VALLOW DAYBELL CASE

Autopsy results reveal Tammy Daybell died of asphyxiation

Apr 10, 2023, 10:39 AM | Updated: Oct 19, 2023, 11:49 am

tammy daybell is pictured...

Tammy Daybell was 49-year-old at the time of her death. Lori Vallow Daybell is charged with conspiracy to murder in releation to her death. (Photo from obituary)

(Photo from obituary)

BOISE, Idaho — Prosecutors in the Lori Vallow Daybell trial revealed the long-awaited results of an autopsy performed on Tammy Daybell. Her cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation and not a heart attack, as previously believed.

Fremont County Prosecutor Lindsey A. Blake explained the results of the autopsy in opening arguments of the trial Monday morning.

Tammy was married to Chad Daybell for 28 years before she reportedly died in her sleep. Her death was later considered suspicious and her remains were exhumed on Dec. 11, 2019. An autopsy was performed the same day, less than two months after her death.

The results of that autopsy had never been shared with the public, being cited as part of the investigation up to this point.

Her husband was later charged with her murder, and he has pleaded not guilty to those charges. Vallow Daybell is accused of conspiring to murder Tammy Daybell; she has also pleaded not guilty to that charge.

Opening arguments in Lori Vallow Daybell trial

Blake explained that in October 2019, Tammy came face to face with a masked man pointing a gun at her.


MORE on Monday’s opening arguments in the trial

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Vallow Daybell Case

Demolition workers watching the Daybell home being torn down. (KSL TV)...

Garna Mejia, KSLTV.com

Volunteers talk about demolishing Chad Daybell home, make way for memorial space

The former home of Chad Daybell, the man sentenced to death in the murders of his wife and two step-children, was demolished Friday.

4 months ago

burial site excavation shown, the vallow daybell trial revealed some involvement by alex cox...

Garna Mejia, KSL TV

Daybell home purchased by nonprofit with plans to demolish it, create healing space

The Idaho home once owned by Chad Daybell is under new ownership. A couple in Idaho bought the home and started a nonprofit.

4 months ago

Jurors are speaking publicly for the first time about their decision to give Chad Daybell the death...

Simone Seikaly and Becky Bruce

In appeal, Chad Daybell asks Idaho Supreme Court to review verdict, sentence

An attorney for Chad Daybell has filed an appeal asking the state supreme court to evaluate Daybell's trial and verdict.

7 months ago

Jurors are speaking publicly for the first time about their decision to give Chad Daybell the death...

Andrew Adams, KSLTV.com

Daybell jurors speak publicly about death penalty decision

One of the alternate jurors in the Chad Daybell case said the roughest day was when they heard impact statements from family.

7 months ago

Chad Daybell during his murder trial , he could face the death penalty...

Sam Herrera and Kennedy Camarena

Jury sentences Chad Daybell to death

The decision comes two days after the jury convicted Daybell for the murders of Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell.

8 months ago

chad daybell...

Sam Herrera

Jury deliberations for Chad Daybell death penalty decision begin

An Idaho jury convicted Chad Daybell of three murders on Thursday. He now awaits sentencing and could face the death penalty.

8 months ago

Sponsored Articles

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your Front Row to An Extraordinary Cosmos Show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Stressed young woman checking bills, taxes, bank account balance and calculating expenses in the li...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Why you should speak to a Utah lawyer about longstanding IRS tax issues

Hiring a lawyer to navigate longstanding IRS tax issues can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable resolution.

Autopsy results reveal Tammy Daybell died of asphyxiation