St. Anthony, Idaho – Lori Vallow Daybell has been sentenced to multiple life terms in prison without the possibility of parole for the deaths of her two children and her husband’s previous wife. This high-profile case captured national attention after Vallow Daybell’s children vanished nearly four years ago. Vallow Daybell was convicted in May for the murders of her children, Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16, as well as conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Tammy Daybell. Judge Steven W. Boyce handed down consecutive life sentences for each murder charge due to the crimes occurring at different times.
Prior to her sentencing, Vallow Daybell addressed the court, claiming a near-death experience had enabled her to communicate with the “spirit world.” She expressed certainty that her children and Tammy Daybell were happy in heaven, stating that Tylee and Joshua had communicated with her to assure her of their happiness after their passing. Vallow Daybell insisted that Jesus knew the truth of the situation and that no murders had taken place, citing accidental deaths, suicides, and fatal medication effects.
Judge Boyce revealed that Vallow Daybell’s mental health evaluation indicated “hyper religiosity” and an unspecified personality disorder with histrionic and narcissistic traits. Despite opportunities for court-ordered screenings that may have impacted her sentencing, Vallow Daybell chose not to participate. Boyce noted her lack of remorse throughout the proceedings, emphasizing a failure to seek leniency.
Tylee was Vallow Daybell’s biological daughter from her third marriage, while Joshua was adopted during her fourth marriage to Charles Vallow. Vallow Daybell and her fifth husband, Chad Daybell, were driven by doomsday prophecies and a belief in the existence of “zombies” inhabited by evil spirits. Prosecutors described her as a person willing to eliminate any obstacle in her path, resorting to manipulation using money, power, and sex to achieve her desires.
The search for Tylee and Joshua began in November 2019 after family members raised concerns over their disappearance. Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell misled authorities regarding the children’s whereabouts and failed to comply with court orders. Tragically, the remains of Tylee and Joshua were discovered in June 2020 on Chad Daybell’s property, with details emerging of a pet cemetery burial and dismemberment/fire pit incineration.
Following Tammy Daybell’s sudden death, which was initially deemed natural, subsequent investigations determined foul play. Vallow Daybell swiftly married Chad Daybell, with prosecutors alleging a conspiracy to eliminate Tammy Daybell so the couple could be together. Chad Daybell, a self-published author of doomsday-focused fiction, is awaiting his own trial for the same murder charges.
The unraveling of this complex web of deceit and tragedy sheds light on the devastating impact of Lori Vallow Daybell’s actions. Despite her claims in court, the heartbreaking testimonies of family members, such as Colby Ryan and Kay Woodcock, underscore the profound loss experienced as a result of her choices. Larry Woodcock’s blunt dismissal of Vallow Daybell’s remarks serves as a stark reminder of the pain inflicted by her actions. The repercussions of Vallow Daybell’s crimes continue to reverberate, leaving a community shattered by grief and seeking justice for the lives she has shattered.