Prosecutors To Seek Death Penalty In Murder Charges Against Chad Daybell

REXBURG, Idaho — It’s a murder case that’s drawing international headlines. Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow, both accused of killing Vallow’s children and burying their bodies in Daybell’s backyard.

On Thursday, prosecutors announced that they will pursue the death penalty against Daybell.

They said they conferred with surviving family members of the deceased before going forward this way.

So, it is now a death penalty case facing Daybell, with Vallow currently found unfit to stand trial for the deaths of her children.

It was during the summer of 2020 that investigators first discovered remains on Chad Daybell’s property in Fremont County, Idaho.

Nearly 14 months later and accused of the killings of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan — Daybell could face death himself.

Prosecutors said, “The nature and magnitude of these crimes warrant the possibility of the highest possible punishment.”

“Yeah, it was welcome news. It was good news,” said Annie Cushing, Tylee Ryan’s aunt.

Cushing said while she feels empathy for Daybell’s family, pursuing the death penalty looks like justice in this case.

“The categorical damage that they’ve caused in family members’ lives, in friends’ lives — these are ripples of devastation,” she said. 

Daybell has also been charged in the death of his previous wife, Tammy, who died just two weeks before he married Lori.

While much work remains ahead in the courts, Cushing said she’d like to see capital punishment eventually delivered. 

“I think Chad should have to pay with his life, and I actually hope that Lori receives the same news when her competency is restored,” said Cushing.

Cushing’s brother, Joe, was obviously married to Lori.

He passed away as well. Police said it was natural causes.

Cushing still holds hope that death will get a new look as well.