Vallow–Daybell Doomsday Murders
Doomsday Cult Murders
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Rexburg, Idaho
TIME PERIOD
July–October 2019
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
The Vallow–Daybell doomsday murders involve the killings of Lori Vallow Daybell's children, Tylee Ryan (16) and Joshua "J.J." Vallow (7), along with the murders of Lori's ex-husband, Charles Vallow, and Chad Daybell's wife, Tammy Daybell. The children were reported missing in September 2019, with their remains discovered on June 9, 2020, in Rexburg, Idaho, buried on property owned by Chad Daybell, who was Lori's husband at the time. Lori Vallow Daybell was arrested on February 20, 2020, and Chad Daybell was arrested on June 9, 2020; both were later convicted of multiple charges, including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The case is characterized by the couple's extremist beliefs, which led to their actions, and significant evidence includes the remains of the children and testimonies regarding their motivations rooted in religious fanaticism and financial gain.
Many believe that Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell were motivated by their extreme religious beliefs, particularly their involvement in a doomsday cult that espoused notions of spirit possession and apocalyptic prophecies. There is speculation that the couple may have been driven by financial motives, including insurance fraud related to the deaths of their spouses. Additionally, some theorize that Lori's brother, Alex Cox, played a significant role in the murders before his death, raising questions about his involvement in the couple's criminal activities.
The Vallow-Daybell Doomsday Murders
A Tale of Belief and Betrayal
In the quiet towns of Rexburg, Idaho, and Chandler and Gilbert, Arizona, a sinister tale unfolded in 2019 that would grip the nation with its chilling mix of apocalyptic prophecy and cold-blooded murder. This is the story of Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell, a couple whose twisted beliefs and actions led to the deaths of family members and set off a nationwide search for missing children.
The Disappearance
The sequence of events began with the disappearance of two innocent children, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old Joshua Jaxon "J.J." Vallow. Tylee was last seen on September 8, 2019, and J.J. vanished soon after on September 22. Their mother, Lori Vallow Daybell, was deeply involved in a doomsday cult led by her husband, Chad Daybell. The couple's disturbing belief system, which deviated significantly from mainstream Mormonism, led them to justify their heinous acts as part of a divine mission.
The Discovery
The search for the children turned into a tragic recovery when their remains were found buried on Chad Daybell's property in Rexburg on June 9, 2020. Tylee's cause of death remains unknown, while J.J. was asphyxiated. This gruesome discovery was the culmination of a series of suspicious deaths surrounding Lori and Chad.
The Murders
Prior to the children's disappearance, Lori's fourth husband, Charles Vallow, was shot dead in July 2019. The shooter was Lori's brother, Alex Cox, who claimed self-defense but was never tried, as he died of natural causes in December 2019. Cox is believed to have been involved in the murders of the children.
In October 2019, Chad's wife, Tammy Daybell, died unexpectedly in her sleep. Her death was initially deemed natural, but her body was later exhumed, and an autopsy revealed she too had been asphyxiated.
The Motive
The motives behind these murders were as twisted as the beliefs that fueled them. Lori and Chad's affair was a central factor, along with their apocalyptic visions and desires for financial gain through life insurance and Social Security benefits. They believed in spirit possession and used their religious fanaticism to justify their crimes.
The Arrests and Trials
Lori was arrested on February 20, 2020, for desertion and non-support of her children, while Chad was taken into custody on June 9, 2020, for charges of destruction or concealment of evidence. Both were later charged with the murders of Tylee, J.J., and Tammy in May 2021.
Lori and Chad faced separate trials. On May 12, 2023, Lori was found guilty of all charges related to the murders and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole on July 31. Chad's trial concluded on May 30, 2024, with a guilty verdict, and he was sentenced to death on June 1.
The Aftermath
Following her sentencing, Lori was extradited to Arizona for additional trials related to the murder of her husband, Charles Vallow, and the attempted murder of her niece's husband, Brandon Boudreaux. Acting as her own attorney, she was found guilty on both counts in 2025 and received two more life sentences.
Background: Chad Daybell
Born on August 11, 1968, in Provo, Utah, Chad Daybell was a writer and publisher whose works centered around apocalyptic themes. He claimed to have experienced near-death encounters that granted him visions of the future. His writings attracted a following among radical Mormon circles, and he eventually moved to Rexburg, Idaho, believing it to be a safe haven from impending disasters.
Background: Lori Vallow Daybell
Lori Norene Cox was born on June 26, 1973, in Loma Linda, California. Her early life was marked by tumultuous marriages and a custody battle with her third husband, Joseph Ryan, over their daughter, Tylee. In 2006, she married Charles Vallow, and they adopted J.J., a child with special needs. Lori's fascination with Chad Daybell's teachings led her down a path of destruction.
Meeting of Minds
Lori and Chad's paths crossed in 2018 at a religious conference. Their mutual attraction quickly developed into an affair, with Chad convincing Lori they had been married in previous lifetimes. Together, they formed a group centered around Chad's prophecies, drawing others into their delusions.
Conclusion
The Vallow-Daybell case remains a cautionary tale of how radical beliefs and manipulation can lead to unimaginable tragedy. As Lori serves her life sentences and Chad awaits execution, the haunting memories of Tylee, J.J., Charles, and Tammy serve as a somber reminder of the lives lost to their twisted vision.
Sources
This narrative is based on the comprehensive details provided by the Wikipedia article: Vallow-Daybell doomsday murders.
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Murder of Charles Vallow
Lori Vallow's estranged husband, Charles Vallow, is shot and killed by her brother Alex Cox in a confrontation.
Tylee Ryan Disappears
Tylee Ryan, Lori's daughter, is last seen at Yellowstone National Park with her mother and uncle.
J.J. Vallow Disappears
Joshua Jaxon 'J.J.' Vallow, Lori's adopted son, is last seen at home, reportedly taken by his uncle Alex.
Attempted Murder of Brandon Boudreaux
Brandon Boudreaux, Lori's niece's estranged husband, is shot at while driving, narrowly escaping death.
Murder of Tammy Daybell
Tammy Daybell, Chad Daybell's wife, is found dead under suspicious circumstances, later ruled a homicide.
Lori Vallow Arrested
Lori Vallow is arrested in Hawaii for desertion and non-support of her children after they are reported missing.
Discovery of Remains
The remains of Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow are discovered buried on Chad Daybell's property.
Murder Charges Filed
Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell are indicted on multiple counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Tylee, J.J., and Tammy.
Lori Vallow Found Guilty
Lori Vallow is found guilty of all charges related to the murders of her children and Tammy Daybell.
Chad Daybell Found Guilty
Chad Daybell is found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy in the deaths of Tylee, J.J., and Tammy.
The Vallow–Daybell doomsday murders involve the killings of Lori Vallow Daybell's children, Tylee Ryan (16) and Joshua "J.J." Vallow (7), along with the murders of Lori's ex-husband, Charles Vallow, and Chad Daybell's wife, Tammy Daybell. The children were reported missing in September 2019, with their remains discovered on June 9, 2020, in Rexburg, Idaho, buried on property owned by Chad Daybell, who was Lori's husband at the time. Lori Vallow Daybell was arrested on February 20, 2020, and Chad Daybell was arrested on June 9, 2020; both were later convicted of multiple charges, including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The case is characterized by the couple's extremist beliefs, which led to their actions, and significant evidence includes the remains of the children and testimonies regarding their motivations rooted in religious fanaticism and financial gain.
Many believe that Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell were motivated by their extreme religious beliefs, particularly their involvement in a doomsday cult that espoused notions of spirit possession and apocalyptic prophecies. There is speculation that the couple may have been driven by financial motives, including insurance fraud related to the deaths of their spouses. Additionally, some theorize that Lori's brother, Alex Cox, played a significant role in the murders before his death, raising questions about his involvement in the couple's criminal activities.
The Vallow-Daybell Doomsday Murders
A Tale of Belief and Betrayal
In the quiet towns of Rexburg, Idaho, and Chandler and Gilbert, Arizona, a sinister tale unfolded in 2019 that would grip the nation with its chilling mix of apocalyptic prophecy and cold-blooded murder. This is the story of Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell, a couple whose twisted beliefs and actions led to the deaths of family members and set off a nationwide search for missing children.
The Disappearance
The sequence of events began with the disappearance of two innocent children, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old Joshua Jaxon "J.J." Vallow. Tylee was last seen on September 8, 2019, and J.J. vanished soon after on September 22. Their mother, Lori Vallow Daybell, was deeply involved in a doomsday cult led by her husband, Chad Daybell. The couple's disturbing belief system, which deviated significantly from mainstream Mormonism, led them to justify their heinous acts as part of a divine mission.
The Discovery
The search for the children turned into a tragic recovery when their remains were found buried on Chad Daybell's property in Rexburg on June 9, 2020. Tylee's cause of death remains unknown, while J.J. was asphyxiated. This gruesome discovery was the culmination of a series of suspicious deaths surrounding Lori and Chad.
The Murders
Prior to the children's disappearance, Lori's fourth husband, Charles Vallow, was shot dead in July 2019. The shooter was Lori's brother, Alex Cox, who claimed self-defense but was never tried, as he died of natural causes in December 2019. Cox is believed to have been involved in the murders of the children.
In October 2019, Chad's wife, Tammy Daybell, died unexpectedly in her sleep. Her death was initially deemed natural, but her body was later exhumed, and an autopsy revealed she too had been asphyxiated.
The Motive
The motives behind these murders were as twisted as the beliefs that fueled them. Lori and Chad's affair was a central factor, along with their apocalyptic visions and desires for financial gain through life insurance and Social Security benefits. They believed in spirit possession and used their religious fanaticism to justify their crimes.
The Arrests and Trials
Lori was arrested on February 20, 2020, for desertion and non-support of her children, while Chad was taken into custody on June 9, 2020, for charges of destruction or concealment of evidence. Both were later charged with the murders of Tylee, J.J., and Tammy in May 2021.
Lori and Chad faced separate trials. On May 12, 2023, Lori was found guilty of all charges related to the murders and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole on July 31. Chad's trial concluded on May 30, 2024, with a guilty verdict, and he was sentenced to death on June 1.
The Aftermath
Following her sentencing, Lori was extradited to Arizona for additional trials related to the murder of her husband, Charles Vallow, and the attempted murder of her niece's husband, Brandon Boudreaux. Acting as her own attorney, she was found guilty on both counts in 2025 and received two more life sentences.
Background: Chad Daybell
Born on August 11, 1968, in Provo, Utah, Chad Daybell was a writer and publisher whose works centered around apocalyptic themes. He claimed to have experienced near-death encounters that granted him visions of the future. His writings attracted a following among radical Mormon circles, and he eventually moved to Rexburg, Idaho, believing it to be a safe haven from impending disasters.
Background: Lori Vallow Daybell
Lori Norene Cox was born on June 26, 1973, in Loma Linda, California. Her early life was marked by tumultuous marriages and a custody battle with her third husband, Joseph Ryan, over their daughter, Tylee. In 2006, she married Charles Vallow, and they adopted J.J., a child with special needs. Lori's fascination with Chad Daybell's teachings led her down a path of destruction.
Meeting of Minds
Lori and Chad's paths crossed in 2018 at a religious conference. Their mutual attraction quickly developed into an affair, with Chad convincing Lori they had been married in previous lifetimes. Together, they formed a group centered around Chad's prophecies, drawing others into their delusions.
Conclusion
The Vallow-Daybell case remains a cautionary tale of how radical beliefs and manipulation can lead to unimaginable tragedy. As Lori serves her life sentences and Chad awaits execution, the haunting memories of Tylee, J.J., Charles, and Tammy serve as a somber reminder of the lives lost to their twisted vision.
Sources
This narrative is based on the comprehensive details provided by the Wikipedia article: Vallow-Daybell doomsday murders.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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Murder of Charles Vallow
Lori Vallow's estranged husband, Charles Vallow, is shot and killed by her brother Alex Cox in a confrontation.
Tylee Ryan Disappears
Tylee Ryan, Lori's daughter, is last seen at Yellowstone National Park with her mother and uncle.
J.J. Vallow Disappears
Joshua Jaxon 'J.J.' Vallow, Lori's adopted son, is last seen at home, reportedly taken by his uncle Alex.
Attempted Murder of Brandon Boudreaux
Brandon Boudreaux, Lori's niece's estranged husband, is shot at while driving, narrowly escaping death.
Murder of Tammy Daybell
Tammy Daybell, Chad Daybell's wife, is found dead under suspicious circumstances, later ruled a homicide.
Lori Vallow Arrested
Lori Vallow is arrested in Hawaii for desertion and non-support of her children after they are reported missing.
Discovery of Remains
The remains of Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow are discovered buried on Chad Daybell's property.
Murder Charges Filed
Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell are indicted on multiple counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Tylee, J.J., and Tammy.
Lori Vallow Found Guilty
Lori Vallow is found guilty of all charges related to the murders of her children and Tammy Daybell.
Chad Daybell Found Guilty
Chad Daybell is found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy in the deaths of Tylee, J.J., and Tammy.