The trial of Chad Daybell, charged with three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his wife and his girlfriend’s two youngest children, is set to begin in Idaho. Daybell’s trial is expected to last up to 10 weeks, with jury selection scheduled to start in Boise. The younger children’s mother, Lori Vallow Daybell, was found guilty last year and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The couple claimed they could detect dark spirits that could turn people into “zombies” and believed killing them was the only way to rid them of these spirits. The children’s bodies were found buried in Chad Daybell’s yard in eastern Idaho in the summer of 2020. Daybell is also charged with insurance fraud and conspiracy in connection with the deaths.
Chad Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is prepared to tell his story in court. A gag order has been issued barring any of the attorneys or parties involved in the case from discussing it publicly until after jury selection and opening statements. Daybell’s attorney successfully petitioned to split the trial from Lori Vallow Daybell’s case due to conflicting defenses. The investigation into the deaths began when Lori Vallow’s two youngest children went missing, prompting extended family members to push for a search. It was discovered that Vallow and Daybell were having an affair when both of their spouses died unexpectedly. Vallow’s husband was shot to death by her brother in self-defense, while Tammy Daybell died in her sleep from asphyxiation.
Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell married just two weeks after Tammy Daybell’s death, surprising family members and authorities. It was revealed that the couple held unusual religious beliefs, including that they had been reincarnated and were tasked with gathering people before a biblical apocalypse. Lori Vallow referred to her two youngest kids as zombies before they disappeared in September 2019. Prosecutors allege that the couple used these beliefs to justify the deaths of her kids and his spouse as part of a scheme to eliminate obstacles to their relationship and to obtain money from survivor benefits and life insurance. The investigation spanned several states and took unexpected turns, uncovering a complex web of deceit and tragedy.
If convicted, Chad Daybell could face the death penalty for the murder charges as well as additional charges related to insurance fraud and conspiracy. The trial is highly anticipated due to the bizarre and disturbing nature of the case, which has drawn worldwide attention. The prosecution will need to prove that Daybell and Vallow deliberately planned and carried out the deaths of their loved ones as part of a twisted belief system. The trial is expected to delve into the couple’s shared beliefs and motives, shedding light on the events leading up to the tragic deaths of three individuals. The defense will likely present a different version of events, seeking to exonerate Daybell from responsibility for the deaths. The trial is poised to be a high-profile and emotionally charged legal proceeding, with justice for the victims at the forefront of public interest.
