Boise, Idaho – After a Idaho jury delivered a guilty verdict in the triple murder trial of Chad Daybell, they began deliberations on whether he should face the death penalty for the killings of his first wife and two children of his second wife. Daybell was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges in the deaths of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, and the two children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua “JJ” Vallow. The case was centered around allegations of power, sex, money, and apocalyptic spiritual beliefs.
The sequestered jury deliberated for six hours on Friday before continuing deliberations on Saturday morning. If the jury decides against the death penalty, Daybell will receive a life sentence. Prosecutors presented a case arguing for the death penalty, citing aggravating factors such as the murders being committed for remuneration and the heinous, atrocious, or cruel nature of the crimes.
Daybell’s defense portrayed him as a once quiet and reserved man who was led astray by his relationship with Lori Vallow Daybell. Vallow Daybell, who was also convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, had a history of multiple marriages. The defense highlighted the impact of Vallow Daybell on Daybell’s life and portrayed their relationship as a disruptive force.
Family members of the victims provided emotional victim impact statements during the trial. They expressed their pain and loss, remembering the victims as vibrant and full of life. The discovery of the remains of Tylee and JJ on Daybell’s property in 2020 brought closure but also renewed grief for their loved ones. The families shared their hope that the children did not suffer in their final moments.
The trial highlighted the tragic events that unfolded in the lives of the victims, shedding light on the devastating impact of the murders on their families. The proceedings brought to light the complex web of relationships and motivations that led to the untimely deaths of Tammy Daybell, Tylee Ryan, and Joshua “JJ” Vallow. As the deliberations continued, the jury grappled with the weight of their decision on the fate of Chad Daybell.