Where Are Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell Now? All About the Shocking Story Behind the Doomsday Murders

The case of Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell shocked the nation, unraveling a disturbing tale of doomsday beliefs, murders, and an apparent obsession with the apocalypse. For years, this couple’s actions were shrouded in mystery, but after a series of events that led to the tragic deaths of Lori’s children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua “JJ” Vallow, and Chad’s first wife, Tammy Daybell, the truth began to surface. Today, Lori and Chad face the consequences of their actions, and their story continues to captivate and horrify audiences worldwide.

Who Are Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell?

Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell.
Source: ABC.

Chad Daybell, born on August 11, 1968, in Salt Lake City, Utah, was once a self-published author, known for his apocalyptic-themed novels. He spent his life writing about the end of times, using his religious beliefs to frame his fiction. In his own mind, Chad was a prophet, someone who believed he had a special connection with the spirit world.

Lori Vallow Daybell, born on June 26, 1973, in San Bernardino, California, was married five times and had three children. She had a troubled history with her previous marriages, but her life took a dramatic turn when she met Chad in 2018 at a religious conference. From the moment they met, they believed they were divinely destined to be together, on a mission to prepare for the second coming of Christ.

Their relationship quickly evolved, and they both believed they were chosen to lead a group of followers who would survive the apocalypse. Unfortunately, their beliefs spiraled into a terrifying obsession, which led to the deaths of those who stood in their way.

What Happened to Tylee and JJ?

JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan at Yellowstone.
Source: FBI

In the fall of 2019, Lori’s children, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old JJ Vallow, disappeared without a trace. The last time Tylee was seen alive was on September 8, 2019, at Yellowstone National Park, and JJ was last seen by his school on September 23, 2019.

For months, Lori and Chad managed to avoid the authorities’ questions as they went on the run, eventually fleeing to Hawaii. But their lies began to unravel when JJ’s grandparents, Larry and Kay Woodcock, filed a missing persons report. The police soon discovered inconsistencies in Lori’s story and realized that she and Chad were not cooperating with the investigation.

In June 2020, the unthinkable was revealed. The remains of Tylee and JJ were discovered buried on Chad’s property in Rexburg, Idaho. Tylee’s remains were burned and dismembered, and JJ’s body was found wrapped in plastic with his hands and feet bound with duct tape. Their deaths were the result of cold and calculated actions by Chad and Lori, who had convinced themselves that the children were “dark spirits” or “zombies,” marking them for death.

What Happened to Tammy Daybell?

In October 2019, Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell, died unexpectedly in her sleep. Initially, the authorities ruled her death as natural causes, but after the discovery of Tylee and JJ’s bodies, the investigation into Tammy’s death was reopened. An autopsy revealed that she had died of asphyxiation, leading to the conclusion that she had been murdered.

Chad’s relationship with Lori rapidly escalated after Tammy’s death, and the two married in Hawaii just weeks after her passing. Authorities believe that Chad’s involvement in his first wife’s death was part of a larger scheme to rid himself of “obstacles” in his pursuit of power and financial gain.

Why Did Lori and Chad Do It?

Lori and Chad’s actions were influenced by a belief system that was rooted in extreme religious ideas. They viewed themselves as part of a divine mission, believing that the world was on the brink of an apocalypse. In their eyes, Tylee and JJ were “dark spirits” and needed to be eradicated to fulfill their prophecy. The couple also believed that eliminating their “obstacles” would bring them closer to their spiritual destiny.

Financial gain was another factor in the murders. After Tammy’s death, Chad received a substantial life insurance payout, which added to the couple’s growing financial motives. Lori also continued to collect Social Security benefits for her deceased children after their deaths, which pointed to a more calculated approach to the killings.

The Trials and Sentencing

Chad Daybell listens to a motion by his defense attorney, John Prior, standing, to move his trial during a court hearing in St. Anthony, Idaho, Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Daybell’s wife, Lori Daybell, a mother accused of conspiring in the murders of her two children and her new husband’s late wife is scheduled to be arraigned in eastern Idaho on Tuesday.
Source: Tony Blakeslee/EastIdahoNews.com via AP, Pool

In May 2023, Lori Vallow Daybell was convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of her children, Tylee and JJ, and for conspiring to murder her former husband’s first wife, Tammy. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Chad Daybell, who was convicted in 2024, received a death sentence for his involvement in the murders of Tylee, JJ, and Tammy. His trial concluded with a unanimous verdict, and he was sentenced to death, marking the end of his reign of terror.

Both Lori and Chad have continued to claim their innocence, with Lori even insisting that she and Chad will one day be exonerated. In a chilling interview from prison in 2025, Lori stated, “I have seen things in the future that Jesus showed me when I was in heaven… we were not in jail.” Despite this, the overwhelming evidence against them points to a much darker truth.

How Has This Affected Their Family?

The aftermath of the tragic events surrounding Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell has devastated not just the victims but also their extended family. The ripple effects of the murders of Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow are profound, particularly on Lori’s surviving children and the family members who had been close to the couple.

Lori’s only surviving child, Colby Ryan, has been vocal about the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on him. Colby, who is Lori’s son from her second marriage, was devastated to learn that his younger siblings were dead and that his mother was responsible. He spoke candidly about the shock of the situation in interviews, expressing that the mother he once knew is unrecognizable to him now.

In an interview with Dateline, Colby reflected on his memories of his mother before the crimes, sharing that Lori had always been protective of her children. He believed that she had good intentions and would never harm her kids. However, as Lori’s beliefs became more extreme, Colby saw the transformation and realized that he had been unaware of the severity of her actions. The realization that Lori had been capable of such horrors left Colby grappling with anger, grief, and betrayal. “I watched someone that I knew my entire life do what she did. And it just changed the way I view people,” Colby said.

Lori’s Extended Family: Strained Relationships and Deep Pain

Beyond Colby, the emotional scars left on other members of the family are equally profound. The Woodcock family, who were J.J.’s biological grandparents, also suffered immeasurably. They were the ones who first raised alarms about the children’s whereabouts after they had not heard from J.J. in months. Their heartache over losing their grandson, combined with the realization that their daughter-in-law, Lori, was involved in his death, has been devastating. In public statements, Larry and Kay Woodcock have repeatedly expressed their sorrow, as well as their anger toward Lori for not only taking their grandson but also for withholding the truth for so long.

Chad Daybell’s Family: Living with the Consequences of His Actions

The emotional toll extends to Chad Daybell’s side of the family as well. Chad’s children, including his adult daughter Emma Murray, have expressed their shock and disbelief over their father’s actions. Emma has been outspoken, sharing in interviews that while Chad had shown grief at the death of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, they never saw any indication that he was involved in the deaths of the children. His children have struggled with the public shame and devastation caused by his crimes, especially considering their father’s role as a religious figure and author. They are left to reconcile the man they knew with the man who was convicted of these heinous crimes.

Throughout this saga, the extended families of both Lori and Chad have found themselves caught in a web of horror, grief, and confusion. Many have sought to distance themselves from the couple’s actions and beliefs, with several of Chad’s family members publicly speaking out against him. Some relatives of Lori, such as her niece, Melanie Boudreaux, had already distanced themselves from Lori due to her extreme beliefs and ties to the group Chad led, but the discovery of the murders and their involvement shattered the entire family structure.

Colby Ryan’s Struggle and Survival

In interviews, Colby Ryan has talked about trying to move forward with his life despite the grief. He acknowledges that healing will be a long and painful process, but he is committed to honoring the memory of his siblings. His healing journey is part of the ongoing process for all the families affected by the Daybells’ tragic actions.

The Daybell case has not only left a deep emotional scar on their immediate families but also on the public, with many struggling to understand how such a horrific set of events could have unfolded in such a seemingly ordinary family. The lasting effects of this case will undoubtedly echo throughout the lives of those involved for years to come.

Sentencing and Interview Revelations

Lori Dateline interview.
Source: X

As of early 2025, the legal battles for both Lori and Chad Daybell are still ongoing. Chad remains on death row at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. His appeals process continues, but given the current state of capital punishment cases in Idaho, his execution is expected to be delayed for several years. His legal team continues to fight for a retrial, citing potential issues with the initial proceedings.

In February 2025, Lori made headlines again with her shocking statements during a Dateline interview. In her first televised appearance since her sentencing, Lori boldly insisted she and Chad would be exonerated, claiming that they had both been wrongly convicted. “Jesus showed me a future where we were not in jail,” she stated, maintaining that she had seen the future during a divine experience in heaven. This startling declaration, made while she sat in a prison cell, continues to stir public interest, as many wonder how someone could maintain such convictions despite mounting evidence to the contrary.

Chad, still on death row, is scheduled for a public trial in the spring of 2025, where his defense team will attempt to challenge the death penalty sentence. Both Lori and Chad’s cases remain highly controversial, with their supporters clinging to the notion that they were victims of a miscarriage of justice, while the overwhelming evidence against them remains a stark reminder of the crimes they committed.

Where Are Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell Now?

Lori Vallow Daybell is currently serving her life sentence at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center in Idaho. Meanwhile, Chad Daybell remains on death row at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. Both are awaiting further legal proceedings in Arizona, where Lori faces new charges.

Their case remains a haunting reminder of how dangerous extreme religious beliefs can be when combined with manipulation and unchecked power. The saga of Lori and Chad continues to unfold, with their upcoming trials and potential appeals expected to keep the story in the public eye.

FAQs

Why did Lori and Chad Daybell kill Tylee and JJ? Lori and Chad believed that Tylee and JJ were “dark spirits” and needed to be eradicated to fulfill their religious prophecy. Financial gain also played a role, as they sought to benefit from insurance policies and Social Security payments.

Where are Lori and Chad now? Lori is serving a life sentence without parole at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center, while Chad is on death row at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.

What happened to Tammy Daybell? Tammy Daybell, Chad’s first wife, was initially believed to have died of natural causes, but later autopsy results confirmed she was asphyxiated. Her death was ruled a homicide, and Chad was convicted of her murder.

What was the couple’s belief system? Lori and Chad adhered to extreme religious beliefs, viewing themselves as divine figures chosen to lead a group of people who would survive the apocalypse. They believed that eliminating those they considered obstacles, including their children and Tammy, was necessary for their mission.