An Idaho judge sentenced Chad Daybell to death two days after he was found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2019 killings of his first wife and two of his current wife’s children, based on their “doomsday” religious beliefs. The decision was made after jurors recommended the death penalty, citing aggravating factors such as the heinous nature of the crimes, Daybell’s motivation for financial gain, and the continued danger he posed to society. Prosecutors argued that Daybell had extreme religious beliefs, including visions where he believed certain individuals needed to be destroyed, in order to start a new life with his current spouse after collecting insurance payments.
Defense attorney John Prior argued that the original charges against Daybell were related to religious beliefs, not financial gain, and that he was not the only suspect in the murders. Family members of the victims spoke of their immeasurable loss and grief, with Samantha Gwilliam, the sister of Daybell’s first wife, expressing how Tammy Daybell should have been enjoying her life instead of being violently taken from them. Prior to the sentencing, Daybell showed no emotion as he was found guilty on multiple counts of murder and theft, with charges also filed against his wife, Lori Vallow Daybell, in connection with the deaths of her two children.
The religious beliefs of the Daybells drew attention due to their potential involvement in the murders, with prosecutors alleging that the couple endorsed and taught beliefs that justified the deaths of the children. Robert H. Wood, one of the prosecutors, stated that the murders displayed an “utter disregard for human life.” Defense attorney John Prior highlighted Daybell’s previous life and family before meeting his current spouse, emphasizing how his life trajectory changed drastically after their relationship began. Family members recounted the pain of losing their loved ones and the missed opportunities for their futures, painting a picture of the devastation left by the murders.
The couple’s history includes Ms. Vallow Daybell being dubbed the “Doomsday Mom” in media coverage and a documentary due to their connections to doomsday beliefs and organizations. They married shortly after Tammy Daybell’s death, which was initially attributed to natural causes but later re-investigated after the disappearance of Vallow Daybell’s children. Further investigation revealed Tammy’s cause of death as asphyxiation, occurring shortly after Daybell increased her life insurance coverage. Ms. Vallow Daybell’s arrest in Hawaii, where she was accused of obstructing the search for her missing children, led to the discovery of their remains on Daybell’s property in Idaho and his subsequent arrest for concealing evidence.
Overall, the sentencing of Chad Daybell to death marked the conclusion of a complex, tragic case that involved multiple murders, accusations of religious motivations, and the devastating loss experienced by the victims’ families. The trial shed light on the couple’s extremist beliefs and actions, leading to a swift decision by the jury and judge to impose the maximum penalty for Daybell’s crimes. The impactful victim impact statements and evidence presented during the sentencing proceedings left no doubt about the severity and gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability in the face of such senseless violence.
