The case of Chad Daybell is mainly about the deaths of Tammy Daybell, who was Chad’s first wife, and Lori Vallow Daybell’s kids named JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan. This situation got a lot of national attention because it was quite strange. As per reports, both Chad and Lori believed in extreme religious concepts related to end times preparation and visions.
This case brings up issues about religious extremism, manipulation and dividing line between faith and criminal acts.
The trial is in progress, with the role of religion as a main point of disagreement.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Daybells
At first, the Chad Daybell waa part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is often referred to as Mormons. It’s known that some of his later writings and beliefs strayed significantly from mainstream LDS teachings. He reportedly self-published books about near-death experiences and embraced concepts like millennialism
Lori Vallow Daybell reportedly fixated on preparing for a coming apocalypse, a belief some call “prepping.” This merged with a disturbing concept – identifying people as possessed by “dark spirits.”
How Chad and Lori Met?
Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow first crossed paths at a religious conference in 2018. Sparks flew, with friends reporting an immediate attraction. They reportedly began collaborating on religious podcasts, both interested in end-of-times prophecies. This shared fascination with apocalyptic beliefs became a dark undercurrent in their relationship.
The Dark Side of Chad Daybell’s Beliefs
The term “doomsday prepping” means getting ready for a serious event that could cause great devastation. This is usually done by collecting lots of supplies and improving abilities to survive. In the Daybell situation, this preparation has a more negative implication.
This idea seems to have been influenced by unproven stories about seeing visions or nearly dying, which might have turned into an explanation for the extreme actions that are said to have been done by both him and Lori Daybell.
Disappearances and Deaths
The concept of “possessed” children, believed by Lori Vallow Daybell, is a chilling element in the disappearances of Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow as well as the suspicious death of Tammy Daybell – her husband Chad Daybell’s wife. The idea that she considered her kids, JJ and Tylee, to be “zombies” or under some kind of evil spirit control appears like a complete denial from customary religious thoughts about family connection and sacredness of life.
Tylee and JJ’s Disappearances
The idea of Lori thinking her children were taken over by evil spirits could have created a twisted reason for hurting them. In her thoughts, she might have viewed “exorcism” or even getting rid of them as needed to save their souls or keep others safe.
Suspicious Death of Tammy Daybell
Using the same thinking method applied to her children, it’s possible that Lori thought Tammy was also under possession. This might have provided a reason for doing harm to Tammy, particularly if Tammy didn’t agree with Lori’s beliefs or appeared as an obstacle in carrying out her intentions.
Tammy’s death occurred shortly after Lori became fixated on the idea of “possessed” children.
Preparing for the Second Coming
Chad and Lori’s trust in an upcoming apocalypse might have impacted their actions following the disappearances. They could have viewed themselves as carrying out divine instructions to “purify” the planet or get ready for a future combat between good and bad forces. Their mutual interest in prophecies about end times may have provided them with a mental justification, making them perceive their deeds as inevitable wrongs within a bigger predetermined scheme.
Crime Timeline
Early 1990s: Marries Tammy Daybell and has five children with her.
2015: The Daybell family moves to Idaho from Utah.
Fall 2018: Chad meets Lori Vallow at a religious conference.
July 11, 2019: Husband, Charles Vallow, is shot and killed by Lori’s brother.
August 2019: Lori, her children Tylee Ryan (17) and JJ Vallow (7), Alex Cox, and her niece Melanie Gibb move to Idaho.
September 8, 2019: Tylee is last seen alive near Yellowstone National Park.
September 9, 2019: Phone records place Alex Cox on Chad’s property. Chad texts Tammy about shooting a raccoon.
October 2019: Tammy Daybell dies under suspicious circumstances. Her death is initially attributed to natural causes.
December 2019: Police begin investigating the disappearance of Tylee and JJ.
January 2020: A search is conducted on Chad’s property, but nothing is found.
January 25, 2020: Lori and Chad are found in Hawaii. Lori is served with a court order to produce her children.
January 30, 2020: Lori fails to produce the children and is charged with child abandonment.
February 21, 2020: Lori is arrested in Hawaii.
June 9, 2020: Human remains are found on Chad’s property and later identified as Tylee and JJ. Chad is arrested for concealing evidence.
May 2021: Lori and Chad are charged with the murders of Tylee, JJ, and Tammy Daybell.
March 2022: Arizona declines to press charges against Chad related to the attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux.
April 2022: Lori is ruled competent to stand trial.
Current (April 2024): Chad’s trial is expected to take place soon.
Search for Chad Daybell
Following months of investigation into Tylee and JJ’s disappearances, investigators examined Chad’s Idaho ranch. The search revealed human remains, which were later identified as the missing children. This discovery resulted in Chad’s arrest for concealing evidence. He is currently charged with the killings of Tylee, JJ, and his first wife, Tammy Daybell.
Trial Began
The trials for Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell were not at the same time. It was in April 2023 that Lori’s trial happened, where she got declared guilty of murdering her kids. But Chad Daybell’s trial started in April 2024. He is accused of killing Tammy Daybell, Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow. The trial could be very long, lasting possibly for two months.
The Chad Daybell case shows the chilling way in which people with very strong religious ideas can mix their faith and violence. Even if we may not ever fully understand everything, the proof seems to point towards a strange explanation for why these tragic events happened.
