Chad Daybell Sentenced to Death in ‘Doomsday’ Triple-Murder Case

BOISE, Idaho — In a case that has gripped the nation with its chilling details and bizarre religious undertones, Chad Daybell, the so-called "Doomsday Prophet," was sentenced to death on Saturday for the murders of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, and his second wife Lori Vallow's two youngest children, Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan.

The verdict, delivered by a jury in Fremont County, Idaho, marks the culmination of a nearly five-year legal saga that began with the mysterious disappearances of JJ and Tylee in September 2019. Their remains were discovered in shallow graves on Daybell's property in June 2020, leading to a series of revelations about the couple's extreme religious beliefs and the tragic fates of those around them.

A Chilling Plot Unveiled

Prosecutors painted a harrowing picture of Daybell and Vallow's actions, describing a plot driven by a quest for "money, power, and sex." The couple, who met at a religious conference in 2018, quickly became entangled in a web of apocalyptic beliefs. They claimed that certain individuals, including JJ and Tylee, were "dark spirits" or "zombies" whose bodies needed to be destroyed to save their souls.

Tammy Daybell, Chad's first wife, was found dead in her home in October 2019, initially believed to have died of natural causes. However, an autopsy later revealed that she had been asphyxiated. Just weeks after her death, Chad married Lori Vallow in Hawaii, raising suspicions and prompting further investigation.

The Trial and Verdict

The trial, which lasted nearly two months, featured testimony from over 70 witnesses, including forensic experts, family members, and former friends of the couple. Prosecutors presented a mountain of evidence, including text messages between Daybell and Vallow discussing their beliefs about "light and dark" spirits and "death percentages."

During closing arguments, prosecutor Lindsey Blake emphasized the calculated nature of the murders, stating, "Three dead bodies ... and for what? Money, power, and sex. That's what the defendant cared about." The jury, after deliberating for six hours over two days, found Daybell guilty on all counts, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and insurance fraud.

Sentencing and Reactions

The sentencing phase of the trial was equally emotional, with victim impact statements from family members of the deceased. Tammy Daybell's father, Ron Douglas, expressed his anguish, saying, "It destroys me to know Tammy was treated the way she was." Joshua's grandmother, Kay Woodcock, spoke of the enduring pain, stating, "There's a hole in my heart and the hearts of every member of my family that can never be filled."

Judge Steven Boyce, who presided over both Daybell and Vallow's trials, imposed the death sentence, citing the "especially heinous, atrocious or cruel" nature of the crimes. He noted that Daybell exhibited "utter disregard for human life" and posed a continuing threat to society.

A Community in Shock

The case has left a lasting impact on the community and beyond, drawing attention to the dangers of extreme religious beliefs and the devastating consequences they can have. Fremont County Prosecutor Lindsey Blake called it a "hard-fought battle" and expressed hope that the verdict would bring some measure of healing to the victims' families.

Chad Daybell's defense attorney, John Prior, argued that there was insufficient evidence to conclusively tie Daybell to the murders, suggesting that Lori Vallow's brother, Alex Cox, who died in late 2019, could be the actual perpetrator. However, the jury was not swayed by this argument, and Daybell did not testify in his defense.

Looking Ahead

Lori Vallow, who was convicted last year and sentenced to life in prison without parole, is currently awaiting trial in Arizona for the murder of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. The couple's actions have left a trail of destruction, affecting countless lives and prompting a deeper examination of the intersection between mental health and religious extremism.

As Chad Daybell joins the ranks of Idaho's death row inmates, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of these horrific events. The hope remains that justice, though delayed, will provide some solace to those who have suffered unimaginable loss.