According to investigators, Alex Cox fired the shot that narrowly missed Brandon Boudreaux, while Lori Vallow Daybell played a key role in planning the attempted murder. Prosecutors have cited digital evidence, including Cox’s cellphone data placing him near Boudreaux’s Gilbert, Arizona home at the time of the shooting. In addition, Lori reportedly conducted suspicious internet searches shortly after the incident, further linking her to the conspiracy.

What Happened:

Brandon Boudreaux had just moved into his new home at 1111 East Phelps in Gilbert, Arizona, the Wednesday prior to the attempted shooting, following his separation from his wife, Melani Boudreaux. The couple shared four children. Brandon later explained that the divorce was driven by Melani’s increasingly extreme religious beliefs, troubling behavior tied to her extended family, and concerns connected to a recent homicide in Chandler.

On the morning of October 2, 2019, Brandon followed his usual routine: dropping off his two eldest children at school, his third child at a day camp, and his youngest at a business daycare before heading to the gym. As he returned home, he noticed a dark-colored Jeep Wrangler parked near his driveway. When he slowed down to turn in, he saw the barrel of a firearm aimed directly at him from the open rear hatch of the vehicle. A shot was fired, shattering his driver’s side window.

Brandon managed to speed away and called 911 from a nearby park. Responding officers found tire tracks consistent with a stock Jeep Wrangler and recovered bullet fragments from his vehicle. A neighbor, Shirley Guzman, reported seeing a bald white male with a scruffy beard matching the description of Lori Vallow’s brother, Alex Cox—on the street in the days leading up to the shooting.

Timeline of Events

• July 2019: Lori’s husband, Charles Vallow, is shot and killed by Alex Cox in Chandler, Arizona.
• October 2, 2019: Brandon Boudreaux is targeted in a failed shooting attempt. He survives.
• December 2019: Alex Cox dies of natural causes, limiting firsthand witness testimony.
• 2023: Investigators formally connect Lori to the Boudreaux shooting plot.
• April 2025: Lori is convicted in Arizona for conspiring to murder Charles Vallow.
• June 2025 (Scheduled): Lori to stand trial in Maricopa County for the conspiracy to murder Brandon Boudreaux.

Legal Context

Lori Vallow is representing herself in court. The prosecution contends she sought to eliminate Boudreaux to protect her niece’s custody case and silence someone perceived as a threat to their doomsday-eccentric plans. This case is seen as part of a broader pattern of violent conspiracies involving Vallow and Cox.

2008:

• Lori’s niece, Melani Pawlowski married Brandon Boudreaux, and over the years they had four children together. Brandon was reportedly close with Lori’s family and baptized Tylee into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Fall 2018:

• Lori and Melani began attending meetings not sponsored by the church, but their spouses did not attend. Melani reportedly told Brandon the firesides were “her thing,” and was very clear he was not welcome to come. Melani became focused on the idea that the world was going to end soon. Melani was not very religious when she married Brandon, but she began getting “really passionate” about going to church and certain ideas at church.

December 25, 2018:

• Brandon and Melani spent Christmas with Charles and Lori.

January 2019:

• Charles texted Brandon and told him that Lori was accusing him of infidelity.

January 31, 2019

• Unbeknown to Brandon Charles Vallow is blocked on Brandon Boudreaux’s phone

March 26, 2019

• Brandon Boudreaux called Charles Vallow, and the call lasts 10 minutes

March 27, 2019

• Charles Vallow attempts to call Brandon Boudreaux, but the call doesn’t go through because his number was blocked.
  

June 2019

• Lori and Charles moved to Chandler, Arizona.

June 27, 2019

• Melani asks Brandon Boudreaux for a divorce while at his house Steve Cope, Melanie’s father. Melani told Brandon that she received revelation from God that she wasn’t safe at the house with him, and used this argument against him in court for establishing visitation rights. Brandon alleges that Melani has become involved in a cult-like group influenced by Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell.
• Charles Vallow spoke with Brandon and warned him that Melani was spending a lot of time with Lori Vallow.

June 30, 2019

• Charles Vallow communicates with Zac Cox via text messages. They talk about Brandon and Melani Boudreaux’s relationship and how Lori had ruined their marriage.

Charles Vallow sends Lori a series of text messages, including some vague threats

• 5:01 am: Be sure to look over your shoulders today. This may be the day. It’s coming. That much I promise you.
• 5:04 am: And your boyfriend too
• 6:22 am: You will reap the destruction you have sown. I’ll be there for JJ. Don’t worry about that. Have a wonderful day being a hypocrite in church.
• 8:42 am: Lori I know you don’t much care how I feel but just imagine this. How could my actions or breaking your heart result in what you’ve done? You accuse me of Infidelity [sic] but it’s you who has been having an affair. It just keeps killing me. Maybe that’s your goal. How can you live with yourself destroying our life, Mel and Brandon’s, probably Mel and Brenden too. Now add Chad Daybell family and you’ve got a home run. The fact that you continue to go to the temple after all you’ve done shocks even me. There really is something wrong with you. I really don’t want to do what I have to do but you have to be exposed for what you really are. You won’t even deny it or talk to me as to your reasons. That’s what’s amazing to me. You could allay some of what’s about to happen but I don’t think you will. Lying has become second nature to you. You have been impressive in blaming me for all that’s happened. You have destroyed me. I’ve never been lower in my life. It’s you that has done it. Please tell me why. Please. I will slow or minimize what’s about to happen. It’s you who has caused it. We have a son to raise but that’s all we have in common. I will work with you in his best interest and will be there Monday evening. You owe me an apology for all the false accusations you’ve made. You know I’ve been entirely faithful to you since the first day we met. I deserve an apology from you. Please respect that much.

July 1, 2019:

• Charles’ told Lori he was going to Idaho to talk to Tammy Daybell about Lori and Chad’s affair.

July 8, 2019

• Melani Boudreaux files for divorce from Brandon Boudreaux. Melani told Brandon that she received revelation from God that she wasn’t safe at the house with him, and used this argument against him in court for establishing visitation rights. Brandon alleges that Melani has become involved in a cult-like group influenced by Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell. Melani continues to pay for the life insurance on Brandon despite seeking a divorce
  

July 9, 2019:

Lori learns of Adam and Charles’ intervention plans from her mother, Janis Cox, and Summer Shiflet. She then reached out to Alex Cox, Melani Boudreaux, and Summer Shiflet to warn them of Adam and Charles’ intervention.

• 7:21 pm – Lori texts Melani Boudreaux, “Need to talk to you ASAP”
• 7:22 pm – Melani calls Lori. Lori texts Melani, “I’ll call u in 5. Finding out what to do.”
• 7:45 pm – Chad searches on Google for “when you surprise someone with accusations.”
• 8:00 pm – Lori texts Melani, “U can’t go tomorrow. It’s a set up for both of us. Still on the phone finding out the details.”
• 8:01 pm – Lori texts Melani, “They have an elaborate plan I’ll call you soon.”
• 8:05 pm – Melani sent Lori a text, “I could take all the babies with and drive? And take our stuff.”
• 8:06 pm – Lori replied to Melani, “U can’t go at all. We both need to stay here to defend ourselves.”
• 8:07 pm – Lori added, “It’s coming to a head ! This week will change everything”.
• 8:08 pm – Melani responded, “Probably why I’ve felt sick about going.. Even when told to plan to go.”
• 8:15 pm – Lori had just gotten off the phone with Chad and then texted Melani, “Call me.” They talk until 8:30 pm.
• 8:15 pm – 8:30 pm – “After this phone call Melani and Lori shared SMS messages talking about Brandon Boudreaux and his dark spirit. Lori encouraged Melani to keep Melani and Brandon’s daughter away from Brandon.”
• 9:03 pm – Lori advised Alex of the conflict. She sent him a text that read, “So the plot thickens. Call me when u can ?”
• 9:03 pm – Alex calls Lori and they talked for 3 minutes.
• 9:16 pm – Lori sent Melani a text, “They are gathering witnesses. It’s just like twilight. They are the vulture.”
• 9:39 pm – Charles had not heard from Lori and sent another text “????”
• 9:50 pm Lori texts Alex: Getting sleepy. So I’m gong to need you to stay close to me the next couple days. Mel too. She can’t go to Utah. They are planking some kind of intervention but want Mel out of the way so I’m left alone. I need to come get the stuff at your house tomorrow and secure it. Lots to do. Thank you for standing by me. It’s all coming to a head this week. I will be like nephi I am told ! And so will you
• 
  
• Lori texts Melani “Al is here. Charles says he will come over in the morning.”
• 9:56 pm – 10:52 pm – Alex called Lori again and the two talk until 10:52 pm.
• 10:27 pm – Charles texted Lori asking, “Did you spend 196 at wal mart grocery in Provo on UFCU card yesterday?”

July 10, 2019

• 10:25 am – Lori and Melanie Messages: Melani: I wish there was a way to somehow be at the wedding but I know this is more important. Lori: I know baby. I’m so sorry. This is important to your mission even though I know it’s hard to just sit there
•  Lori Vallow, Alex Cox, and Melani Boudreaux have lunch together, and then Lori and Alex go to their sister, Summer Shiflet’s house
• 7:18 pm – Lori Vallow and Melani Boudreaux exchange text messages where Lori implores her to not go out of town for the wedding she was planning to attend: Lori sends Melani an SMS message informing her that Alex was there and that Charles said he would be coming over in the morning.

July 11, 2019:

• Lori’s brother, Alex Cox shot and killed Lori’s estranged husband Charles. He claimed it was in self-defense; it was later declared a homicide.

July 13, 2019: Lori organized a casting for Brandon because he was “dark” and had an “evil spirit. Lori told her niece Melani that Boudreaux was part of Hitler’s group, and considered a “very high dark.” Melani Boudreaux moves into her rental home in Chandler. Brandon moved his personal belongings out of his shared house with Melani. They agreed to maintain 50/50 custody of their four children throughout the divorce process.

• 10:25am – Melani: “Adam just called Brandon and told him Al murdered chalrels [sic] he put it on speaker for me to here”.

Melani: “Can u talk please?”

Melani: “I think Brandon found out earlier. He seemed in shock a few hrs ago. And then Adam and Brandon tried to use this situation to their advantage. He cornered me and Adam put it on speaker to tell me. Then Brandon said, do you still believe everything you believe?”

Melani: “Brandon is with the moving truck at my new address moving things I’m at the house with the kids”

Lori: “Call me”

• 5:19 pm: Melani: “Does Tylee have a phone or a way to contact Brandon or Adam” Lori: “Nope, I still have it”
• Lori text Chad Daybell and asked him to “Clear” Melani’s house of bad spirits. Chad replied that he was working on it but had to break down the bad spirits Brandon created. Chad Daybell sends Lori Vallow a series of text messages where he says Brandon can’t get a restraining order against her because she and Al didn’t have charges filed. He also says he’d clear Melani’s home of bad spirits and told Lori where to find three “listening devices” in Melani’s home. Finally, he says he was heading to bed so he could snuggle with her and excitedly tells her he’ll see her in a minute

July 19, 2019 – Melani Boudreaux (now Pawlowski) texts Lori Vallow to tell her about her new burner phone to use for emergencies and to encourage Lori to take out a life insurance policy on JJ and Tylee

• It’s melani Leigh!!! My clear line;) I’ll use for emergencies. If u have something u want to send to this phone, text me a 
• and I’ll know to look in this one;)
  

July 20, 2019 – Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell speak about Melani Boudreaux’s son, Blake, and indicating he is close to death

• Lori: What’s Blake’s percentage??
• Lori: He drew three crosses on the wall in his bedroom. We just finished painting over them.
• Lori: Like he was marking it for the dark side to find him.
• Chad: Blake is at 7. I took my sword of light and sliced his aura vertically in several places. You should be able to now rip and burn it.
• Chad: I also decreased his pain tolerance to 1 percent and greatly increased his pain. His desire to depart is at 80 percent.

July 21, 2019 – Melani Boudreaux (Pawlowski) tells Lori Vallow she should take out life insurance policies on JJ, Tylee, and herself

• You should get a life insurance policy on jj, tylee, and you. Cause after Charles we see that anything can always happen it’s in the Lord’s will.

July 25, 2019

• Chandler PD Det Moffat requests Alex Cox’s criminal file from Travis County, TX, for the assault on Joseph Ryan

July 30, 2019 – Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow have another text exchange about death percentages

• Lori: Good morning
• missing you. Didn’t sleep much. Need you to check jj. Weird stuff happened in the middle of the night. It’ slike they distracted us with Blake.
• 
  
• Chad: I got the inspiration to go back to my original death percentages that helped us track Charles, Ned, etc. Tammy is very close. Her percentage has fallen steadily since Hiplos left. It is encouraging.
• Lori: What is the percentage now? What about JJ’s too?
• Chad: Tammy is at 3. JJ is at 2. Both are being heavily shielded to stop intruders.
• Lori: 2 and 3 percent? Not zero?
• Chad: I will explain when we talk.
• Chad: I will update the list and figure out Brandon, Adam, and others.

August 4, 2019 – Melani Boudreaux participates in “prayer circle” “casting” for on Tammy Daybell and Brandon Boudreaux, along with Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell, Melanie Gibb, David Warwick, Alex Cox, Zulema Pastenes, and Julie Clement

August 10: According to the Rexburg Police Department, Alex Cox purchased a gun.

August 31, 2019: Lori, Tylee, JJ, Alex

September 2019 – Custody Battle & Religious Shift – Melani Boudreaux (now Pawlowski) and Brandon are engaged in a contentious custody dispute.

• Melani leaves the LDS Church and begins aligning with the radical apocalyptic beliefs promoted by her aunt Lori and Lori’s partner, Chad Daybell.

September 11, 2019

• Alex Cox pawned items at Pawn 1 in Ammo, Idaho, he Listed address in Rexburg, Idaho

September 17, 2019

• Brandon Boudreaux sees JJ Vallow and lets Kay Vallow Woodcock know he’s okay
• Melani Boudreaux asks Brandon Boudreaux for his new address

September 23, 2019

• Brandon Boudreaux signs new lease on a rental home.

September 25, 2019

• Alex Cox takes the Jeep Wrangler to get the windows tinted in preparation for the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux.
• Brandon Boudreaux moves into his rental home in Gilbert, AZ

September 26, 2019

• 12:31 PM Melanie Boudreaux leaves for Rexburg – Allegiant flight 608.
• 3:25 pm Melanie Boudreaux arrived in Rexburg
• Brandon Boudreaux tells Kay Vallow Woodcock that he found out from his son that Lori moved out of state. 
• Alex Cox activates a burner phone in preparation for the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux

September 28, 2019 – Preparations are made for the Brandon Boudreaux shooting

• Alex Cox visits the Unified Sportsmen’s Gun Range in Rexburg in preparation for the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux.

September 30, 2019:

• Lori searched the internet for, “How to get the back seat out of my jeep wrangler?” Tylee drove a Jeep Wrangler before she was allegedly murdered.
• 1:31 am – 1:16 pm – Alex Cox’s cellphone is at Lori’s apartment.
• 12:34 pm – Alex’s phone receives a call from Chad Daybell’s burner phone.
• 1:17 pm – 4:32 pm – Alex’s cellphone is at his apartment.
• 5:14 pm – Lori Vallow searched for something while logged in to her Gmail account. There are large redactions, but since this whole section of the report is about preparations leading to Brandon’s shooting, I’m going to go out on a limb and guess she searched for Brandon’s address.
• 6:01 pm Alex’s cellphone returns to Lori’s apartment and remains there or with Lori’s cellphone until 10/3/19.
• 8:10 pm – Charles Vallow`s Jeep Wrangler (TX Plate LWD-0997) is seen driving southbound on Interstate-15 near Blackfoot, ID.

October 1, 2019:

• Lori rented a 10×10 storage unit from Self Storage Plus in Rexburg. Surveillance video showed Lori and a man visit the unit,. The man, who appeared to be Cox, often visited alone, though he was once seen with a man who appeared to be Chad. On another visit, Chad and Lori reportedly visited the storage facility together.
• Melani Boudreaux asks friends from the cult, such as Alex Cox and Melanie Gibb, to talk to Brandon Boudreaux’s former neighbors to find out where he was after he went into hiding

October 1, 2019: A gray Jeep Wrangler is observed circling Brandon’s Gilbert, Arizona neighborhood.

• 6:52 am – The Jeep Wrangler (TX Plate LWD-0997) was [redacted] westbound on I-40 near Holbrook, AZ
• 7:30 pm – Alex Cox arrives in Gilbert, AZ.
• 9:19 am – Alex’s burner phone calls Chad Daybell’s burner phone near Holbrook, AZ.
• 11:55 am – Alex’s burner phone receives a call from Chad’s burner phone near Phoenix.
• 2:08 pm – Lori Vallow opens a 10×10′ storage unit at Self Storage Plus in Rexburg, ID. Surveillance footage shows Lori is alone.
• Brandon and Melani Boudreaux close on the home they owned together
• 7:30 pm – Alex Cox arrives in Gilbert, AZ.
• 9:19 am – Alex’s burner phone calls Chad Daybell’s burner phone near Holbrook, AZ.
• 11:55 am – Alex’s burner phone receives a call from Chad’s burner phone near Phoenix.
• 2:08 pm – Lori Vallow opens a 10×10′ storage unit at Self Storage Plus in Rexburg, ID. Surveillance footage shows Lori is alone.
• 7:52 pm – Alex searches for Brandon Boudreaux’s new rental address.

October 2, 2019 – Attempted Murder: Brandon returns from the gym to his Arizona home when he is shot at with the bullet missing his head by inches. The shooter was driving a Jeep registered to then-deceased Charles Vallow. 

• 7:17 AM – Alex Cox searches again for directions to Brandon Boudreaux’s from his current location, which was the LDS Temple 3301 S. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert AZ.
• 7:19 AM – Alex starts traveling toward Brandon’s house.
• 7:20 AM – Brandon Boudreaux left his home to drop off his oldest children at school and to exchange younger kids with their Mother Melani Boudreaux.
• 7:53 PM – Alex and Chad’s burner phones communicate as Alex’s burner phone continues northbound into Utah
• 8:02 AM – Alex’s personal cell phone (which Lori Vallow had in Idaho) texts Lori’s personal cell phone multiple times and had a 23-minute call. The police report notes that all of this correspondence occurred while Alex’s burner phone was at Brandon’s property.
• 9:13 AM – Brandon Boudreaux returned to his home he noticed a vehicle was parked out in Front of his home. When Brandon Boudreaux passed the vehicle the individual inside of the vehicle fired a shot toward the drivers side front window hitting the vehicle just inches above Brandon Boudreaux head.
  
• 9:15 AM – Brandon Boudreaux places a 911 call reporting that he has just been shot at outside his home at 3875 E Phelps Street, Gilbert, AZ.
• A bullet shatters the driver-side window of his Tesla Model X, narrowly missing him. Brandon tells responding officers that the shot was fired from a Jeep Wrangler that had been parked nearby, facing the wrong direction on the street.
• He believes the attack was orchestrated by Lori Vallow and her brother, Alex Cox.
• Brandon said that only five people knew where he lived, as it was a newer home, and Melani was one of them.
• 9:19 AM – 9:25 AM – Alex’s burner phone travels southbound away from Brandon’s home and makes two calls to Chad Daybell’s burner phone. Jeep Wrangler Escape Route (per Brandon Boudreaux)
• After the shot was fired, Brandon accelerated westbound on Phelps Street.
• At Cole Drive, he turned north and saw the suspect Jeep Wrangler continue north on Cole, then east on Waite Lane, and south on Fisher Lane.
• Brandon briefly followed but turned back toward home.
• The Jeep was last seen heading south on Fisher Lane, possibly exiting via East Fairview to Pecos Road.
• 9:57 AM – Crime Scene Secured: Officer Yarbrough arrives and establishes crime scene tape around the immediate vicinity of the shooting. Officer Robb arrives on scene and documents the shattered window and glass debris on the driveway.
• 10:00 AM — Evidence Recovery: Investigators collected:
• Bullet fragments from the Tesla’s door frame.
• A freshly smoked cigarette found 10 feet across the street from where the Jeep had been seen—possibly discarded by the shooter or an accomplice.
• 10:28 AM – The Gilbert Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit formally assumes control of the investigation.
• 1:00 PM – Detective Mark Rendahl canvasses homes for doorbell and exterior camera footage that may show:
• 1:25 PM – 1:32 PM – Chad and Lori are captured by surveillance cameras at Self-Storage Plus in Rexburg. They arrive in the same car and carry a wheel and back seat from the Jeep Wrangler into Lori’s storage unit.
• 2:36 PM — Scene Closure
• 8:42 PM – Alex and Chad’s burner phones communicate for a final time near Green River, UT.
• 8:46 PM – 8:53 PM – Lori’s Gmail account performs multiple searches related to the attempted shooting:
• “man shot in gilbert az,”
• “man shot in gilbert az 10/2/2019”
• “avc news brandon budreaux”

October 3, 2019

• 4:28 AM: Jeep Wrangler seen heading northbound on I-15 toward Rexburg, ID.
• 7:23 AM: Detectives canvass Brandon’s neighborhood.
• 9:30 AM: Melani interviewed by Gilbert PD; denies any knowledge of the shooting.
• 2:11–2:14 PM: Alex and Lori caught on surveillance removing a seat and tire from the Jeep at Self Storage Plus.
• Witness reports:
• A woman saw a suspicious man near a silver Jeep days before the shooting.
• Another neighbor saw the same Jeep circling the neighborhood on October 1.

Detectives Locate Witnesses in Brandon Shooting:

• Witness #1: Shirley (Resident on Fisher Lane) Reports suspicious activity on September 26, 2019, at 11:00 PM:
• While walking her dog, Shirley sees an unfamiliar white male, approx. 6’ tall, bald, thin build, bearded, carrying an unknown object.
• He loiters near a home on East Phelps Street but doesn’t enter.
• Moments later, she sees the same man again, this time walking northbound on Cole Drive, head down.
• Witness #2: Myata Whitson Between 8:00–8:30 PM on October 1, Myata notices a gray Jeep drive past her home twice in quick succession.
• She mentally notes the Jeep due to its unusual behavior.
• No camera footage was captured.

October 3, 2019

• 4:28 AM: Jeep Wrangler seen heading northbound on I-15 toward Rexburg, ID.
• 7:23 AM: Detectives canvass Brandon’s neighborhood.
• 9:30 AM: Melani interviewed by Gilbert PD; denies any knowledge of the shooting.
• 2:11–2:14 PM: Alex and Lori caught on surveillance removing a seat and tire from the Jeep at Self Storage Plus.
• Witness reports:
• A woman saw a suspicious man near a silver Jeep days before the shooting.
• Another neighbor saw the same Jeep circling the neighborhood on October 1.
• 6:30 PM Photo Lineup: Witness: Shirley Guzman: Detectives show her a photo lineup at her kitchen table. She identifies a man matching the suspicious person she saw a week prior. The physical description matches Alex Cox.
• Location of sighting: Her home on East Fairview Street, about 100 yards from the shooting location.

October 4–9, 2019

• Oct 4: Chad texts Lori: “We are trying to get to the bottom of what happened.”
• Oct 6: Alex visits storage unit alone and removes items.
• Oct 7: Summer texts Lori about the shooting; Lori blames Edgar (Summer’s boyfriend).
• Oct 8: Lori flies to Arizona under alias “Lori Ryan” to stay with Melani.
• Oct 9:
• Tammy Daybell is confronted by a masked man with a paintball gun in her driveway.
• Brandon hires PI Rich Robertson to investigate attempt on his life.

October 11–23, 2019

• Oct 11: Gilbert PD drafts search warrants for Melani, Alex, Lori, and Tylee’s phone numbers.
• Oct 14: Melani texts Brandon: she plans to move to Idaho with or without the kids.
• Later texts Lori asking if Brandon can “go before I move.”
• Lori replies: “We will work on it. Just have faith.”
• Oct 15: Brandon tells police he won’t return the kids to Melani.
• Oct 16: Melani shows up at the school to pick up kids. Police question her about her move.
• Oct 17: Lori and Melani travel to Hawaii.
• Oct 18: Lori texts friend Audrey from Hawaii: “We’ll stay until our work is done.”
• Oct 19: 6:00 AM: Chad calls 911 to report Tammy Daybell has died in her sleep.
• Oct 20: Melani moves to Rexburg.
• Oct 22: Brandon and Melani’s divorce is finalized.
• Oct 23: Lori texts Chad: “Make sure Al is still him and protect him.” Chad replies: “I cleared all his weapons, curses, and cords.”
• Lori (11:47 am): I had a bad dream about Al. Make sure he is still him and protect him
• 
  
• Lori (11:47 am): He would be the one they use to get to us both. All this alone time is not good for him.
• 
  
• Chad (11:53 am): I will reach out to him later today.
  Chad (12:13 pm): I just cleared all of Al’s weapons, curses and cords, and filled him with malachite healing balm. I also put angels around him.

October 24-31, 2019

• Oct 24: Zulema, Melanie Gibb, Lori, and Melani record a podcast.
• Oct 25: Melani removes her Rexburg apartment listing.
• Oct 28: Alex sends Zulema a photo of Lori and Chad at a restaurant. Chad is not wearing a wedding ring.
• Oct 29: Gilbert PD contacts Fremont County about Tammy’s suspicious death.
• Oct 31:
• Gilbert PD finds Jeep from shooting.
• Alex and Melani fly to Phoenix to help Melani move. They stay with Zulema.
• PI observes Melani and Alex discarding kids’ belongings.

November 1-5, 2019

• Nov 1:
• 5:30 PM: Melani and Alex confront Brandon and Claudia Ewell, claim God told Melani the kids were there.
• Deputies in Rexburg spot Chad and Lori holding hands.
• Nov 2: Melani accuses Brandon of kidnapping on Facebook, offers $10,000 reward.
• Nov 3: Kay Woodcock emails Chandler PD reporting Lori, Melani, Alex, and Tylee have moved to Rexburg.
• Nov 4: Gilbert PD recovers surveillance of Jeep.
• Nov 5: Brandon confirms Melani moved to Rexburg; Ewell family interviewed by PD.

November 12 -14 , 2019

• Nov 12: Melani trespasses at Brandon’s parents’ home in Utah. Alex drives her.
• Nov 14: She returns at 10:30 PM claiming to have a court order; arrested and jailed for criminal trespass. Alex posts her $1,950 bond.

November 18 – 27, 2019

• Nov 18: Gilbert PD and FBI fly to Rexburg to collect Jeep and digital evidence.
• Nov 19: Melani misses custody hearing. Brandon awarded full custody.
• Nov 21: Tylee’s Jeep officially seized.
• Nov 23–27:
• Ian visits Mesa for Thanksgiving.
• Nov 27: Rexburg PD finds Lori’s apartment empty with evidence of weaponry and hazmat suits.
• Alex and Melani return to Arizona that evening.

November 29 – December 3, 2019:

• Nov 29: Alex marries Zulema in Las Vegas. Melani visits Ian’s sister.
• Nov 30: Ian and Melani marry. – Ian Pawlowski, Melani Boudreaux (now Pawlowski) in Las Vegas
• Dec 2: Ian’s mom warns him Melani is in a cult.
• Dec 3: Melani interviewed for 5 hours by law enforcement.
• Ian tells police Melani didn’t know about the shooting until after.
• Alex activates new burner phone.

December 4 – 11, 2019:

• Dec 4: Melani Pawlowski was sentenced to jail for 180 days, but it was suspended since she pleaded no contest to the charge. Natalie Pawlowski contacts an associate of Brandon Boudreaux, trying to find him.
  FBI surveils Zulema’s residence
• Dec 5: Natalie and Ian Pawlowski are interviewed by Rexburg Police Department
  
• Dec 6: Zulema Pastenes reported that Alex Cox started having shortness of breath. 
• Dec 7: Morning: Alex travels to Algodones, Mexico, to obtain medications.
• Dec 8: Ian texts ex-wife saying Melani believes their kids may be dead.
• Dec 9: Alex texts Zulema: “Did you order the storms?”
• Dec 10: Alex to Chad: “Give me a blessing. I can’t breathe.”
• Dec 11: Tammy Daybell’s body exhumed. Alex says he’s the “fall guy.” Alex told Zulema where to find money if he died. Cox also allegedly told Zulema, “I think I’m being their fall guy,” and when questioned about it, Cox wouldn’t say much. Chad tells Alex he paid the Rexburg house bills; Alex: “I’m letting it go.”

December 8, 2019: Ian Pawlowski texts his ex-wife Natalie with grave concerns about Melani’s court hearing, her uncles’ advice for her to move to Ammon, ID, his insistence on staying in Rexburg, and concern for Natalie’s safety ( source):

• Don’t respond.
• I need you to encourage Brandon to keep info he gets on the down low until I can get this sorted out.
• I want to help, but it will be tough if every[one] starts figuring out what I’m learning.
• She didn’t know beforehand what was gonna happen
• They made the attempt, failed and told her about it after the fact. I understand that he doesn’t want the kids around her because of all of this, but I believe if she can see them, it will put a huge dent in her trust with her uncles. She’s scared and had been told her middle children are dead. She has a family court date on 12/11. I’m trying to get her to go…
• I don’t know if I can convince her to go to the family court hearing on Wednesday. I’m trying but she “got an answer” last night from God himself. Her uncles have her so wrapped up. They’re telling her she needs to move to Ammon. That’s not gonna happen because I’m not going to leave Rexburg. They think is [sic] has something to do with jurisdiction. Dumbest thing ever. Don’t respond. Just wanted to update you earlier because I had a quick second to call. Stay safe.

December 12, 2019

• Alex Cox dies suddenly from a bilateral pulmonary embolism in Gilbert, Arizona.

December 14 – 27, 2019

• Dec 14: Alex’s blood and fingerprints collected postmortem.
• Dec 17: Melanie Gibb interviewed, denies knowing about shooting.
• Dec 19: Second search warrant on Alex’s Rexburg apartment.
• Dec 22: Melani reaches out to FBI to clear her name.
• Dec 23: FBI interviews Melani and Ian again.
• Dec 24: Melani appears at her father’s house, possibly to locate children.
• Dec 27: Gilbert PD performs welfare check at Colby Ryan’s apartment.

January – March, 2019

• Jan 3: Search warrant served at Chad’s home. Alex’s phone confirmed at scene of Brandon’s shooting. Melani Pawlowski denies involvement. Her new husband, Ian Pawlowski, begins cooperating with law enforcement and shares concerning conversations he had with Melani and others about violence and religious justifications.
• Jan 7: Melani misses custody court date and skips FBI appointment. The Woodcocks traveled to Rexburg from Louisiana, and announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the kids.
• Jan 8: Gilbert Police request a cold case detective from Phoenix Police review Joe Ryan’s death
• Jan 10: Matt Daybell, Chad’s brother, pleaded for him to cooperate with the investigation.
• Jan 14: Melani Pawlowski (formerly Boudreaux) Interviewed by Rexburg police.
• Jan 25: Lori ordered to produce children within five days by The Kauai Police Department.
• Jan 30: DNA collected from Brandon and children. Lori missed the 5 p.m. deadline to produce JJ and Tylee.
• Feb 5: Brandon publicly identifies Alex Cox as shooter: private investigator hired by Brandon Boudreaux, comes forward to say Boudreaux identifies Alex Cox was the shooter ( source).
• Feb 12: Brandon says Melani refuses to cancel life insurance.
• Feb 20: Lori arrested in Hawaii.
• Feb 23: Ian discloses Melani discussed plans with Alex to kill Brandon.
• Feb 26: Lori waives extradition. First defamatory press release issued by attorneys Robert Jarvis and Garrett Smith on behalf of Melani Pawlowski: Accuses Brandon of lying, victimizing women, using extreme pornography, engaging in homosexual affairs, unlawfully keeping the children, and having family ties to organized crime.
• Mar 6: Lori appears in Idaho court. Bail set at $1 million.
• Mar 25: Melani’s lawyers issue public statement denying conspiracy. Repeated claims that Brandon unlawfully removed the children from Arizona, submitted false information to the court, and manipulated public opinion
• Mar 31: Brandon files defamation suit against Melani’s attorneys. Case No. CV2020-004204, Superior Court of Maricopa County, Arizona.

April 9 – December, 2020:

• Apr 9: Idaho AG confirms Lori and Chad under investigation for conspiracy to murder.
• Apr 24: Melani Pawlowski (formerly Boudreaux) publishes a Facebook post for her 31st birthday where she talks about the case and how she’s suffering because she can’t see her children.
• May 8: Alex’s autopsy released (natural causes).
• Jun 9: JJ and Tylee’s remains discovered at Chad’s property. Chad arrested.
• 7 a.m.,: a search warrant was served at Chad’s home by the Rexburg Police Dept., FBI, and Fremont County Sheriff’s Office. Within hours, the remains of JJ and Tylee were discovered buried on the property. Tylee’s remains were found at the pet cemetery near the firepit. JJ’s remains were found near the pond on Chad’s property.
• 9:50 – 10 a.m.: Chad transferred $24,000 from his Mountain America bank account to three of his kids in $8,000 deposits. Approximately $4,400 was left in the account.
• 11:30 a.m.: At this point, officers were told Chad was leaving his daughter’s house across the street “at a high rate of speed” despite being told he needed to remain or leave accompanied due to safety concerns.
• Chad was taken into custody and booked into Fremont County Jail on charges of concealment, distribution, or alteration of evidence.
• Jun 10: Chad made his first court appearance via video from the jail. His bail was set at $1 million.
• Jul 15: Lori pleads not guilty to desertion, non-support.
• Aug 21: Chad pleads not guilty.
• Aug 30: Brandon discovers Charles was blocked on his phone.
• Sep 15: Alex’s ex-wife provides disturbing background to police.:
• The marriage only lasted about a year (1992-1993), but they only lived together for 4-5 months.
• Sometime before Alex and Debbie married, Lori married someone quickly in Las Vegas.
• Debbie last talked to him after he got out of jail for assaulting Joseph Ryan.
• Alex told her then that he wanted to bait Joseph into a fight so that he could kill him in self-defense.
• It had been about a year since they had contact before that conversation.
• She was afraid of the Cox family.
• Alex and Lori simulated sex acts where she’d wrap her legs around his waist and he’d bounce her on himself, causing both of them to moan.
• Alex also touched Lori’s breasts.
• These simulated sex acts took place in her parents’ home in front of other family members who didn’t express any concern about it.
• Janis and Barry Cox “constantly” talked openly about their sex life in front of the rest of the family.
• Alex talked about Lori as “hot” and “sexualized her” quite a bit.
• Alex and Debbie lived in the same apartment complex as Lori for a while, and it seemed like Alex “chased after her” a lot.
• While they were married, Alex had been ex-communicated from the LDS Church.
• Sometime after their divorce he was baptized into the LDS Church but was then ex-communicated again.
• Debbie wanted to move to Utah after they were married, but Alex wanted to stay in Texas. But then one day he came home from work and told her they were moving. The move happened very quickly.
• When they arrived in Utah, Debbie learned Alex had slept with a 15-year-old girl. The father had started to look for Alex to fix the problem.
• Debbie said the incident with the teenager and his sexualization with Lori were the causes of their divorce.
• Debbie didn’t see Alex simulate sex acts with his other sisters, Stacey and Summer.
• Debbie said she came forward because she struggled with the knowledge that Alex had indicated he wanted to get into a fight with Joseph and kill him in self-defense. To her, it sounded too much like what had happened to Charles, and she couldn’t remain silent.
  
• Sep 30: Gilbert PD seizes Brandon’s phone.
• Nov 19: Phone analysis confirms Charles was blocked during key events.

2021 -2023

• Jan 29, 2021: Brandon settles defamation suit for $12 million.
• Oct 5, 2021: Lori and Chad’s trial moved to Ada County.
• Nov 2021: Gilbert PD recommends attempted murder charges against Lori and Chad (not Melani).
• Apr 2023: Lori is identified as a suspect in the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux. 

2025

• April 2025: Lori Vallow is convicted in Arizona of conspiracy to commit the murder of Charles Vallow, her estranged husband, who was shot and killed by Alex Cox in July 2019. This conviction strengthens the prosecution’s case theory of patterned conspiracies and religiously motivated violence.
• May 29, 2025: Jury selection in the case involving the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux begins
• June 2025 (Scheduled): Lori Vallow is set to stand trial in Maricopa County Superior Court on charges of: Conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree murder of Brandon Boudreaux.
• June 12, 2025: Lori Vallow Daybell found guilty of conspiring to murder her former nephew-in-law, Brandon Boudreaux. This is her third criminal conviction.

Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Location: Gilbert, Arizona
Victim: Brandon Boudreaux
Primary Suspect: Alex Cox
Vehicle Involved: Green 2018 Jeep Wrangler (Texas plate CPXZ511)
Case Number: 19-205526

BACKGROUND

• Brandon Boudreaux was undergoing a contentious custody dispute with his ex-wife, Melani Pawlowski (formerly Boudreaux), niece of Lori Vallow.
• Brandon reported growing concerns about Melani’s involvement with Lori and Chad Daybell, who had adopted radical religious beliefs, labeling individuals as “zombies” or “dark spirits.”
• Brandon believed he was being surveilled or stalked in the days leading up to the incident.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2019: DAY OF THE SHOOTING

8:57:29 AM:

• Brandon’s Tesla begins backing out of his driveway on a residential street in Gilbert, AZ. This is confirmed by neighbor surveillance video.

8:57:35 AM

• A green Jeep Wrangler, backed into a space across the street, is visible on video.
• The vehicle appears to be parked deliberately to face Brandon’s home.
• Brandon takes note of the Jeep, finds it suspicious, and snaps a photo.

8:57:40 AM

• Brandon leaves his home in his Tesla, heading toward the gym.
• The green Jeep begins to follow Brandon’s vehicle.

8:59 AM (Approx.)

• Brandon notices the Jeep briefly follows, then turns off.
• Concerned, he decides to circle back to his house, suspecting foul play.

9:00:15 AM

• Surveillance from a second angle captures the Jeep circling the neighborhood again, returning to the area near Brandon’s house.

9:00:46 AM

• Brandon’s vehicle is recorded returning to the neighborhood.

9:01:10 AM

• As Brandon pulls into his driveway, the Jeep approaches his house at low speed.

9:01:15 AM

• Multiple gunshots are heard on surveillance audio.
• Brandon sees his driver’s side window shatter, with bullets striking the frame and glass.
• One bullet passes within inches of his head, missing him narrowly.

9:01:17 AM

• The Jeep accelerates and flees the scene heading westbound.

9:02:00 AM

• Brandon calls 911, reporting that someone shot at him from a green Jeep.
• He gives a description of the vehicle and direction of travel.

9:07:00 AM

• Gilbert Police Department officers arrive at the residence.
• They observe damage to Brandon’s Tesla:
• Bullet hole through driver’s window.
• Bullet embedded in driver’s side frame.
• Shattered glass throughout interior.

9:20:00 AM

• Officers begin door-to-door canvassing for surveillance video and witnesses.

EVIDENCE COLLECTED:

• Surveillance video from a neighbor’s home captures:
• Jeep parked in the area prior to shooting.
• Jeep passing by Brandon’s home.
• Audio of gunshots.
• Jeep fleeing westbound immediately after gunfire.
• Photographic evidence:
• Brandon took a photo of the Jeep shortly before leaving.
• Forensic analysis:
• Bullet trajectory confirmed shots came from a higher elevation—matching the Jeep’s driver window height.
• Bullet fragments and shell casing (if recovered) not explicitly listed in the document but standard procedure suggests collection.

SUSPECT VEHICLE AND IDENTITY:

• Jeep Wrangler is confirmed to be:
• A 2018 green model, 4-door.
• Registered to Charles Vallow, Lori Vallow’s late husband, killed by Alex Cox in July 2019.
• At the time of the shooting, the Jeep was in possession of Alex Cox.
• The shooter wore a ski mask, according to Brandon and witness statements.

INVESTIGATIVE ACTIONS:

• Gilbert PD notified neighboring jurisdictions to be on the lookout for the Jeep.
• Detectives interviewed Brandon extensively, learning of:
• Melani’s sudden move to Idaho.
• Brandon’s belief that he was targeted due to the custody battle and association with Lori Vallow.
• Religious ideology that justified “removing” people deemed spiritually compromised.
• No suspect was immediately arrested due to lack of direct identification.
• Investigators suspected Alex Cox but lacked eyewitness or DNA evidence.

STATEMENTS FROM BRANDON:

Brandon expressed to detectives that:

• He believed Melani and her associates considered him a “zombie” or dark spirit.
• Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell’s apocalyptic beliefs may have inspired or condoned murder.
• He feared for his life and the safety of his children.

SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENTS:

• December 12, 2019: Alex Cox dies of pulmonary embolism, cutting short the investigation into his possible role.
• 2020–2023: The attempted murder becomes part of a larger case against Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, who are indicted for conspiracy to commit murder in multiple deaths, including those of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan.
• Brandon is later named a cooperating witness in Idaho and Arizona proceedings.