(Rightallegiance.com) – In a chilling case that captivated the nation, Chad Daybell was sentenced to death on Saturday for the first-degree murders and conspiracy charges in the deaths of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, and two children of his second wife, Lori Vallow Daybell. This case, rooted in power, sex, money, and apocalyptic spiritual beliefs, concluded with a death sentence recommendation from the jury.
Daybell’s conviction came on Thursday, as the jury found him guilty of murdering Tammy Daybell, along with 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow. Judge Steven Boyce formally imposed the death sentence after a jury determined that this penalty was appropriate under the law. Additionally, Daybell received a 15-year prison sentence for insurance fraud charges.
The sequestered jury began deliberating on Friday afternoon and continued for six hours before adjourning for the night. They resumed deliberations on Saturday morning, reaching a verdict by mid-morning. This case has drawn national attention, partly due to the couple’s extreme religious beliefs, which prosecutors argued were a central motive for the crimes.
During the trial, prosecutor Rob Wood highlighted the aggravating factors justifying the death penalty. He cited that the murders were committed for financial gain, with Daybell benefiting from life insurance policies following Tammy’s death. Furthermore, both Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell were convicted of grand theft for continuing to collect Social Security benefits for the deceased children. Wood also described the murders as exceptionally heinous and cruel.
The case against Daybell was bolstered by his connections to Lori Vallow Daybell, who was previously convicted of her children’s murders and sentenced to life in prison without parole. She is appealing her convictions on grounds of mental competence.
The deaths of Tylee and JJ occurred in September 2019, with Tammy Daybell found dead in her Idaho home on October 19, 2019. Less than three weeks later, Chad Daybell married Lori Vallow Daybell. Defense attorney John Prior attempted to portray Daybell as a religious man led astray by Lori, describing her as a disruptive force in his life. However, the jury was unconvinced by this narrative.
Victim impact statements delivered in court highlighted the profound grief and loss experienced by the families. Tammy Daybell’s father, Ron Douglas, expressed anger over his daughter’s treatment, while Kay Woodcock, JJ’s grandmother, spoke about the irreplaceable loss of her grandson and step-niece. The statements painted a picture of deep, enduring pain for the families affected by these tragic events.
Chad Daybell showed no emotion as the death sentence was pronounced. He declined to address the court after the victim impact statements. Law enforcement discovered the remains of Tylee and JJ on Daybell’s property in June 2020, marking a somber milestone in this complex and heartbreaking case.