Chad Daybell has been found guilty on all charges by an Idaho jury in a murder case that revolves around fringe religious beliefs, an affair, and the tragic deaths of three individuals.
In addition to being convicted of insurance fraud, he was also found guilty of conspiring to commit murder in his wife’s death, as well as conspiring to commit murder and grand theft by deception in the deaths of JJ and Tylee.
The case will move forward to a sentencing phase as the prosecution has asked for the death penalty. Judge Steven Boyce informed the jurors on Thursday afternoon that they would have a say in the schedule for the sentencing phase, which may include weekend court sessions. The penalty phase will commence on Friday morning with witnesses. It is worth noting that the same jurors who determined his guilt, and have been sequestered, will also be responsible for the next phase. Judge Boyce also mentioned that Daybell’s sentencing for insurance fraud will take place separately.
Daybell, who is 55 years old, has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges brought against him. In the event of a conviction, he may potentially face the death penalty.
During the trial, which began in early April, over 75 witnesses provided their testimony to the jurors. The prosecution claimed that Daybell and Vallow Daybell, who were engaged in an affair, conspired together in the three murders. Prosecutor Lindsey Blake described their motives as being driven by “money, power, and sex.” The killings were justified based on their doomsday-focused religious beliefs, which categorized individuals as either “dark” or “light.” These beliefs also included the notion that evil spirits could possess people, and individuals who were possessed were seen as “zombies.”
Defense attorney John Prior argued that the children’s murders were orchestrated by their late uncle, Alex Cox. Two of Daybell’s five adult children testified in his defense, claiming that their mother had health issues. The Daybell children have consistently maintained their father’s innocence, as they expressed in a 2021 interview with “48 Hours.”
After a few hours of deliberation on Thursday, the jury returned to the courtroom and inquired about a missing jury instruction. They then resumed their deliberations.
Lori Vallow Daybell was convicted of murder in 2023 by a jury, who deliberated for only a few hours. She has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Currently, she has been extradited to Arizona to face charges related to the death of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, who was fatally shot by Cox in 2019.
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