Chad Daybell Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder in Doomsday Cult Case
In a shocking turn of events, a jury in Idaho has found Chad Daybell guilty of first-degree murder in the killings of his first wife and two of his current wife’s children. The case, which drew widespread attention due to the couple’s “doomsday” religious beliefs, has captivated the nation for years.
Mr. Daybell, 55, maintained a blank expression as the verdict was read on Thursday. In addition to three counts of first-degree murder, he was found guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, grand theft by deception, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and insurance fraud.
Prosecutors in Fremont County charged Mr. Daybell and his wife, Lori Vallow Daybell, in the deaths of two of her children, Joshua Vallow and Tylee Ryan, as well as the murder of his previous spouse, Tammy Daybell. Ms. Vallow Daybell was sentenced to three consecutive life terms in prison without parole in July.
The couple’s religious beliefs, which centered around preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, were at the core of the case. They endorsed and taught beliefs that justified the deaths of the children, leading to Ms. Vallow Daybell being dubbed the “Doomsday Mom.”
Mr. Daybell, a novelist with doomsday themes, and Ms. Vallow Daybell were linked to an entity called Preparing a People, which aimed to ready its followers for the end times. Their marriage came under scrutiny after Tammy Daybell’s death was re-examined following the disappearance of Ms. Vallow Daybell’s children.
The remains of the children were found buried on Mr. Daybell’s property in Idaho, leading to his arrest and charges of concealing evidence. The case has been the subject of a Lifetime movie and a Netflix documentary series, highlighting the extreme religious beliefs that underpinned the tragic events.
As the sentencing hearing looms, the nation waits to see what justice will be served in this harrowing case of murder and manipulation in the name of religious fanaticism.
