Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025: States Next Witness Robert Krautheim.

 

Lori Vallow Daybell's trial began on April 7, 2025, with prosecutor Treena Kay alleging that Lori conspired with her brother, Alex Cox, to murder her husband, Charles Vallow, in July 2019, staging the crime as self-defense to marry Chad Daybell and claim life insurance money. Darkmatter: Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025 Prosecution Opening Statements.

Representing herself, Lori denied the charges, highlighting her family life, strained relationships, and asserting that the events on July 11, 2019, stemmed from Charles' threatening behavior and a physical altercation, which she claimed was a matter of self-defense to protect her children. Darkmatter: Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025 Defense Opening Statements.

Sgt. Irwin Wierzbicki testified about responding to the scene of Charles Vallow's death, describing Alex Cox's calm demeanor and finding Charles motionless with gunshot wounds, while addressing Lori's questioning and clarifying his actions to preserve the crime scene during Treena Kay's re-direct. Darkmatter: Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025: States First Witness Sgt. Irwin Wierzbicki

The next witness, Robert Krautheim, a retired patrol officer from the Chandler Police Department, testified about his involvement on July 11, 2019. 

Krautheim, who retired three years ago, was working the day shift and received information about the shooting via dispatchers while in route to the scene. Upon arrival, he noted that Officer Wierzbicki was already present. Krautheim, wearing a body camera, began recording as he drove to the house. He testified that the 911 caller was still on the phone and was instructed by dispatch to exit the house with hands raised. The caller complied, coming out through the front door. Krautheim observed Alex Cox exiting the house holding a rag on his head, with no difficulty walking, talking, sitting, or standing. He noted that Alex was not sweating, jittery, or speaking with an uneven voice, but did have an injury on the back of his head. Krautheim stated that he offered Alex medical treatment, which Alex declined and added that Alex did not appear to need treatment, saying, “Zero, none.”

Krautheim also testified that when Lori arrived at the scene, she walked up to where Alex was sitting, but he asked her to stand by her car. He noted that Lori never inquired about Alex's condition, the presence of numerous police cars, Charles, or the fire truck in front of her house. 

Treena Kay then admitted Krautheim’s body camera footage as an exhibit, with audio removed except for his interaction with Lori Vallow Daybell, and the exhibit was accepted into evidence. The video showed Krautheim arriving at the gated community in his police car, pulling his weapon upon arrival due to information about the shooting, and interacting with Alex Cox, who exited the house and sat on the curb. While the audio was muted, the video depicted Krautheim chatting with Alex. Another officer, referred to as “Whiz,” was seen in the video, and Krautheim explained that he had always called him “Whiz.” Krautheim reiterated that Alex refused medical attention.

The video also showed Lori and Tylee arriving at the scene. Treena asked Krautheim if he knew the name of the person inside the house, to which he responded that it was Charles Vallow. Krautheim confirmed that he knew Lori was Charles’ wife. Treena then asked if a team of detectives or crime spree specialists typically handles cases involving shootings, and Krautheim confirmed that detectives are called out for such cases. The video further depicted a red ambulance pulling up in front of the house. Krautheim explained that it is standard procedure for a patrol officer to stay with the shooter to ensure no one has contact with them, keeping them separate while gathering facts.

Krautheim testified that he approached Lori and Tylee as part of his fact-finding investigation. Audio from the video revealed Krautheim asking Lori for her ID and the meaning of her middle initial, which she stated was Norene. Tylee stood next to Lori with her arms folded, while Lori wore black sunglasses. Krautheim asked Lori how long she had lived at the house, to which she replied three weeks, and whether she was working, to which she said no. He noted Lori’s height and weight as 5’6″ and approximately 120 lbs. Krautheim also collected biographical information from Tylee Ryan. 

Treena paused the video and asked Krautheim if he briefed detectives, which he confirmed, stating he had not informed Lori that her husband was dead, as he was under the impression she had just arrived and was unaware of what had occurred inside the house.

Krautheim concluded his involvement in the case by transporting Alex to the police station. He described Alex as calm, stating they had a normal, average-toned conversation unrelated to the incident. Krautheim remained with Alex at the station until a detective arrived, marking the end of his role in the case. 

Lori then began her cross-examination, during which she asked Krautheim about Alex’s calm demeanor when leaving the house, to which he agreed. Lori questioned whether the scene was chaotic, and Krautheim confirmed it was not, noting that no one was running, screaming, or entering and exiting the house. Lori suggested that her being hysterical would have been out of character if everyone else was calm, but Treena objected on speculation, and the judge sustained the objection.

Lori continued her questioning by asking Krautheim about his use of the phrase “small knot” to describe Alex’s head injury, comparing it to a goose egg, to which Krautheim responded, “Tomato, Tomatoe.” Krautheim stated he asked Alex if he needed medical treatment approximately three times and confirmed Alex was not disoriented. When asked to define “nonchalant,” Krautheim described it as “Kind of like how I am now. Not a lot of emotion, not afraid.” He explained that his demeanor depends on the situation. Lori suggested that if nonchalant behavior was typical for Alex, it would not be unusual for him to act that way, prompting Treena to object. The judge overruled the objection and allowed the question.

Lori then asked Krautheim why she had to park across the street that morning, citing the presence of police cars, a CSI van, and fire trucks. Krautheim clarified that she could have parked anywhere along the street, on another street, or on the other side of the house.

Lori asked Krautheim about the temperature that day, to which he responded that it was hot, prompting Lori to laugh and agree. She inquired about the extent of his duties and confirmed that Officer “Whiz” was the first officer on the scene, with Krautheim arriving 10–15 seconds later. Krautheim stated he remained with Alex from the time Alex left the house until he was transported to the police station. Lori then began to ask about what Alex said during the car ride to the station, but Treena objected on hearsay grounds, and the judge sustained the objection. 

Lori also asked Krautheim when he completed his report on the July 11 incident, to which he responded that he stopped and started throughout the day, finishing by the end of his shift at 4 p.m., and did not revise it later. Lori continued her questioning by asking Krautheim if he briefed detectives in the front yard of the house, to which he confirmed he had made contact with them and conveyed what Alex had told him. When asked where his report went after completion, Krautheim stated it was sent to his supervisor.

Lori then asked Krautheim about a phone being placed into an evidence bag, questioning whether he was the one who did it. Krautheim stated he did not remember but said it was probable. Lori mentioned not seeing it in his report, prompting Treena to object, stating that Lori was testifying. The judge instructed Lori to only ask questions and not share her observations, to which Lori apologized.

Lori then asked Krautheim what happened when he and Alex arrived at the police station. Krautheim stated he sat Alex down and believed he got him some water. He confirmed that Det. Moffatt took over and that he left the station without staying for the interview.

Lori asked Krautheim if it was possible Alex could have been in shock, prompting Treena to object on speculation grounds, which the judge sustained. Lori then asked how long the cut on Alex’s head bleeding had been. Krautheim responded that he could not answer, as he was not standing behind Alex’s head when he first made contact and did not know when the bleeding started. When asked if the cut appeared to be bleeding when Alex exited the house, Krautheim stated he did not look at Alex’s head at that time and was unsure. Lori then asked Krautheim if he ever entered the house, to which he confirmed he stayed outside the entire time.

Lori began to ask a question about the bat in the house, but Treena objected on hearsay grounds, and the judge sustained the objection. Lori attempted to ask again about the bat and what Alex had said, but Treena objected once more, and the judge sustained the objection again. 

Lori then asked Krautheim if he observed a next-door neighbor coming out to speak with her, to which he confirmed he did. She inquired about police blocking off the street, suggesting neighbors couldn’t go to work or school, but Krautheim clarified that people could leave if needed. Lori stated that people tried to approach her to find out what was happening, prompting Treena to object, and the judge sustained the objection.

Lori asked what she told detectives during her briefing. Treena objected on hearsay grounds, and the judge sustained the objection, explaining that any out-of-court statements are considered hearsay.

Lori asked Krautheim how long he spoke with his supervisors during the briefing, to which he replied, "Under a minute." Lori expressed surprise at the brevity. Krautheim confirmed he met with the prosecutor two weeks prior to review his testimony, and the meeting lasted about an hour. He also stated that he reviewed his report before testifying. When asked about his duties at the scene, Krautheim explained that he was involved in scene management and helped coordinate the perimeter setup, rather than solely focusing on the shooter.

Lori further inquired about how many people approached him at the scene. Krautheim stated that one man came up, and he instructed him to leave. Lori and Tylee then approached, and he directed them to wait by their car. She also asked if he had conversations with his supervisor upon arrival, to which he responded affirmatively, though he could only specify that these occurred sometime between his arrival and departure. Lori remarked on the contrast between the three pages he wrote about what he was told and the less-than-a-minute discussion he had with detectives, to which Krautheim simply replied, "Yes." Lori concluded with, "Ok."

Krautheim also testified that the distance from the home to the police department was approximately 8-10 miles, and the ride took 10-15 minutes. When asked where he entered the police department, he stated that he did not remember where he parked or which entrance he used. Krautheim escorted Alex into the police station and into an interrogation room, where Det. Moffatt took over. Lori clarified her questions and then stated she had no further inquiries. Treena proceeded with re-direct questioning.

Treena began by discussing the demeanor of those involved, asking if firefighters or others had just shot anyone, to which Krautheim replied, "No." She clarified that comparing Krautheim to the shooter was not appropriate, and Krautheim agreed. Treena asked if Alex was nonchalant and calm when Krautheim arrived with his gun drawn, and Krautheim confirmed that Alex was. Krautheim also recalled seeing Alex rubbing his head with a paper towel, which remained mostly white and was not soaked in blood. Treena asked about her prior meeting with Krautheim, during which he reviewed the body camera footage and initialed it as exhibit #1 for court use. Treena’s paralegal presented the CAD report to refresh Krautheim’s memory about the timeline, confirming that he arrived at the station with Alex at 9:18 a.m. The state followed up, asking when Krautheim completed the call. He stated he finished before the end of his shift and did not return to the scene. Krautheim’s testimony concluded at this point.

Darkmatter: Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025: States Next Witness Fire Fighter Scott Cowden.

Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025: States First Witness Sgt. Irwin Wierzbicki

 

Lori Vallow Daybell's trial began on April 7, 2025, with prosecutor Treena Kay alleging that Lori conspired with her brother, Alex Cox, to murder her husband, Charles Vallow, in July 2019, staging the crime as self-defense to marry Chad Daybell and claim life insurance money. Darkmatter: Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025 Prosecution Opening Statements. 

Representing herself, Lori denied the charges, highlighting her family life, strained relationships, and asserting that the events on July 11, 2019, stemmed from Charles' threatening behavior and a physical altercation, which she claimed was a matter of self-defense to protect her children. Darkmatter: Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025 Defense Opening Statements.

The state called its first witness, Sgt. Irwin Wierzbicki of the Chandler Police Department, who has served for ten years. Sgt. Wierzbicki, in full patrol uniform, was dispatched to the house on the morning of the shooting, wearing a body camera on his left shoulder that recorded audio and was activated at the scene. He testified that other officers arrived, and he communicated with dispatchers before instructing whoever was inside the house to come out. Alex Cox exited “very nonchalant, very compliant,” and was directed to sit on the curb while Wierzbicki entered the house to ensure no one else was inside and to check on the victim, as another officer stayed with Alex outside.

Wierzbicki described walking through the house, which was empty with no furniture, and finding a man lying motionless on his back with two gunshot wounds to his chest and blood pooling in his neck area. He checked for a pulse but found none, stating the man appeared dead, and Fire/EMS was called to the scene. 

Treena Kay played footage from Wierzbicki’s body camera in court, showing the sergeant checking for Charles’ pulse and later walking outside to approach Alex Cox, who was dabbing his head and appeared extremely calm. Treena asked Wierzbicki if he found any ID on Charles, and he confirmed he did not. She also inquired about the absence of Charles’ wallet, which Wierzbicki said was not unusual since he did not know if Charles lived at the house. 

After the video concluded, Treena introduced two additional exhibits: screenshots from the footage. The first screenshot showed Charles’ head on the floor with Wierzbicki checking for a pulse and blood pooling toward Charles’ neck area. The second screenshot depicted EMS/Fire personnel working on Charles. Wierzbicki testified that after clearing the house, he was tasked with putting up crime scene tape to secure the area from the public and media. This marked the end of Wierzbicki’s involvement, and Treena concluded her questioning, allowing Lori to begin her cross-examination.

Lori began her questioning by ensuring she pronounced Wierzbicki’s name correctly. She asked about his description of Alex as nonchalant, which he clarified meant “cool and unbothered.” Lori questioned whether everyone reacts the same way in stressful situations, to which Wierzbicki replied "No." She also asked if he was qualified to give a psychological evaluation, and he confirmed he was not. Lori inquired if Wierzbicki performed CPR, and he stated he did not because Charles appeared deceased. 

Lori then asked about the fire department giving the time of death, which Wierzbicki confirmed, noting that he had cleared the house before the time of death was given. 

When asked about his crime scene investigation experience, Wierzbicki responded, “Just my 20 years of experience as a police officer.” 

Lori further questioned Wierzbicki about the location of the casings relative to Charles, which he clarified he had not specified. She apologized, acknowledging it was her interpretation. Lori asked about the handgun and the projectile in the baseboard, which Wierzbicki did not recall. 

He stated he was dispatched to the call at 8:41 a.m. and believed he arrived within ten minutes. When asked if he stayed at the house for a while, Wierzbicki said he did not recall. 

Lori also inquired about his direct supervisor, whom he identified as Sgt. Yosello, and his contact with Det. Moffatt and Det. England that day, to which Wierzbicki responded he did not think he had contact with Moffatt and may have briefly spoken with England.

Lori continued her questioning by asking if Wierzbicki recalled seeing her arrive at the scene, to which he responded that he thought she arrived as he was leaving. She asked how he observed two wounds through Charles’ shirt, and he explained it was an observation he made when he saw Charles on the ground. Lori asked if there were two holes in the shirt, which Wierzbicki did not recall, and whether EMTs opened Charles’ shirt during CPR, which he also did not remember. 

Lori then asked Wierzbicki how many times he had spoken with Det. Nathan Duncan about the case, to which he replied very few—maybe five times—and clarified that these were not discussions but brief interactions in passing. When asked how many emails he had sent Duncan about the case, Wierzbicki stated he had no idea, despite Treena’s objection on relevance, which the judge overruled.

Lori concluded her questioning, and Treena began her re-direct by asking about the shooter’s demeanor. Wierzbicki confirmed he was simply describing his observations, noting that Alex Cox appeared very calm and collected after shooting someone. Treena then asked if the body was “basically a crime scene,” to which Wierzbicki agreed. She inquired if Fire/EMS had tools like EKGs to help find a pulse and potentially give CPR, and Wierzbicki confirmed they did. He explained that giving CPR to a deceased person could alter the crime scene, which he wanted to avoid. Treena presented the CAD report, showing the 911 call was received at 8:36 a.m., and Wierzbicki was dispatched at 8:37 a.m. She also asked if Wierzbicki provided briefings to his supervisors, and he confirmed he did to ensure detectives were informed about the situation.

Darkmatter: Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025: States Next Witness Robert Krautheim.

Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025 Defense Opening Statements.

 

Lori Vallow Daybell's trial began on April 7, 2025, with prosecutor Treena Kay presenting evidence that Lori conspired with her brother, Alex Cox, to murder her husband, Charles Vallow, in July 2019, using extreme religious beliefs to justify the crime. Treena argued the murder was staged as self-defense so Lori could marry Chad Daybell and claim Charles' life insurance money, which she later discovered was not hers, urging the jury to convict her based on text messages, witness testimonies, and crime scene evidence. 

Darkmatter: Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025 Prosecution Opening Statements.

In her opening statement, Lori, representing herself, emphasized her long marriage to Charles and their shared life raising five children. She stated, “The evidence will show,” before each claim, asserting that Charles had purchased maximum life insurance policies due to his health, including a $1 million policy on himself and a $2 million policy on Lori. Lori described their family’s move to Kauai in 2014 and their return to Chandler in 2017, highlighting her role as a licensed cosmetologist and her support for Charles’ career as a life insurance salesman. Lori also discussed the strained relationship between Charles and her daughter, Tylee, which led to therapy sessions and frequent arguments, with the worst occurring in July 2019. She mentioned Charles moving JJ to Houston in March 2019, their reconciliation, and her decision to return to Arizona to re-enroll JJ in a special school where more services were available. Lori noted that on the day of Charles' death, they were renting two houses—one in Houston and one in Chandler—and denied the conspiracy charges, arguing that “there has to be an agreement” for conspiracy.

Lori further claimed that Charles had sent her threatening text messages and insisted on flying to Phoenix on July 10, 2019. She said she advised Charles to stay in a hotel due to his inability to get along with Tylee, and they agreed she would book it for him. Lori stated that Charles planned to pick JJ up on July 11 and take him to school, which started at 8:25 a.m. She described Charles arriving in a rental car, texting her brother Adam about Alex being at the house, and entering the house to retrieve his phone. Lori said Charles began screaming, waking Tylee, who came out of her room with a bat to protect her mother. Lori became emotional while recounting these events.

Lori added that Alex did not initially have a gun when he came out during the commotion but got into a physical struggle with Charles. She claimed that Tylee, who was on the ground during the struggle, was lifted by Lori and sent outside to be with JJ. Lori stated that Charles “prevailed with the bat” and began chasing her as she ran away. At some point, Alex retrieved his gun. Lori said she ran outside, where JJ was struggling to get out of the car while Tylee tried to keep him in. Lori described driving away with her children, taking JJ to Burger King as Charles had promised him, and then heading to school. When the school gate wasn’t open, she went to Walgreens to buy flip-flops so they could walk JJ into school on the hot pavement. Lori stated that she and Tylee then returned directly to their residence, where they met with police. She became emotional and asked for a tissue while recounting these events.

Lori also recounted going to the police station for questioning, where she met a victim’s advocate who was “very kind.” After the interview, she said they returned to the house and later picked up JJ. Lori described driving to Alex’s residence to attend to a wound on the back of his head. She stated that she gave Charles’ cell phone to the police and that by the time she, Tylee, and JJ returned home, all police had left. The next day, Lori called the police about Charles’ belongings at the hotel and was told officers would handle it. She claimed the Chandler Police Department treated the case as self-defense, though the judge sustained objections to this statement and instructed the jury to disregard it. Lori also mentioned that Alex died of a blood clot five months after Charles’ death. She concluded her statement by asserting, “Self-defense is not a crime. A family tragedy is not a crime,” before returning to the defense table.

Darkmatter: Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025: States First Witness Sgt. Irwin Wierzbicki

Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025 Prosecution Opening Statements.

Lori Vallow Daybell's trial began on **Monday, April 7, 2025**, with prosecutor **Treena Kay** outlining the case against her. Vallow Daybell is accused of conspiring with her brother, Alex Cox, to murder her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, in **July 2019**. Treena Kay presented text messages sent by Lori to Alex two days before the murder, including references to **Nephi**, a prophet from the Book of Mormon, which Lori used to justify her actions.

Treena explained that Lori and Charles were married at the time, but Lori wanted to marry Chad Daybell, whom she had met in 2018 at a religious conference. Lori and Chad allegedly referred to Charles as an "evil spirit" named **Ned** in their communications. Treena revealed that Lori and Alex used their religious beliefs, including ideas about "zombies," to rationalize their actions.

The prosecutor detailed witness testimonies, including one from **Serena Sharp**, who recalled Lori claiming that Charles was possessed and asking for help to "cast out" the spirit. Another witness, **Christina**, shared that Lori admitted to drugging Charles and that Alex openly expressed his desire to kill him. Christina warned Lori about going to the police if Charles died, but Lori dismissed it as a joke.

Treena emphasized that Lori's motives included financial gain, as Charles had a **$1 million life insurance policy**, which he had changed to benefit Kay Woodcock, unbeknownst to Lori. Treena concluded by stating that Lori and Alex became increasingly determined to eliminate Charles, leading to his death one month after Christina's warning.

Treena also mentioned that Lori's brother, Adam Cox, would testify about Lori's departure from mainstream LDS beliefs and her increasingly bizarre statements. Adam and Charles had planned an intervention for Lori, which was set for July 10, 2019, the day before Charles was shot. Treena highlighted text messages between Lori and Alex discussing their plan to "be like Nephi," with Alex staying close to Lori. Alex was at Lori's house the night before Charles was killed, prepared with a gun, ammunition, and a garbage bag containing clothes.

Additionally, Treena revealed that Charles went on a date on July 10, 2019, with a woman named Nancy Jo, whom he had met on an LDS dating site. They talked and texted for hours, during which Charles shared details about his relationship with Lori and the change to his life insurance beneficiary. Nancy Jo described the situation as "a lot of drama with Lori." She jokingly suggested that Charles tell Lori about the change in the life insurance policy. Nancy Jo expected to meet Charles again on July 11, after he picked up JJ, but she never heard from him again. She initially thought he was ghosting her until she saw the news of his death.

Treena also described the events of July 11, 2019, the day Charles was killed. She told jurors they would see the movements of Charles' phone that day. When Charles arrived to pick up JJ, he texted Adam, saying, "Alex is at the house. They’re planning something." Adam responded, "Absolutely." Charles knocked on the door of the house he had rented for Lori, picked up JJ, and put him in the car. However, Lori took Charles' phone and refused to give it back. Treena stated, "Lori Vallow, Lori Daybell, whatever name you want to call her by, is why Charles didn’t just leave with JJ that morning. Lori Vallow is why Charles is dead."

Treena described the house as mostly empty, with no furniture. She explained that Charles was shot twice. The first shot, fired by Alex, hit Charles in the chest, exiting through his back and piercing his heart. Treena noted that this type of wound could take up to two minutes to cause death. As Charles lay on the floor, Alex fired a second shot, which Treena described as deliberate and not accidental. A medical examiner is expected to testify about the bullet wounds and exit patterns.

Treena further revealed that after the shooting, Lori left the house with JJ and Tylee in Charles' car. They went to Burger King and Walgreens before dropping JJ off at school. Lori and Alex spoke three minutes after Lori left the house and again 17 minutes later, but neither called 911. Treena stated, "Alex did not call 911 until 47 minutes after Lori left." During this time, Charles lay dead on the floor while Alex began "staging the scene" and "making mistakes."

Treena highlighted inconsistencies in Alex's self-defense claim, noting that his gun had no blood transfer despite his claim of holding Charles' head to stop the bleeding. The only blood in the house was pooling around Charles, with no evidence of blood in the kitchen or hallway where Alex claimed to have washed his hands. Treena also pointed out that Alex's sunglasses remained intact and unmoved during the supposed altercation. She described the trajectory of the bullet, which ended up across the room in a baseboard, and another bullet defect found in the wood flooring under Charles' left shoulder. Treena concluded that this was not self-defense but a staged murder.

When Lori returned to the house, she did not ask about the police or fire trucks outside or why Alex was sitting on the curb. Police pulled her aside to inform her that Charles was dead. Treena stated, "She knew. She was there." Lori admitted to police that she was the reason Charles didn’t just leave with JJ that morning, explaining that Charles had demanded his phone back, but she refused to return it. Lori also admitted to witnessing the shooting before leaving the house with Charles' phone, which police were unaware she had taken. While processing the scene, police searched for Charles' phone but could not find it. Later that day, Lori and Alex were called back to the scene, and Lori claimed she had found the phone in the car. She provided the detective with Charles' PIN to access the phone.

Treena also revealed that Lori did not inform Charles' family about his death until the next day. She texted Charles' two sons from a previous marriage to tell them their father had died. A few days after Charles' death, Lori called Banner Life Insurance to inquire about the life insurance money, only to learn she was not the beneficiary. Treena mentioned a message Lori sent to Chad, stating, "I talked to the insurance company. He changed it in March. It was probably Ned before we got rid of him." After discovering she was not the beneficiary, Lori became angry and searched Charles' computer, finding the form that changed the beneficiary. She then texted Kay Woodcock about it.

Treena concluded by stating that the evidence would show Lori conspired with her brother to kill Charles so she could be with Chad and obtain the life insurance money. She said photos of the crime scene and witness testimonies would prove this was not self-defense. Treena urged the jurors to find Lori guilty.

Darkmatter: Day One in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025 Defense Opening Statements.

Opening Statements in "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial Starts Tomorrow April 7th!

Lori Daybell, known as the "Doomsday Mom," will face opening statements in her trial in Arizona on Monday, April 7th, for conspiracy to commit murder in the death of her fourth husband Charles Vallow. Previously, she was convicted in Idaho for the murders her two children and conspiracy to commit murder of her current husband's first wife.

In this Arizona case, prosecutors allege that Lori conspired with her brother, Alex Cox, to kill Charles Vallow in 2019. Alex fatally shot Charles at Lori's home in Chandler, claiming self-defense, but investigators now believe it was a planned killing. Alex died later that year and was never charged.

Lori has chosen to represent herself in this trial, arguing that she knows the case better than any attorney could learn it in two years.  If convicted, she could face life in prison, though she is already serving multiple life sentences in Idaho.

This trial is expected to last up to six weeks, and a separate Arizona case against her—related to an attempted murder charge of her niece's ex -husband—will follow.

Opening Statements in Doomsday Mom Lori Daybell's Trial Starts Tomorrow.

Anita Knutson's Murder: State vs Nicole Thomas Rice Day Four

The trial of Nichole Rice, accused of murdering her roommate Anita Knutson in 2007, continues to unfold. Here's a brief recap of recent developments:

Witness Testimonies: Several witnesses, including Rice's former co-workers and a DNA expert, have taken the stand. Testimonies have highlighted Rice's behavior around the time of the murder and her alleged comments about the case.

DNA Evidence: A forensic pathologist and a DNA expert testified about the murder weapon and DNA found at the scene. The analysis revealed multiple DNA profiles, including male DNA under Anita's fingernails.

Defense and Prosecution: The prosecution plans to call more witnesses, while the defense is preparing to present its case starting next week2.

The trial is currently in recess until Monday, March 24, when proceedings will resume.

Darkmatter: Anita Knutson's Murder: State vs Nicole Thomas Rice Day Three

Anita Knutson's Murder: State vs Nicole Thomas Rice Day Three

Day three of the Nichole Rice trial focused on testimony from eight witnesses, including former law enforcement officers, a forensic pathologist, a DNA expert, and Rice's former co-workers. Key moments included:

A forensic scientist testified about DNA evidence, revealing multiple profiles on the murder weapon and male DNA under the victim's fingernails.

Rice's former supervisor described her unusual behavior on the day of the murder, noting she seemed hurried and less social than usual.

A co-worker recounted Rice's comments after the murder, including her statement that "if I keep my mouth shut, I'll be okay."

The court ruled that Devin Hall, a person of interest in the case, could testify via Zoom, as the defense argued he was in the area at the time of the murder.

The prosecution plans to call more witnesses as the trial continues

Darkmatter: Anita Knutson's Murder: State vs Nicole Thomas rice day Two recap.

Anita Knutson's Murder: State vs Nicole Thomas rice day Two recap.

Nichole Rice's trial continued with witness testimonies, shedding more light on the events surrounding the 2007 murder of Anita Knutson. Laura Knapp, the resident manager of the apartment complex where Anita and Nichole lived, testified about her experiences. She recounted the day Anita's father discovered her body and the subsequent call to 911. Knapp also discussed the maintenance man's involvement in removing a damaged screen from Anita's bedroom window for repairs, which became a point of interest in the case.

Additionally, testimonies from current and former Minot police officers provided insights into the initial investigation and the crime scene. The prosecution and defense continued to build their narratives, with the defense raising questions about alternative suspects and the thoroughness of the original investigation

Darkmatter: Anita Knutson's Murder: State vs Nicole Thomas rice day one recap.

Anita Knutson's Murder: State vs Nicole Thomas rice day one recap.

The trial of Nichole Thomas Rice, accused of murdering her roommate Anita Knutson, began with opening statements and witness testimonies. The defense's motion to dismiss the case was rejected by the judge, and the trial proceeded with a jury of 11 men and 5 women. The prosecution emphasized the evidence pointing to Rice's guilt, while the defense argued that the case against her was flawed. Anita Knutson's parents testified as the first witnesses for the state.

Tiffany Sorgen, the Deputy State’s Attorney for Ward County told jurors. “You’re going to hear whispers from the past across the void of time that led to these charges silent no more, and when we are concluded with this case, we are confident that you are going to find Nichole Thomas Rice guilty of the murder of Anita Knutson.”

Richard Sand, Nichole Rice’s attorney told jurors “The evidence is going to show you people like Nichole don’t kill their roommates over that kind of stuff they don’t put knives through their sternums. The evidence is going to show you, Nichole Rice didn’t do this. This entire case toward Nichole has been an abortion of justice and it can stop now. And Anita deserves justice. But Justice is out there. It’s just not here. This is a show.”

Opening Statements: 17 Years on the Road to Justice for Anita Knutson - YouTube

Darkmatter: Anita Knutson was murdered and the killer is still on the loose. Updated 10/25/2024

Origins of Easter

Once upon a time, centuries ago, Easter's origins began to unfold from a tapestry of traditions. At its core, Easter is a Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as recounted in the New Testament of the Bible. According to the story, Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead on the third day, marking the triumph of life over death and hope over despair. This event is commemorated on Easter Sunday, following Holy Week and Good Friday, the day of his crucifixion.

Yet, Easter's roots stretch further back into the history of humankind. Some of its customs and symbols are thought to have been influenced by earlier pagan spring festivals. For instance, the name "Easter" may derive from Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility, celebrated in pre-Christian Europe. Symbols like eggs and rabbits, emblematic of new life and fertility, were integrated into Easter traditions over time, blending ancient cultural practices with Christian significance.

Through centuries of adaptation, Easter evolved into a rich holiday celebrated globally, merging diverse customs and uniting people in reflection, joy, and renewal. It’s a story of continuity and transformation, rooted in faith and the cycle of life.