BOISE, ID – June 1, 2024 — The jury that convicted Chad Guy Daybell of three murders has decided that he should be put to death for the crimes. The victims, Tylee Ryan, Joshua “JJ” Vallow, and Tammy Daybell, all died in late 2019. Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell were convicted of conspiring and killing them to remove them as obstacles to their perceived happiness.
Chad Daybell was found guilty on Thursday of murdering his wife of 29 years, Tammy Daybell, along with 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow, the children of his currently incarcerated wife, Lori Vallow Daybell. The brutal killings occurred over a few weeks in 2019, beginning with Tylee, who was last seen alive on September 19, just days before JJ was last seen on September 23. Tammy Daybell was found dead in her bedroom on October 19. During those weeks, Chad and Lori Daybell, in texts between them, referred to the victims as “obstacles” to their union, leading to their current sentences that will keep them apart for the remainder of their lives. Lori Daybell was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2023.
As sentencing deliberations began on Friday, the jury heard opening arguments from both the prosecution and the defense for the new phase of the trial. Chad Daybell chose not to speak to the jury during his trial or before sentencing deliberations. However, after the legal teams presented their cases, family members of the victims spoke, expressing their anger, devastation, and struggle to find peace. Their emotional testimonies resonated with many in the court, including some who became visibly emotional during the proceedings.
Despite the intense emotional environment and the clear expressions of anguish from those who knew the victims, Chad Daybell displayed little to no emotion during the sentencing phase or at any point before that in his trial.
During the sentencing phase, the defense portrayed Chad Daybell as a small-town religious man and a family-oriented individual inexperienced with the world or women. They contrasted this with Lori Daybell, who had been married four times before meeting him. Lori Daybell was extradited to Arizona in November, where she faces two charges of conspiracy to commit murder related to the death of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, and an alleged attempt to kill her former nephew-in-law.
In stark contrast to the defense’s portrayal, the prosecution emphasized Chad Daybell’s propensity to murder and argued that he would likely remain a danger to society if ever released. They cited aggravating circumstances surrounding the murders, including their heinous nature, the ongoing danger he posed to society, and the financial motives behind the killings. The jury was tasked with determining if these aggravating factors justified the death penalty.
Family members of the victims provided poignant testimonies, including statements from Tammy Daybell’s family. They expressed their deep pain and the lasting impact of her murder on their lives. Tammy Daybell’s sister, Kelsie Douglas, stated, “Tammy’s murder is the direct cause of our suffering, pain, fractured relationships, and unhealed wounds. This is the legacy of anguish and sorrow that will haunt our family for generations.”
The Tammy Douglas Daybell Foundation released a statement thanking everyone who had supported them through the trial and the efforts to seek justice. They expressed their gratitude for the relationships formed during this difficult time and the support received from the community. The foundation, dedicated to increasing literacy by putting books into children’s hands, urged those touched by Tammy’s story to consider donating in her memory.
Lori Daybell’s son, Colby Ryan, also testified, describing the profound personal losses he has suffered. “I stand here today motherless, fatherless, sisterless, and brotherless,” he said, fighting tears, as were some jurors. “It’s not an overstatement to say I lost everything.”
The case against Chad Daybell included multiple charges:
- Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and grand theft by deception for Tylee Ryan.
- First-degree murder of Tylee Ryan.
- Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and grand theft by deception for Joshua Jaxon “JJ” Vallow.
- First-degree murder of Joshua Jaxon “JJ” Vallow.
- Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of Tammy Daybell.
- First-degree murder of Tammy Daybell.
- Insurance fraud related to a life insurance policy on Tammy Daybell.
Chad Daybell met Lori Vallow at a “Preparing A People” conference in St. George, Utah, on October 26, 2018. By February 2019, Lori was moving towards divorcing her then-husband, Charles Vallow. By July of the same year, Chad and Lori were exchanging texts described by investigators as “like a romance novel.” Prosecutors argued that the case was about “money, power, and sex.”
The remains of Tylee and JJ were discovered in Chad Daybell’s backyard on June 9, 2020, leading to his arrest. A grand jury indicted both Lori and Chad Daybell on May 24, 2021, with charges of conspiracy and first-degree murder. Initially, the state intended to try them together, but Lori Daybell’s refusal to waive her right to a speedy trial while Chad did, led to their cases being separated. Lori Daybell’s trial began on April 3, 2023, following several competency evaluations, while Chad Daybell’s trial started on April 1.
Throughout Lori Daybell’s trial, no witnesses were called by the defense. In contrast, Chad Daybell’s legal team presented his adult children, a forensic pathologist, a DNA expert, and a forensics expert as witnesses. The state announced its intent to seek the death penalty for Chad Daybell, while Lori Daybell’s mental health evaluations initially deemed her incompetent to stand trial until November 2022 when she was declared competent.
Colby Ryan, Lori Daybell’s son, spoke during her trial, expressing the profound loss he felt. A recorded call played in court revealed him telling his mother that she had ripped out the hearts of their family. In contrast, Chad Daybell’s children testified on his behalf, claiming that their mother was ill before her death and challenging the prosecution’s evidence.
Chad Daybell did not testify in his defense or during the sentencing phase, only confirming to the judge his decision not to speak. Lori Daybell, however, made a statement during her sentencing hearing, asserting that no one was murdered and that she believed her children were happy and busy in the afterlife.
Judge Steven Boyce, addressing Lori Daybell, emphasized the pain and heartache she caused, stating, “While you were enjoying your life in Hawaii, countless law enforcement officers, family members, and volunteers were searching for your children. I don’t think to this day you have any remorse for the effort or heartache you caused others. They were found dead, burned, mutilated, dismembered and buried like animals.”
The case’s complexity was further highlighted by the defense’s strategy of blaming others, including Lori Daybell’s brother, Alex Cox, and friends. Chad Daybell’s attorney, John Prior, argued that Cox was responsible for the murders and that Lori Vallow had financial motives related to life insurance.
The sentencing phase of Chad Daybell’s trial brought to light the profound impact on the victims’ families. Witnesses included statements from Tammy Daybell’s family, who have largely stayed out of the spotlight in hopes of maintaining connections with Tammy’s children. Despite the pain and fractured relationships, they expressed hope for healing and urged the community to support the foundation established in Tammy’s memory.
As the jury deliberated on Chad Daybell’s sentence, they were reminded of the heinous nature of the crimes, the continued danger he posed to society, and the financial motives behind the killings. Ultimately, the jury decided that the aggravating circumstances warranted the death penalty.
The conclusion of this trial marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for Tylee Ryan, Joshua “JJ” Vallow, and Tammy Daybell. The community’s response has been one of profound sorrow but also determination to honor the victims’ memories by supporting each other and advocating for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The detailed testimonies, emotional impact statements, and the jury’s decision underscore the gravity of the crimes and the extensive efforts made by law enforcement, legal teams, and the community to seek justice. As the community moves forward, the memories of Tylee, JJ, and Tammy will continue to inspire efforts to support victims of violence and promote safety and justice.
The conviction and sentencing of Chad Daybell serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, community support, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The legal proceedings have shed light on the complex dynamics of the case and the devastating impact on the victims’ families. The decision to impose the death penalty reflects the jury’s recognition of the severity of the crimes and the need for accountability.
As the community reflects on the trial and its outcome, there is a collective hope for healing and the prevention of future tragedies. The legacy of Tylee Ryan, Joshua “JJ” Vallow, and Tammy Daybell will continue to influence efforts to create a safer and more just society.
