Jurors in Idaho have started deliberating on whether Chad Daybell, convicted of the ‘Doomsday’ murders of his wife and two children, should face the death penalty. The trial follows guilty verdicts and emotional testimonies, with the prosecution highlighting financial motives and extremist beliefs as factors behind the crimes.
Chad Daybell’s Sentencing Deliberation Underway for ‘Doomsday’ Murders
Idaho, USA – Jurors in Idaho commenced deliberations on Friday to determine whether Chad Daybell, convicted of the 2019 murders of his wife Tammy Daybell, and two children, Tylee Ryan (16) and Joshua “JJ” Vallow (7), should face the death penalty. Daybell, aged 55, was found guilty of the murders linked to extreme religious beliefs centered on apocalyptic prophecies.
The court proceedings began one day after the guilty verdicts were delivered. Prosecutors argued that the murders, committed partly for financial gains from insurance policies, were especially heinous and displayed exceptional depravity. The jury now must decide if Daybell’s actions warrant the death penalty, with Idaho law permitting execution by lethal injection or firing squad, or a life imprisonment sentence.
Prosecutor Rob Wood emphasized Daybell’s utter disregard for human life and his propensity to commit further crimes, marking him a continuing threat to society. Defense attorneys contended that Daybell was influenced by Lori Vallow Daybell, his second wife, describing him as a once “quiet, reserved, shy young man” led astray.
Lori Vallow Daybell was previously convicted of the murders of Tylee and JJ, and conspiracy in Tammy Daybell’s death. She is awaiting trial in Arizona for the murder of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow.
The case moved to Boise from its original rural location to ensure impartiality due to its high media profile. Prosecutors presented numerous witnesses to support their claims that financial motives and extremist beliefs fueled the murders. Relatives provided emotional victim impact statements, underscoring the significant and lasting anguish caused by the tragedies.
Jurors will continue deliberating Daybell’s fate in a case that has drawn considerable public and media attention since the grisly discoveries on Daybell’s property in June 2020.
