Chad Daybell, a doomsday prophesizer, is set to stand trial in Boise, Idaho, accused of killing his wife Tammy Daybell, and his new partner Lori Vallow Daybell’s two children, Joshua “JJ” Vallow and Tylee Ryan. The couple allegedly believed in “zombies” and evil spirits that possessed human souls. Prosecutors claim that they believed the only way to expel a zombie was to kill the possessed person’s physical body, leading to the children’s deaths. Chad Daybell faces three counts of first-degree murder, among other charges, and denies all allegations, pleading not guilty. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
Lori Vallow Daybell was found guilty of murdering her children and conspiracy to kill Tammy Daybell. She was sentenced to life in prison without parole in July. She was also charged with conspiracy to murder her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, who was shot by her brother and claimed as self-defense. Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell had been scheduled to face trial together but the cases were separated when it became apparent that they might blame each other for the crimes. The bodies of the children were discovered buried in Chad Daybell’s yard in 2020, with Tylee Ryan’s death ruled as a homicide by unspecified means and JJ Vallow’s death determined to have been caused by asphyxiation.
Initially, Tammy Daybell’s death was believed to be due to natural causes, but authorities grew suspicious and later found evidence that she had been asphyxiated. Vallow Daybell and Daybell fled to Hawaii after the children’s disappearance and the investigation into the deaths surrounding them. They were eventually captured and faced trial separately. During her sentencing, Vallow Daybell mentioned spiritual communications with Jesus and the spirit world, claiming that her children were happy and busy in the afterlife. However, the judge labeled her beliefs as part of a “bizarre religious rabbit hole.” The case has garnered global attention for its sensational nature and bizarre circumstances.
Chad Daybell’s trial is significant as it marks the final chapter in a case that has shocked the U.S. and beyond. The allegations of murder, belief in zombies, and apocalyptic religious beliefs have captivated the public and raised questions about the influence of extreme ideologies on individuals. The prosecution will present evidence linking Daybell to the deaths of his wife and Lori Vallow Daybell’s children, seeking justice for the victims. The trial is expected to shed light on the motivations behind the crimes and the role of religious beliefs in shaping the actions of the accused.
The trial of Chad Daybell is a complex legal proceeding that will examine the evidence and testimonies related to the murders of Tammy Daybell, Joshua “JJ” Vallow, and Tylee Ryan. The prosecution aims to prove that Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell conspired to kill their family members as part of their belief in apocalyptic prophecies and evil spirits. The defense will likely argue against these allegations, presenting their version of events and attempting to mitigate the charges against their client. The outcome of the trial will have a lasting impact on the families of the victims, as they seek closure and justice for their loved ones.
