The tragic deaths of Tylee Ryan and Joshua “JJ” Vallow shocked the nation when their remains were discovered on June 9, 2020, in Rexburg, Idaho. The two children had been missing since September 2019, sparking a widespread search and investigation.
Autopsy results revealed that JJ Vallow, aged 7, died from asphyxiation by a plastic bag and duct tape. The medical examiner noted potential scratch marks on JJ’s face, suggesting he may have struggled to remove the bag. For 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, the exact cause of death was not publicly disclosed due to the condition of her remains.
These heartbreaking findings came to light during the trial of Lori Vallow Daybell, the children’s mother, who faced charges related to their deaths. The case garnered significant media attention, unraveling a complex web of events that led to the untimely deaths of Tylee and JJ.
Background of the Case
The disappearance and deaths of Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow shocked the nation. Their mother Lori Vallow and her new husband Chad Daybell became central figures in a complex case involving multiple deaths and unusual religious beliefs.
Key Figures: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell
Lori Vallow was a mother of three who married Chad Daybell in November 2019. Chad was a doomsday author and podcaster who wrote about near-death experiences and the apocalypse.
Lori had been previously married to Charles Vallow, who was shot and killed by Lori’s brother in July 2019. Chad’s first wife Tammy Daybell died unexpectedly in October 2019, just weeks before he married Lori.
The couple held fringe religious beliefs, including ideas about zombies and the imminent end times. These beliefs allegedly played a role in the deaths of Lori’s children.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Discovery
September 8, 2019: Tylee Ryan, 16, was last seen at Yellowstone National Park with Lori, JJ, and Lori’s brother.
September 23, 2019: JJ Vallow, 7, vanished after Lori withdrew him from school.
November 2019: Lori and Chad married in Hawaii.
January 2020: Police issued a court order for Lori to produce the children.
June 9, 2020: Human remains were found on Chad Daybell’s property in Idaho.
June 10, 2020: Chad Daybell was arrested. The remains were later identified as Tylee and JJ.
The Disappearance of Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow
Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow vanished in September 2019, sparking a nationwide search. Their disappearance from Rexburg, Idaho led to a complex investigation involving multiple states.
Last Known Sightings
Tylee Ryan, 16, was last seen on September 8, 2019 at Yellowstone National Park. Family photos showed her there with her mother Lori Vallow, uncle Alex Cox, and brother JJ.
JJ Vallow, 7, was last spotted on September 23, 2019 at Kennedy Elementary School in Rexburg. He was withdrawn from school the next day, with Lori claiming she would homeschool him.
Neighbors reported not seeing the children after these dates. Concerns grew when relatives couldn’t contact them.
Search Efforts and Public Response
The children’s disappearance gained national attention in December 2019. East Idaho News played a key role in bringing the case to light.
Law enforcement conducted welfare checks and searched multiple properties. The FBI joined the investigation, expanding its scope across several states.
The public response was intense. Vigils were held, and online communities formed to share information and theories. Many questioned why the children’s mother wasn’t more cooperative with authorities.
Media coverage intensified as the search continued. The case captivated the nation, with people across the country following developments closely.
Discovery and Recovery of Remains
The grim discovery of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan’s remains on Chad Daybell’s property in June 2020 marked a tragic turning point in the case. Their bodies were found buried in shallow graves, hidden from view.
Identification of the Burial Sites
Investigators focused their search on Chad Daybell’s property in Salem, Idaho. They utilized ground-penetrating radar to identify potential burial sites. Two distinct areas were flagged – one near a pet cemetery and another in an adjacent field.
Law enforcement excavated these locations on June 9, 2020. The first site yielded the remains of 7-year-old JJ Vallow, wrapped in plastic and duct tape. The second site contained the dismembered and burned remains of 16-year-old Tylee Ryan.
Recovery Operations and Challenges
Recovering the remains proved challenging due to their condition and concealment. JJ’s body was relatively intact, allowing for easier identification. Tylee’s remains, however, required more intensive forensic work.
The dismemberment and burning of Tylee’s body complicated the recovery process. Investigators had to meticulously sift through soil and debris to collect all identifiable remains. This painstaking work was crucial for both evidence collection and showing respect for the victims.
Forensic experts faced the difficult task of piecing together fragmented evidence. They used DNA analysis and other forensic techniques to confirm the identities of both children.
Investigation and Evidence
The investigation into the deaths of Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow uncovered disturbing forensic findings and crucial evidence. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, meticulously gathered and analyzed information that ultimately led to arrests in the case.
Forensic Findings and Autopsy Reports
Autopsies revealed the tragic fates of Tylee and JJ. Dr. Garth Warren, a forensic pathologist, determined JJ Vallow’s cause of death was asphyxiation. The 7-year-old boy had been suffocated with a plastic bag over his head, secured with duct tape around his mouth and neck.
Tylee Ryan’s autopsy presented additional challenges. Her body had been dismembered and burned, complicating the examination. Despite this, forensic anthropologists assisted in the investigation. Tylee’s cause of death was ruled a homicide by unspecified means.
DNA analysis played a crucial role in identifying the children’s remains. The forensic team’s findings provided vital information for the case.
Evidence Leading to Arrest
The discovery of the children’s bodies on Chad Daybell’s property in Rexburg, Idaho, on June 9, 2020, marked a turning point in the investigation. This grim finding came after months of searching and public appeals.
The FBI and local law enforcement collected physical evidence from the burial sites. They also gathered electronic records, financial transactions, and witness statements. These pieces of evidence formed a comprehensive case against the suspects.
Surveillance footage, cell phone records, and suspicious purchases linked to the case were scrutinized. The cumulative evidence, combined with the forensic findings, provided grounds for the arrests of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell.
Legal Proceedings
The legal process surrounding the deaths of Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow involved complex murder charges and a high-profile trial. Key testimonies and legal strategies emerged as prosecutors sought justice for the children.
Murder Charges and Trial
Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The trial began in April 2023 in Ada County, Idaho. Prosecutors presented evidence linking the couple to the deaths of Tylee and JJ.
The court heard details about the children’s disappearance in September 2019 and the discovery of their remains on Daybell’s property in June 2020. The prosecution argued that Vallow and Daybell conspired to kill the children as part of their religious beliefs.
Testimonies and Legal Defense
Key witnesses testified about the couple’s religious views and behavior leading up to the children’s deaths. Medical examiners provided crucial evidence about the causes of death. JJ was determined to have died from asphyxiation, while Tylee’s death was ruled a homicide by unspecified means.
The defense team attempted to challenge the evidence and portray Vallow as a loving mother. They questioned the reliability of certain witnesses and suggested alternative explanations for the events. The trial garnered significant media attention due to its shocking nature and the involvement of religious beliefs.
Motivations and Cause of Death
Religious fanaticism and delusional beliefs played a significant role in the tragic deaths of Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow. The medical examiner’s findings revealed disturbing details about their final moments.
Religious Beliefs Impacting the Crime
Lori Vallow Daybell’s extreme religious views heavily influenced her actions. She believed her children had become “zombies” possessed by evil spirits. This distorted worldview led her to view Tylee and JJ as threats that needed to be eliminated. Vallow Daybell claimed she was a supernatural being tasked with preparing for the Second Coming of Christ.
Her beliefs became increasingly radical after meeting Chad Daybell. Together, they embraced apocalyptic ideas and doomsday preparations. This religious fanaticism appears to have been a primary motivation for the murders of Tylee and JJ.
Medical Examiner’s Cause of Death Report
The autopsies uncovered grim details about how Tylee and JJ died. JJ’s cause of death was ruled asphyxiation. His body was found wrapped in plastic and bound with duct tape. This suggests he may have suffocated after having a plastic bag placed over his head.
Tylee’s remains were dismembered and burned, making it difficult to determine her exact cause of death. The medical examiner listed it as “homicide by unspecified means.” Investigators found traces of GHB, a sedative drug, at the burial site. This raises the possibility that the children were drugged before being killed.
The brutality of the murders shocked even veteran law enforcement officers. The evidence points to calculated, premeditated acts rather than crimes of passion.
Aftermath and Impacts
The deaths of Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow sent shockwaves through their community and beyond. The case drew national attention and sparked ongoing investigations that continue to reveal new information.
Community Responses and the Media
Rexburg, Idaho became the epicenter of intense media scrutiny following the discovery of Tylee and JJ’s remains on June 9, 2020. Vigils and memorials were held to honor the children’s lives. East Idaho News played a crucial role in covering the case, providing regular updates to a concerned public.
The tragedy united many residents in grief and demands for justice. Some community members expressed disbelief that such horrific events could occur in their small town. Others organized fundraisers and support groups for the extended families of the victims.
National news outlets descended on Rexburg, turning the quiet college town into a hub of investigative reporting. The case captivated audiences across the country, sparking discussions about cults, family dynamics, and the justice system.
Ongoing Investigations and Revelations
Law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions collaborated on the complex investigation. The Ada County Coroner’s office conducted thorough autopsies, revealing crucial details about the children’s deaths.
New information continued to surface even after the initial arrests. Investigators uncovered text messages, financial records, and witness statements that painted a disturbing picture of events leading up to the murders.
The case expanded beyond Tylee and JJ, encompassing investigations into other suspicious deaths connected to Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell. This included the death of Lori’s previous husband, Charles Vallow, who had filed for divorce before his untimely demise.
Prosecutors built a case that included charges of conspiracy, murder, and concealment of evidence. The legal proceedings promised to be lengthy and complex, with potential new revelations emerging throughout the process.