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Lori Vallow Daybell's trial began on April 7, 2025, with prosecutors alleging she conspired with her brother, Alex Cox, to murder her husband, Charles Vallow, in 2019 for personal and financial motives, while Lori claimed the act was self-defense due to a violent altercation. Key testimonies included law enforcement and medical perspectives on the crime scene, procedural details, Alex Cox's demeanor, and CPR efforts, with Charles Vallow ultimately being declared deceased upon arrival. Darkmatter: "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell's Trial 2025 Day One Recap.
On the second day of Lori's trial, Chandler firefighter Scott Cowden was called back to the stand, with Lori conducting the questioning for the defense.
Lori questioned Scott Cowden about his actions upon entering the house, where he assessed Charles as unresponsive and began CPR, noticing gunshot wounds and blood on Charles' chest. She asked about the use of trauma shears to remove Charles' shirt, the CPR procedures Cowden followed, and the time it took to administer, with Cowden estimating about a minute before Charles was rolled to inspect his back. Lori also inquired about teaching methods for first-time CPR learners, suggesting difficulty without visual aids, which Cowden acknowledged as possible. An objection by prosecutor Treena Kay was sustained by the judge, prompting Lori’s acknowledgment before continuing her questioning. Cowden clarified that Charles' shirt was cut once on the side and likely removed by a colleague while he performed chest compressions.
Additionally, Lori asked Cowden who declared the time of death, to which he responded that Captain Keller, as the crew lead, made the call and documented it. Lori inquired about Cowden's preparation for testimony, which included reviewing dispatch notes, prior testimony, and other documents but excluded the 911 audio. When asked about report documentation, Cowden explained that only one person writes the report, and he did not personally document anything. He also estimated being on scene for roughly 20 minutes, including driving in and out. Cowden further explained the process of driving to the scene, working with the patient, cleaning up, organizing equipment, and departing to prepare for another call. Lori questioned whether Cowden remained in the house after finishing with the patient, to which he replied that equipment was removed, and cleanup occurred outside near the truck.
Lori also asked if Cowden had spoken to the media about the case, prompting an objection from Treena Kay on relevance. After a sidebar discussion following the judge's inquiry into the question's relevance, Lori resumed and noted she had “just a few more questions.” Finally, Lori asked if performing CPR could cause further damage when there is a chest wound, which Cowden said was possible, though the heart was already not beating. They discussed the "crunch" sound during chest compressions, which Cowden compared to cracking knuckles, noting the force needed depends on the individual. After some overlapping dialogue, the judge intervened, and Cowden explained that the sound could occur if CPR is performed forcefully enough. Lori concluded her questioning shortly after.
During prosecutor Treena Kay's questioning, Cowden addressed whether 911 regularly instructs people on performing CPR, clarifying that while he is not part of 911, he has heard 911 provide guidance over the radio to help circulate blood before firefighters arrive. Treena asked if Cowden had traded CPR duties with anyone, to which he responded that he did not, as another EMT prepared the heart monitor while he administered CPR. Treena also confirmed that once Charles was declared deceased, his clothing was not modified further and would have remained as it was, with his shirt around his neck if left there. Cowden stated that CPR had not been performed before his arrival and emphasized that while CPR might cause further injuries, its purpose is to get the heart pumping. Treena concluded her questioning, followed by juror questions being submitted to the judge for review during a sidebar. The witness was then dismissed.
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