex-prosecutor: Lori Vallow trial opens with 'graphic image' for jury | Elizabeth Vargas Reports

Opening statements began Monday in the murder trial of Lori Vallow, who is accused of killing her two youngest children. Matt Murphy, a former prosecutor, says the state "did a fine job" with their presentation and left the jury with a "graphic image" by showing pictures of the children's remains and revealing that DNA from one of the children was found on a pickax.
#LoriVallow #DoomsdayMom #Idaho
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[@LilStampBug]

Tammy was NOT Chad's ex wife or former wife... She was his wife until she was murdered by Chad. Then Chad and Lori got married in Hawaii 2 weeks later.

[@desertsunset8025]

Was this all after her kids were missing .?

[@LilStampBug]

@@desertsunset8025 yes.

[@LilStampBug]

@@desertsunset8025 YES.

[@letitbesummer6536]

She’s so nauseating. Her smirking & smiling / hope she gets what’s coming to her soon.

[@deborahfox8782]

That narcissist Wheel of Fortune smile is revolting. That walk and shimmy like she’s on stage doing the Mrs Texas Beauty Contest shows us just who she is and her family ever mattered. It was just about her! Just like trial of the evil step monster in Colorado The lies, the narcissist devil behavior, and the I don’t give a care about anyone but ME ITS PRETTY F’D UP! Seeing the true pain on the victims is unbearable ❤️‍🩹💔❤️‍🩹

[@USNGrayGhost]

that smirk is known as the narcissist smirk they do it cause they think they can get away with what ever they want they are smarter, and wiser than anyone else in the room its also a way to show contempt to another person or showing they are above what or whoever they are around it's disscusting i totally agree thanks for your comment mrs long

[@bbe3034]

Plunder KZbin channel has a summary every day regarding the trial of the Colorado step mom who murdered her stepson, Gannon. Sadly she beat him in head, stabbed him 20 times and shot him. Then she put his body in a suitcase and drove to Florida and threw the suitcase over a bridge. It’s an absolute miracle that the suitcase was found. She has plead insanity which is ridiculous because she planned and premeditated the murder.

[@meltx5371]

Someone should remind Lori that she's old and chad that 5ds coming for he's booty hole

[@shaheedharun445]

You would find her graceful and charming as a wealthy Mormon family soccer mom living the clean and sober life if not for her charges overshadowing her. You’d absolutely trust a person like that over one as myself

[@audreydaleski1067]

Go prosecution. Lori is so smug.

[@Theyralltakenfu]

I agree, that smirk on her face is so ugly to me.

[@rowyourboat5361]

she cares more about her hair then her own children

[@kdarwish362]

She can’t hide the jail house fashion. That smugness plus the diy makeup… just adds to the person she represents. Shallow, criminal and just down right nasty.

[@sonotu2855]

​@@rowyourboat5361 And is she wearing 💄🤦🏽‍♀️

[@deborahfox8782]

Freaking COWARD if that’s what’s really going on here. She’s such a game player you never know the true shenanigans.

[@dogman0711]

Those images are the very reason why the jury is there. So many times the focus is on the criminal, and not the victims. The jury's job is to seek, and mitigate justice for the victims of these horrendous crimes.

[@sst6358]

Exactly Paul , you wouldn’t need to show the photos more than once as that would never leave you ever so so sad 😞 for Tylee 💜&JJ💙 I pray they see every comment supporting them 💜💙💜💙🙏🙏

[@aimeehilzjanelle]

I agree! 💯 You can put a bow on a POS, & its STILL a POS!💩🎀 I hope they put both of those sick fucks on blast!! Just unbelievable... Those poor kids...🥺 ..they didnt ask to be here..💔

[@shaheedharun445]

Can’t speak for everyone.. I don’t mind seeing the bloody images. It is a daily reminder that Satan is ever-present among us - his darkness resides as plentiful as daylight

[@andrewf2]

It is not the function of any jury to mitigate justice. Mitigate by definition means to lessen or minimize and you cannot do either when justice is yet to be decided.

[@deboracopeland4795]

The jury needs to see what they did. Poor babies cut up or wrapped up in tape, put in bags or burnt up. I think this will stick with the jury.

[@Finnegan1018]

JJ, Tylee & Gannon....what a difficult day. Hopefully both juries get it right in the end. 🙏🙏🙏😢

[@sharronmeszaros563]

❤❤❤

[@juanacastillo7154]

DEATH PENALTY FOR BOTH EVILS😈👿

[@houstonconservative1776]

I'm glad the prosecutor went hard and bold...❤these jurors need to see what she did

[@Rebecca-hc5ju]

Agree!!💯💯💯💯

[@christineharding2011]

I believe that showing the terrible images of the children was a fantastic move. People remember the first and last. Must put into the jury's minds immediately.

[@nancee2180]

I agree Christine The jury needs to see what these scum of human life did to these poor babies, not just hearsay by who found them.

[@shaheedharun445]

Totally agree

[@mshockey73]

I'm not an attorney but I think so too...

[@frelnc]

I get the defense's position on this - that it's really ramping up the "circus" atmosphere by bringing in the pictures. I think, though, that the prosecution may have erred in supporting this decision. I know it sounds weird, but this could have amped up the sympathy factor for Lori Vallow. She has a following. Frankly, I think she's guilty as sin, and her religious leanings? Sounds like a pretty good gig if it nets you a lot of money. Like the money she got for Charles's death. Five people are dead. People tend to think that Alex's death was due to blood clots in his lungs. How did that happen? There are drugs that can cause that kind of reaction. Just saying. Shortly before his death, she had a conversation with one of her acolytes in which she said he had "screwed up" when he shot at Brandon Bordeaux and missed. I think she found a way to kill Alex because he didn't fulfill her orders. Charles wept while talking to Brandon about his belief that Lori was going to have him killed. He was shot in the back, for crying out loud. It's entirely likely Chad killed his wife and he and Alex killed the kids. Lori is at the center of all these murders. I hope she is found guilty.

[@angyr2902]

Very painful and horrible case.

[@mickeyandres2651]

I have no mercy for the wicked. She is pure evil.

[@simcastpodvids]

It's truly sad that this is all we get after such a long wait. It's such a shame the trial won't be televised.

[@paprgl]

I'm a lot more interested in this case than a half-day wasted on the ski slopes.

[@greenfairy4894]

Crime talk paid 15$ a minute for audio

[@seeleygirl6178]

I’m so glad he said it’s a MYTH circumstantial evidence is bad evidence. THANK YOU!!

[@kerrylewisRN]

Yes, it’s to be considered the same as direct evidence. I bet the defense tries to pin it on Alex

[@JoTracy]

Circumstantial evidence is not "bad" evidence It is to be given equal weight under the law

[@lisaeveleigh1334]

What these kids went through was horrific how could she be behind this and justify this as they were zombies, and blame everyone else good cop out Lori, I hope the jury gets this case right and sends her down for life and wipe that smug look of her face once and for all, Rip all victims of these monsters

[@Theyralltakenfu]

Imagine, she feels her kids are zombies, yet, what does she think of herself?

[@audreydaleski1067]

Like Manson followers, Lori made choices.

[@desertsunset8025]

I agree . Wouldn't be surprised if she was the ringleader , guiding the killings.

[@missmodern]

Wait. When did Elizabeth Vargas join News Nation? Welcome aboard!

[@jaseboon6282]

As a Jury do they get trauma support? because seeing that sick shit even once would haunt you

[@debbiegese9189]

A murderer not wanting to be murdered = how precious!!!!!

[@rachelwarren8142]

Mind blowing isn’t it…

[@shaheedharun445]

@@rachelwarren8142 It’s not mindblowing nor uncommon. It is the typical human trait of natural _self-preservation_ one places foremost in their life, including yourself - no different than a prison executioner, a soldier killing in battle, a cop who shoots n kills, a wanted murder on the run, etc. You don’t think they avoid being caught or facing consequences??

[@rachelwarren8142]

@@shaheedharun445 definitely not uncommon but still mind blowing!!

[@crystalmckinney3151]

Manipulated or not DNA doesn't lie and neither do actions. The photos are probably the reason why there was no cameras in the court room.

[@sst6358]

Exactly

[@Nehasupnfan]

The issue is the judge doesn't want any blowback based on Mormon religion

[@shaheedharun445]

@@Nehasupnfan I believe that is the foremost reason. It’s different out there, as southern Idaho is primarily Mormon. It’s flakes and thin-skin

[@pamelanowak8817]

I heard several times from reporters and attorneys that said...Lori lights up when cameras are on her...so the Judge decided not to have cameras on in the court room so as to have an orderly court room.

[@shaheedharun445]

@@pamelanowak8817 Her lighting up is not disorderly conduct lol. Not malfeasant to an orderly courtroom

[@pamelafautsch2594]

That smug smile she is so evil 😈 justice needs to be served. Showing those pictures how could a mother do that.

[@joybomb90]

Don’t say “the little boy” we have to give these victims their due. JJ and Tylee are their names. Come on media, do better!!

[@u.synlig]

True. But at 7 years of age, he really was just a little boy (with a cherubic face).

[@franmellor9843]

3:40.. her eyebrows are a crime

[@desertsunset8025]

Lol , I thought the same thing when I saw her . Long way off from her beauty queen days .

[@laurenhoffmann2839]

Starting to look like she belongs w her frog faved husband. She no longer looks like the more attractive spouse lol

[@Isotopes293]

I’m glad there’s no cameras allowed because Lori could not stop smiling and smirking and she makes me sick to look at her doing this

[@robertwilliams6218]

We can't see her reaction to the images but the jury can. My guess is they looked right at her and she was stone faced as she has been this entire time. That will get them to not see her as a victim early on

[@desertsunset8025]

She was the Charles Manson of these crimes .

[@nancee2180]

Charles Manson did not orchestrate those crimes. Charles "Tex" Watson and Linda Kasabian did.

[@dianasimmons9975]

I understood the asphyxiation COD was for Tammy and not JJ. I don't believe JJ's COD has been released yet

[@shewill8618]

Lori VD is throwing her brother Alex AND her husband Chad Daybell under the bus? Woah.

[@kerrylewisRN]

She public said she was an empty nester while the children were missing Hoping there is justice for the victims

[@USNGrayGhost]

and also said that no one knew where JJ was not even alex when melanie gibb recorded her so her lies will not survive you don't have to be present or even holding the weapon to be convicted we all know also she pushed chad into killing tammy cause she left him a text saying go back to your wife, and stop wasting my time they were both equally culpable of all these murders and alex did do lots of the dirty work conspiracy is well and alive with this case thanks for your comment mrs long

[@fitrunner1317]

How does she get her hair highlighted in prison?

[@heartsmyfaceforever8140]

Chad and Alex murdered her children? And she didn’t do anything when Tylee went missing? And then allowed them access to JJ?

[@wendydriggs1539]

Keep in mind Lori said multiple times she knew where the kids were, and they were safe. That is " why she wasn't looking for them". And after their bodies were found she had no reaction.

[@Leah_F.]

And also she told someone that she had Alex to come and get JJ that night. :(

[@heartsmyfaceforever8140]

@@wendydriggs1539 she also told chads family and friends she had a daughter that recently died and was an empty nester.

[@TheDealMaster]

Geeze between this case and the Letecia Stauch case which is now on day 5, there's definitely some pretty crazy trials going on currently! Both of these ladies are the worst of the worst!

[@rubytuesday1316]

Dont forget Orin & Orson Wells and thousands of other kids right now! These religions use kids as social, religious, & entrapment PAWNS. Lori V had other kids- These are just the two she killed

[@geraldine1437]

I believe JJ fought with all his strength to get out of the clutches of the person who overpowered him - Lori's so-called brother - she orchestrated it all! Poor Kylee - why did they have to burn and chop her beautiful body to pieces - again - orchestrated by Lori! I pray justice will be done is this bizarre case.

[@karenbluebird3827]

Are they not charging her with Charles Vallows death?

[@briardan9226]

I believe that's in process in Arizona. She may be charged in connection with Charles Vallow and Joeseph Ryan's deaths. She put Joeseph Ryan through hell. He didn't have family to care about him like Charles did. If not for his sister I think Charles, JJ and Tylee's deaths would have gone unquestioned. No one was asking where JJ and Tylee where in Lori's circle.

[@Lionesssa12]

She’s been charged in Charles death and has not as yet pleaded Joseph Ryan was cremated so there is nothing that can be done in that case

[@loretta6971]

My heart broke as soon as the children’s DNA was found on a pick axe was mentioned… Omygod. So heartbreaking.

[@mandipestone7995]

The public have a right to know and see what theses monsters are capable of doing and did we’re not the problem here and if u don’t want to be judged by the world don’t do the crime it’s bull it’s not televised!!!!!! Justice for the kids Charles and Tami

[@kayjeebs3175]

Help me out here. I am still not getting how Lori can blame also Chad, yet remain lovingly married to him. Won't that not make sense to the jury?

[@ShadowBannedForever]

I know. She even had been asking to see him.

[@rhondashinn4952]

If she is found guilty, is the death penalty on the table?

[@wendydriggs1539]

No, judge took it off the table.

[@rhondashinn4952]

@@wendydriggs1539 thank you for your answer

[@deew7014]

@@wendydriggs1539 wish he had not taken a hat off she so deserves it

[@michael-m]

This guy has no idea what he's talking about. This is the horrific murder of children, so yeah, show the jury right off the bat just how disgusting this so-called mother is. I hope every juror never forgets whar was shown today.... i mean, I know they will need some help and assistance after dealing with such horrible stuff, which I hope they get. But we are talking about life and death stuff, so its not gonna be pretty, but its a necessary and fundamental in our system of justice.

[@deborahfox8782]

I’ve missed Matt Murphy. I have the highest amount of respect for that man!!

[@karmavaran2100]

Same here!

[@hgoingceleb2961]

Good looking too.😁

[@MM-9124]

How could she does this to her children

[@meltx5371]

Chad's really going to see" 5dark" in jail...

[@desertsunset8025]

What is 5dark .?

[@meltx5371]

@@desertsunset8025 a system Chad thought up to distinguish between light and dark spirits...they became zombies in 5 dark areas ...he listed the girl at 4 dark and the boy 4 light?? I'm sure the blame will be put on Lori's brother ...

[@Christina-71]

Dang, I love this guy as a legal expert! Matt Murphy is exactly who I wish Latah County could bring in, to help prosecute B.K.!

[@janetrathnau2645]

I'm curious if Lori had any kind of reaction to the pictures of the remains of her daughter Tylee and Little JJ?? Any reaction at all ??

[@grimmfan6460]

According to some other news outlets she didn’t. The only time she showed any reaction was when the grandma was on the stand. She was writing furiously for some reason.

[@Georgie14]

Anyone else think the defense opening statements was WEAK?

[@barbarapatterson4132]

Wow.

[@mariapilarme]

She is absolutely nuts! Who in the right mind would believe that crap!

[@daveholtz2528]

can't wait to see her fry

[@residentrump3271]

What a culture of peace! I'm sure her parents are proud

[@Sandi-ke9mi]

Elizabeth Vargas is one of my all-time favorites, I love listening to her. I’ve had a thing for Matt Murphy for years. These two together are my dream news team. I can’t even begin to comprehend the shallow, evil mind of Lori Vallow. I’m glad I can’t think like that.

[@katielainedesigns]

More Matt Murphy please! 😍

[@mariapilarme]

I like Mr Murphy! Very good prosecutor

[@helenmallory3002]

I don't understand WHY when a trial. is being televised the thousands of viewers are not allowed to see what the jury and the people in the court rooms sees if they think it's too graphic for the rest of us put a warning up I've followed this case and many others and it's the same thing over and over TV viewers are shut off of seeing the whole picture......

[@LithaMoonSong]

This jury thing is archaic, the decisions should be made by a professional multidisciplined panel of experts, including behavioural psychologists, pathologists, general practice doctors and crime scene experts, these should be individuals who have not worked on the case. Time to get real with justice.

[@anitafowler622]

I keep trying to listen to what was said. Did they only talk for 8 minutes? That's the longest I have heard.

[@leslieharrison6981]

Matt Murphy!!!

[@Jaded368]

This devil was a contestant on Wheel of Fortune ! 😳

[@suntiki33]

I’m curious if she was just smiling through all of this.

[@kimmiec.peridore886]

Oh my. I couldn't watch this trial because of those beautiful children.😭😭🥺💔 I pray Chad and Lori never see the light of day!!!🤢

[@Heidi-Beth]

This woman left a trail of domestic abuse and deaths..I can't believe the games that are played when it comes to prosecuting killers! And on the taxpayers dime!!

[@vaveshka]

I'm here for the news update but more for Matt Murphy.

[@heathermarble7916]

The jury needs to see how those poor kids were found

[@leslieharrison6981]

I hope u have Matt Murphy on more often…..he is such a passionate advocate for victims rights and justice!

[@MarleeWild]

Will they bring Chad in to testify again Laurie or are they not turning on each other?

[@hanselmansell7555]

Save the pictures, leave the defence to waffle on about circumstances then gather up all those circumstances, bundle them all together into a big stick and then bash Lori over the heard with them whilst showing the jury the pictures in order to rest your case.

[@joannewilk8574]

Love Matt Murphy I wish he was prosecuting this case! He’s a winner!

[@insatiablecuriosity2555]

That red lipstick… I never had lipstick in prisin

[@perfumelady9089]

Lol we all knew that was going to be the bomb shell defense!

[@lovefiercely3510]

Are they gonna do an autopsy on her brother??

[@pattimartin2383]

Alex was cremared. No chanceof that.

[@rubytuesday1316]

@@pattimartin2383 Conveniently Cremated. As was her other husband Joseph Ryan.

[@susankenney7536]

I want to know if she looked at those pictures and what her reaction was. She will say even though the DNA was on the axe she didn't do it her brother did it and he did it on his own. Will she take the stand?

[@Leah_F.]

Listening to just the audio is TERRIBLE for my A.D.D.; I just cannot focus as well, but I guess I’m grateful we at least have something to listen to. It’s kinda silly, since there’s already a Media presence there anyway. I guess Lori is ashamed of showing her own face to the world, as she should be!

[@elizabethgraybill6619]

Hope they are blissfully happy now

[@megrandom1419]

Facts are facts the jury should see it in the beginning, middle and end. Especially for the children. Regardless of how bloody it may be. The children suffered worse than looking at graphic images!

[@okdk7]

If they lead with that... do they have MORE for the last impact time ???

[@okdk7]

This woman is going to walk. Way too much reasonable DOUBT. Watch.

[@junipermaas3451]

NOT making excuses AT ALL....but wouldn't you have to be absolutely insane to think your children are zombies and kill them? She gave birth to Tylee, didn't she? I get that the prosecution is going for the angle of "the kids were in the way" ....but my mind can't fathom anyone that isn't mentally ill and literally nuts, to kill their children that they have worked so hard to raise...

[@ricohernandezjr.2874]

Lock her up and throw away the key

[@zcvxs]

Thought she was too insane to go on trial??

[@lisabyers2992]

#mattmurphy hunk. Sorry… this case is horrific

[@JoTracy]

Looks like poor Charles won't get any justice He was one of her victims too

[@Cutie11083]

That poor man 😢

[@jasonrowe344]

Someone is definitely possessed.

[@lcweave2016]

Yet again information coming out was disclosed accurately and specifically by medium Rev. Donna Seraphina more than a year before the children were found. You can find her readings on youtube.

[@katydid6920]

What kind of prison do you get hair and makeup like that?

[@teresawallace1130]

So many innocent people have died by this horrible couple no-one stopped them why I call wtf

[@ShadowBannedForever]

So she turned on Chad.

[@zcvxs]

She looks too much like Chelsea lately

[@erikabulsara538]

I’ve been in juries. Hopefully the lawyers chose sane individuals not woke or walk flowers. The case is about murder so there is no other way to show the dead than to show them. The jury should’ve expected ot. I thought that seen a dead body would affect me but it didn’t. A juror needs to leave “feelings” out and focus on logic

[@chuck9380]

What’s your definition of Woke? I guarantee you don’t have the right answer because you watch Fox or CNN and that’s where you got it from

[@chadsmith66]

She better be in protective custody when she goes to prison, women gonna have a field day with her

[@chadsmith66]

@Leena Wexler not if shes going to an idaho prison, its the same with the guys you kill kids ur gonna be a target forever