Chad Daybell Sentenced to Death for Murders of Wife and Girlfriend's Children

Jury Finds Daybell Guilty of First-Degree Murder

Death Sentence Issued Saturday

Chad Daybell was sentenced to death on Saturday for the murders of his wife and his girlfriend's children. A jury convicted Daybell on Thursday of killing Tammy Daybell, his wife at the time, 7-year-old Joshua Jaxon "JJ" Vallow, and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan. Daybell was found guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of Tammy Daybell and JJ Vallow, and second-degree murder in the death of Tylee Ryan.

The sentencing comes after a lengthy and high-profile trial that captivated the nation. The prosecution presented evidence that Daybell had planned and carried out the murders in order to benefit financially and start a new life with Lori Vallow, his current spouse. Vallow is currently awaiting trial for her involvement in the murders.

In a statement, the family of Tammy Daybell said they were "relieved" by the verdict and sentence. "We are grateful for the justice that has been served today," the family said. "We will never forget Tammy and JJ, and we will cherish their memory forever."

Daybell's defense attorneys said they would appeal the verdict and sentence. They argued that the prosecution had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Daybell had committed the murders.

The murders of Tammy Daybell, JJ Vallow, and Tylee Ryan shocked the nation and raised questions about the involvement of fundamentalist religious beliefs. Daybell and Vallow were members of a doomsday cult, and prosecutors argued that their beliefs motivated the murders.

The case is a reminder of the dangers of extremism and the importance of seeking help if you are concerned about someone's beliefs or behavior.