Idaho prosecutors to seek death penalty against Chad Daybell
Aug 5, 2021, 5:55 PM | Updated: Apr 3, 2023, 5:56 pm
FILE: Image of Chad Daybell during a court hearing, Aug. 4, 2020, in St. Anthony, Idaho. Jury selection got underway on April 1, 2024, in Daybell's trial. He is accused of eight felonies, including first-degree murder. (Post Register/ John Roark, POOL)
(Post Register/ John Roark, POOL)
REXBURG, Idaho — Idaho prosecutors announced Thursday their intentions to seek the death penalty against Chad Daybell.
Daybell is facing numerous murder and conspiracy charges, including the deaths of his two stepchildren, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, found on his Idaho property in June 2020. He also faces charges in connection with the death of his first wife, Tammy Daybell.
This does not apply to Lori Vallow Daybell. Her case is on hold after she was deemed not competent to stand trial earlier this year.
Prosecutors seek death penalty against Chad Daybell
In a joint statement, Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsay A. Blake and Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob H. Wood said the following:
“Our process in making this determination was lengthy and comprehensive,” the statement read. “We conferred with those immediate family members of JJ Vallow, Tylee Ryan and Tammy Daybell, who have indicated a willingness to speak with us and allowed them an opportunity to provide their input if they wished to do so. The ultimate decision to seek capital punishment rests with the State, and after completing the entire process, we determined that the nature and magnitude of these crimes warrant the possibility of the highest possible punishment.”
Read more: A timeline of the missing Idaho children
Lori Daybell’s children were first reported missing in September of 2019. He and Lori Vallow Daybell were married on Nov.5, 2019 in Hawaii. Their marriage came just weeks after his first wife’s death.
Authorities arrested Lori Vallow Daybell in February 2020 on two felony counts of desertion and non-support of dependent children. She has remained in jail ever since.
Investigators arrested Chad Daybell on June 9, 2020, nearly a mile from his home. His arrest came moments after authorities discovered the bodies of his two step children.
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