Who is Colby Ryan?

BOISE, Idaho — Colby Ryan is the only surviving son of Lori Vallow Daybell; the half-brother of Tylee Ryan; and adoptive brother of JJ Vallow.

Ryan left home at 17 and went to Phoenix where he lived with his uncle, Alex Cox.

Ryan came back to live with Vallow Daybell and Charles Vallow in Arizona later.

Ryan attended Gilbert Community College and left on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 18. He was gone for six weeks and then came home.

Few details are available about Ryan’s life, but he was vocal as details emerged in the case.

According to the Deseret News in 2020, Ryan said, “It hurts so much. And on top of that, we have a million questions. So you can’t call your own mom. You can’t go to your house — or her house — and see your siblings. You’re just out in the cold.”

Ryan was accused of rape, but the charges were later dropped in Sept. 2022. 

Colby Ryan opens up about his experience

• Colby Ryan faces mother as he testifies in Lori Vallow Daybell trial