The tragic deaths of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan shocked the nation in 2020. These siblings, aged 7 and 16 respectively, disappeared in September 2019, sparking a months-long search that ended in heartbreak.
Autopsies revealed that JJ Vallow died from asphyxiation by a plastic bag and duct tape, while Tylee Ryan’s cause of death was not explicitly stated due to the condition of her remains. The children’s bodies were discovered on June 9, 2020, buried on the property of Chad Daybell in Rexburg, Idaho.
This case gained national attention due to the involvement of their mother, Lori Vallow Daybell, and her new husband, Chad Daybell. The couple faced charges related to the deaths of JJ and Tylee, as well as Chad’s previous wife. The trial that followed unveiled chilling details about the final days of these young victims.
Overview of the Case
JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan disappeared in September 2019, sparking a nationwide search. The children were last seen in Rexburg, Idaho, where they lived with their mother, Lori Vallow Daybell.
Concerns grew when family members were unable to contact the children. Lori Vallow Daybell and her new husband, Chad Daybell, refused to cooperate with authorities and fled to Hawaii.
In June 2020, a grim discovery was made on Chad Daybell’s property in Idaho. The remains of JJ and Tylee were found buried in shallow graves, confirming the worst fears of their loved ones.
Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell were subsequently arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder. The case attracted national attention due to its bizarre nature and the couple’s alleged involvement in doomsday beliefs.
Investigators uncovered a complex web of events leading up to the children’s deaths. This included suspicious deaths of former spouses, financial motivations, and religious extremism.
The trial of Lori Vallow Daybell revealed chilling details about the children’s final moments. Forensic evidence and witness testimonies painted a disturbing picture of premeditated murder.
Key Individuals Involved
Several people played central roles in the tragic deaths of Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow. Their interconnected relationships and actions formed a complex web of events leading up to the children’s disappearance and murder.
Lori Vallow Daybell
Lori Vallow Daybell, the mother of Tylee Ryan and adoptive mother of J.J. Vallow, stands at the center of the case. She married Chad Daybell shortly after the children disappeared. Lori’s religious beliefs became increasingly extreme over time, influencing her actions.
She faced charges of conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder in the deaths of her children. Prosecutors alleged that Lori conspired with Chad Daybell and her brother Alex Cox to kill Tylee and J.J.
Lori’s behavior raised suspicions when she failed to report her children missing and continued to collect J.J.’s Social Security benefits after his disappearance.
Chad Daybell
Chad Daybell, a doomsday author and Lori’s fifth husband, married her shortly after the death of his previous wife, Tammy. He was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Tylee and J.J.
Chad’s apocalyptic beliefs and claims of religious visions played a significant role in the case. He allegedly told Lori that her children had become “zombies” and needed to be eliminated.
The bodies of Tylee and J.J. were found buried on Chad’s property in Idaho, linking him directly to the crime.
Tylee Ryan
Tylee Ryan, Lori’s 16-year-old daughter, was last seen on September 8, 2019, during a family trip to Yellowstone National Park. Her disappearance and subsequent death shocked the community.
Tylee’s remains were found on Chad Daybell’s property, dismembered and burned. The exact cause of her death was listed as “homicide by unspecified means” due to the condition of her remains.
Prior to her death, Tylee had witnessed the shooting of her stepfather, Charles Vallow, by her uncle Alex Cox.
J.J. Vallow
J.J. Vallow, Lori’s adopted 7-year-old son with autism, was last seen on September 23, 2019. His disappearance raised immediate concerns due to his special needs.
J.J.’s body was found wrapped in plastic and duct tape on Chad Daybell’s property. Autopsy results revealed that he died of asphyxiation.
Toxicology reports indicated the presence of GHB, a date rape drug, in J.J.’s system at the time of his death.
Charles Vallow
Charles Vallow, Lori’s fourth husband and J.J.’s adoptive father, was shot and killed by Lori’s brother Alex Cox on July 11, 2019. Charles had expressed concerns about Lori’s mental state and religious beliefs prior to his death.
He had filed for divorce from Lori, citing her increasingly extreme religious views and fears for his own safety. Charles claimed Lori believed she was a reincarnated god preparing for the second coming of Christ.
His death marked the beginning of a series of suspicious events surrounding Lori and her children.
Tammy Daybell
Tammy Daybell, Chad’s first wife, died unexpectedly on October 19, 2019. Initially, her death was attributed to natural causes, but authorities later exhumed her body for further investigation.
Chad married Lori just two weeks after Tammy’s death, raising suspicions about the circumstances surrounding her passing. Tammy’s death is now considered part of the broader investigation into the Daybell-Vallow case.
Prosecutors later charged Chad with first-degree murder in connection with Tammy’s death.
Alex Cox
Alex Cox, Lori’s brother, played a significant role in the events leading up to the children’s deaths. He shot and killed Charles Vallow, claiming self-defense, and was never charged for the incident.
Phone records placed Alex at the locations where Tylee and J.J.’s bodies were found on Chad Daybell’s property, implicating him in their burials.
Alex died on December 12, 2019, of natural causes related to blood clots in his lungs. His death occurred before he could be questioned further about his involvement in the case.
Chronology of Events
The disappearance and deaths of J.J. Vallow and Tylee Ryan unfolded over several months, involving multiple investigations and legal proceedings. Key events include the children’s initial disappearances, the discovery of remains on Chad Daybell’s property, and subsequent arrests.
Initial Disappearances
J.J. Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 17, were last seen in September 2019. Tylee was last spotted on a family trip to Yellowstone National Park on September 8. J.J. was last seen at school on September 23.
Concerns grew when relatives couldn’t contact the children. In November 2019, police conducted a welfare check at Lori Vallow’s home in Rexburg, Idaho. Lori claimed J.J. was staying with a friend in Arizona, but this proved false.
The FBI released photos from the Yellowstone trip, seeking public assistance. As the search intensified, Lori and her new husband Chad Daybell left Idaho for Hawaii.
Discoveries at Daybell Property
On June 9, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Chad Daybell’s property in Salem, Idaho. They discovered two sets of human remains in shallow graves.
The remains were identified as J.J. Vallow and Tylee Ryan. A forensic pathologist later revealed the children’s causes of death, though details were not immediately made public.
Evidence found at the scene included DNA from Lori Vallow and fingerprints from her brother, Alex Cox. Pink foam was also discovered in the mouth of Chad’s late wife, Tammy Daybell.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Chad Daybell was arrested on June 9, 2020, the same day remains were found on his property. Lori Vallow had been arrested earlier, on February 20, 2020, in Hawaii on charges related to the children’s disappearance.
Both Lori and Chad faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The legal proceedings involved complex timelines and evidence from various sources.
Investigators also looked into the deaths of Lori’s former husband, Charles Vallow, and Chad’s former wife, Tammy Daybell. These deaths were initially ruled as natural but later became part of the broader investigation.
Details on the Children’s Fate
The remains of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan were discovered in June 2020 on Chad Daybell’s property in Idaho. Their deaths shocked the nation and revealed disturbing details about their final moments.
JJ Vallow, 7, died from asphyxiation. His body was found wrapped in plastic and bound with duct tape. The autopsy revealed possible scratch marks, suggesting he may have struggled to remove the covering from his face.
Tylee Ryan, 16, faced a more gruesome fate. Her remains were dismembered and burned, showing significant burning artifacts. The extensive damage to her body made determining an exact cause of death challenging for investigators.
Both children’s remains displayed signs of decomposition, indicating they had been deceased for some time before discovery. The condition of the bodies complicated the autopsy process and limited the available forensic evidence.
These tragic findings provided crucial information for the prosecution in building their case against Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell. The children’s deaths marked a devastating end to a complex and disturbing saga that captivated public attention.
Theories and Motives
Several theories emerged regarding the motives behind JJ and Tylee’s deaths. These theories centered around religious extremism, financial gain, and alleged conspiracies.
Religious Beliefs and Fanaticism
Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell’s extreme religious beliefs played a significant role in the case. The couple adhered to fringe doomsday ideologies and claimed to have spiritual visions.
They believed in the existence of “dark spirits” and “zombies” – people whose bodies were supposedly possessed by evil entities. This belief system may have led them to view JJ and Tylee as threats.
Chad Daybell reportedly told Lori that her children had become “zombies,” potentially justifying their elimination in the couple’s distorted worldview.
Financial Motives
Financial gain emerged as another potential motive in the deaths of JJ and Tylee. Investigators uncovered evidence of life insurance policies and suspicious financial transactions.
Lori Vallow Daybell had taken out a $1 million life insurance policy on her late husband, Charles Vallow. After his death, she attempted to claim the money.
The couple also continued to collect social security benefits for the children after their disappearance. This raised questions about whether financial incentives played a role in the murders.
Allegations of Conspiracy
Prosecutors argued that Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell engaged in a conspiracy to commit murder. They alleged the couple planned and executed the killings together.
Text messages and witness statements revealed discussions about “eliminating” perceived threats to their beliefs and relationship. The couple’s actions suggested a coordinated effort to conceal the children’s whereabouts and deaths.
Investigators also examined the deaths of the couple’s former spouses, exploring potential links to a broader conspiracy. This raised questions about the extent of their alleged crimes.
Legal Proceedings
The legal proceedings surrounding the deaths of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan have garnered national attention. Multiple charges were filed against key suspects, leading to high-profile court trials.
Charges and Court Trials
Lori Vallow Daybell and her husband Chad Daybell faced multiple charges related to the deaths of JJ and Tylee. The prosecution accused them of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and grand theft by deception.
The trial of Lori Vallow Daybell began in April 2023 in Idaho. Prosecutors presented evidence linking her to the children’s deaths, including financial records and witness testimonies.
Chad Daybell’s trial was scheduled separately. Both trials attracted significant media coverage due to the case’s complex nature and shocking allegations.
Potential Outcomes
If found guilty of first-degree murder, Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell could face life in prison or the death penalty. Idaho law allows for capital punishment in certain murder cases.
The prosecution sought the death penalty for both defendants. However, the final decision would rest with the jury and judge if convictions were secured.
Alternatively, plea deals could potentially be offered in exchange for life sentences without parole. The trials’ outcomes would significantly impact the quest for justice for JJ and Tylee.
Community Impact
The deaths of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan shook the small town of Rexburg, Idaho to its core. Residents were deeply affected by the tragic loss of two young lives in their tight-knit community.
Local vigils and memorial services drew large crowds, as neighbors came together to mourn. Many Rexburg residents displayed ribbons and signs in support of JJ and Tylee’s extended family.
The case garnered significant media attention, putting Rexburg in the national spotlight. News crews descended on the quiet college town, disrupting daily life for many locals.
Idaho news outlets provided extensive coverage of the investigation and subsequent trial. Public interest remained high throughout the legal proceedings.
The tragedy prompted increased awareness of child safety issues in Idaho. Some community groups organized workshops on recognizing signs of abuse and neglect.
Local schools implemented additional counseling services to help students process the disturbing events. Teachers received training on supporting children affected by trauma.
The case strained relationships in Rexburg’s LDS community, as questions arose about the role of religious beliefs in the children’s deaths. Church leaders worked to promote healing and unity.
Ultimately, the community’s pursuit of justice for JJ and Tylee brought residents together in their shared grief and determination to prevent future tragedies.
Continuing Developments
The investigation into JJ and Tylee’s deaths remains active, with ongoing legal proceedings and sustained media attention. New details continue to emerge as the case unfolds.
Ongoing Investigations
The FBI and Idaho law enforcement agencies are still pursuing leads related to JJ and Tylee’s deaths. Investigators are examining electronic records, conducting additional interviews, and analyzing forensic evidence. Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell face multiple charges, including first-degree murder and conspiracy.
Prosecutors are building their cases, gathering witness testimony and presenting evidence in court. The legal process is expected to be lengthy, with potential appeals and further hearings likely.
Media Coverage
National and local news outlets continue to report on developments in the case. Television specials, podcasts, and documentaries explore the complex story of the Vallow-Daybell family.
Journalists are following court proceedings closely, providing updates on pre-trial motions and hearings. Many media reports focus on the religious beliefs and alleged cult involvement of Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell.
Public Interest
The case has captured widespread public attention due to its unusual circumstances. Online forums and social media groups discuss theories and share information about the investigation.
Many people express sympathy for JJ and Tylee, holding vigils and creating memorial pages. The case has also sparked discussions about child welfare and the importance of reporting concerns.
Some true crime enthusiasts closely follow case developments, analyzing court documents and police reports. Public interest remains high, with many awaiting the outcome of upcoming trials.