Chad Daybell Guilty in Zombie Murder Trial

Jurors Reject Manslaughter Defense

Details of the Case

A jury in Idaho has convicted Chad Daybell of three murders in a trial that has captured national attention. Daybell was accused of killing his former wife, Tammy Daybell, and his two stepchildren, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan. The prosecution alleged that Daybell killed his family members in order to marry Lori Vallow, his current wife. Prosecutors presented evidence that Daybell had a fascination with death and had written about wanting to kill his wife. They also presented evidence that Daybell had tried to collect life insurance money on his wife's death. Daybell's defense attorney argued that Daybell was not guilty of murder, but rather of manslaughter. They argued that Daybell was not in control of his actions at the time of the murders and that he was suffering from a mental illness. The jury deliberated for three days before reaching a verdict. They found Daybell guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of Tammy Daybell and JJ Vallow. He was also found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Tylee Ryan. Daybell faces the possibility of life in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2023.