Murder Case
Chad Daybell Found Guilty of Killing 1st Wife and 2nd Wife’s Childrens
Daybell had pleaded not guilty to the charges in the deaths of his first wife and the children of his second wife
In a high-profile case that has gripped the nation, Chad Daybell, a self-published doomsday author, was found guilty on Thursday of murdering his first wife, Tammy Daybell, and his second wife Lori Vallow's two children, Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan. The verdict, delivered by a jury in Idaho, concludes a trial that has spanned nearly two months and has drawn significant media attention due to the bizarre and tragic nature of the crimes.
Daybell, 55, was convicted on multiple counts, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and insurance fraud. The jury's decision came after three days of deliberation, during which they reviewed extensive evidence and testimony presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
The case began in late 2019 when Tammy Daybell was found dead in her home in Salem, Idaho. Initially, her death was attributed to natural causes, but suspicions arose when Chad Daybell married Lori Vallow just two weeks later. An autopsy later revealed that Tammy had died of asphyxiation, leading to charges against Chad Daybell.
The investigation into Tammy's death coincided with the disappearance of Lori Vallow's two children, JJ and Tylee. The children were last seen in September 2019, and their remains were discovered on Chad Daybell's property in June 2020. JJ's body was found bound in duct tape, while Tylee's remains were dismembered and burned.
Prosecutors painted a chilling picture of Daybell as a manipulative figure who used his apocalyptic religious beliefs to justify the murders. They argued that Daybell and Vallow believed the children were "dark spirits" or "zombies" who needed to be eliminated. The couple's extreme beliefs were central to the prosecution's case, with multiple witnesses testifying about the couple's obsession with doomsday scenarios and their belief in a spiritual mission to rid the world of evil.
During the trial, Fremont County Prosecutor Lindsey Blake described Daybell as a man driven by "money, power, and sex." She detailed how Daybell had increased Tammy's life insurance policy shortly before her death and how he and Lori Vallow had conspired to kill anyone who stood in the way of their relationship. Blake also highlighted the gruesome details of the children's deaths, emphasizing the brutality and premeditation involved.
The defense, led by attorney John Prior, argued that there was insufficient evidence to directly link Daybell to the murders. Prior suggested that Lori Vallow's now-deceased brother, Alex Cox, was responsible for the children's deaths and that Daybell was being unfairly targeted. Cox, who died of natural causes in December 2019, had a history of violence and was described as Lori Vallow's protector.
Despite the defense's efforts, the jury was convinced by the prosecution's case. The verdict marks a significant moment in a case that has seen numerous twists and turns, including the separate trial and conviction of Lori Vallow. Vallow was found guilty last year of murdering her two children and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Daybell case has captivated the public not only because of the horrific nature of the crimes but also due to the couple's bizarre religious beliefs. Daybell, who authored several apocalyptic novels, and Vallow, who claimed to have communicated with spiritual beings, were both associated with a group that promoted preparedness for the end times. Their beliefs and actions have been the subject of documentaries and extensive media coverage.
As the trial concludes, attention now turns to the sentencing phase. Prosecutors have indicated their intention to seek the death penalty for Daybell, citing the heinous nature of the crimes. The jury will reconvene to hear arguments for and against the death penalty before making their final decision.
The Daybell case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme beliefs and the devastating impact they can have on innocent lives. As the families of the victims seek closure, the legal system continues to grapple with the complexities of a case that has shocked and saddened the nation.