An Overview of Key Individuals Involved in the Triple-Murder Trial of Chad Daybell
In a sensational trial that has captivated the nation, Chad Daybell, a self-published doomsday fiction author, is currently facing charges in Idaho for the deaths of his wife and his new girlfriend’s two children. The trial delves into a complex web of unusual claims involving evil spirits, alongside more typical motives such as life insurance and social security benefits. While Chad Daybell pleads not guilty to murder, conspiracy, and insurance fraud charges, his girlfriend and the children’s mother, Lori Vallow Daybell, has already been sentenced to life in prison. This article provides an overview of the key individuals involved in this gripping triple-murder trial.
Chad Daybell, 55, finds himself at the center of the trial as the accused murderer of his wife’s two children. A former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Chad was known for his self-published fiction books that loosely incorporated the teachings of his faith. He was married to Tammy Daybell for three decades and together they had a family of five children. Prosecutors claim that Chad met Lori Vallow Daybell in 2018 and the two formed a relationship, declaring that they were married in a past life. They led a group of friends in attempting to cast out evil spirits through prayer and what they called “energy work.” Disturbingly, they believed that some individuals could turn into zombies, and the only way to banish them was through their death. A friend even reported hearing Lori refer to the children as zombies before their disappearance. Chad’s credibility comes into question as he initially claimed that Tammy died in her sleep due to natural causes but later married Lori just two weeks after her death. An autopsy revealed that Tammy died of asphyxiation, leading to further suspicion surrounding Chad’s involvement in her death.
Lori Vallow Daybell, 50, is a beautician by trade and the mother of three. She has had a tumultuous personal life, having been married five times. Her first marriage ended quickly, followed by a second marriage that resulted in the birth of her son. In 2001, she married Joseph Ryan, with whom she had a daughter named Tylee. However, the couple divorced a few years later, and Joseph tragically died of a suspected heart attack. After his death, Lori collected social security survivor benefits intended for her daughter Tylee. During her sentencing, Lori made a perplexing statement claiming that “accidental deaths happen” and that the spirits of the victims regularly visited her in the “spirit world.” She moved with her two youngest children to Idaho in 2019 after her fourth husband was shot to death by her brother. It was during this time that Joshua and Tylee went missing, and Chad and Lori applied to increase Tammy’s life insurance benefit. The children’s bodies were eventually discovered buried in Chad’s yard.
Charles Vallow, a member of the LDS church, entered Lori’s life after her divorce from Joseph Ryan. The couple married in 2006 and adopted Joshua, affectionately known as JJ. However, their marriage began to deteriorate in 2019 when Charles filed for divorce, citing Lori’s belief that she was a deity tasked with bringing about the Biblical apocalypse. Tragically, Charles was shot and killed by Lori’s brother, Alex Cox, who alleged self-defense and was never charged in the case. Following Charles’ death, Lori relocated to Idaho with her brother and two children.
Alex Cox played a significant role in the events leading up to the trial but sadly passed away suddenly in December 2019. Both Chad and Lori are accused of conspiring with Alex in the deaths of the children, although he was never formally charged. Autopsy and toxicology reports indicated that Alex died of a pulmonary blood clot, with law enforcement officials attributing his death to natural causes. Despite this, prosecutors presented evidence during Lori’s trial that linked Alex to the children’s deaths, including GPS data from his phone that traced his movements to the locations where the bodies were eventually found. Witnesses testified that Alex believed he was chosen to protect Lori and that he subscribed to the belief in possession and zombies. Cox’s wife even claimed that he referred to himself as the “fall guy” when Tammy Daybell’s body was exhumed, hinting at potential guilt before his untimely death.
The trial of Chad Daybell promises to be a riveting and highly anticipated event, with its complex mix of supernatural claims and more mundane motives. As investigators present their evidence and witnesses take the stand, the truth behind these tragic deaths will hopefully come to light. In the end, justice must prevail for the victims, who lost their lives in such a disturbing manner. The trial is expected to span over two months, providing ample time for the prosecution and defense to present their cases. The outcome will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for all those involved and will serve as a cautionary tale of how misplaced beliefs and greed can lead to devastating consequences.
