Chad Daybell Sentenced To Death For Murder Of Family Members

Chad Daybell sits at the defense table after the jury's verdict in his murder trial was read at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Daybell has been sentenced

Chad Daybell was sentenced to death on Saturday following the recommendation of the jury that found him guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges in the deaths of his first wife and two children of his second wife. The case was characterized by elements of power, sex, money, and apocalyptic spiritual beliefs.

Daybell was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges in the killings of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, and two of his second wife's children, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow. The jury's decision to impose the death penalty was based on a thorough evaluation of aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

Judge Steven Boyce formally imposed the death sentence, along with a 15-year prison term for insurance fraud charges. Daybell maintained a blank expression as the sentence was handed down, with the judge emphasizing the jury's determination that the aggravating circumstances outweighed the mitigating factors.

Jury found Daybell guilty in the deaths of his first wife and two of his second wife's children.

Chad Daybell sentenced to death for first-degree murder and conspiracy charges.

Case involved elements of power, sex, money, and apocalyptic spiritual beliefs.

The sequestered jury deliberated Daybell's fate for several hours before reaching a verdict. The case garnered national attention due to the couple's reported 'doomsday' religious beliefs and was featured in a Netflix true-crime documentary.

Prosecutor Rob Wood highlighted aggravating factors, including the murders being committed for remuneration and the exceptional depravity exhibited in the killings. Wood argued that Daybell's actions demonstrated a disregard for human life and posed a continuing threat to society.

Defense lawyer John Prior portrayed Daybell as a once quiet and reserved individual whose life took a drastic turn after meeting his second wife, Lori Vallow Daybell. Prior described Vallow as a disruptive force that altered Daybell's trajectory and led to a series of tragic events.

The verdict comes after Lori Vallow Daybell was convicted of the murder of her children and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Authorities believe the victims were killed in September 2019, with Tammy Daybell found dead in October of the same year.

Daybell's defense team argued that his past was drastically altered by his relationship with Vallow, leading to the tragic outcomes witnessed in the case. The sentencing marks a significant development in a case that has captivated public interest and raised questions about the intersection of personal beliefs and criminal behavior.