The third week of testimony in the Lori Vallow Daybell trial has ended, bringing us closer to the end of the state’s case. This week, the courtroom heard graphic testimony regarding the tragic fate of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan.
Tylee Ryan’s Remains: A Gruesome Discovery
The investigation began with the discovery of Tylee Ryan’s charred remains on Chad Daybell’s property in June 2020. Her body had been dismembered and burned, a horrifying act that speaks to the brutality of the crime.
Forensic experts examine evidence at Chad Daybell's property
Dr. G Warren, a forensic pathologist, provided chilling details about Tylee’s remains. Despite the severe damage, some of her organs, including her heart and lungs, were identifiable. Dr. Warren described them as significantly shrunken, charred, and fragmented, painting a grim picture of the state they were found in.
Dr. Warren’s Testimony: Cause of Death
After a detailed analysis of Tylee’s remains, Dr. Warren concluded that her death was a homicide. However, due to the condition of her body, the specific means of death remained undetermined. He stated that “homicide by unspecified means” is used when the exact cause of death cannot be pinpointed, even after considering all circumstances, autopsy findings, and medical records.
Unraveling the Evidence: Tools and DNA
The prosecution’s efforts to connect the dots led them to call Katherine Dace, a forensic biologist from the Idaho State Police lab. Dace testified about the analysis of items found on Chad Daybell’s property, including several tools like shears, hand saws, and a pickaxe, all charred with flesh and testing positive for presumptive blood. Further DNA testing on the pickaxe revealed a potential match to Tylee Ryan.
JJ Vallow’s Autopsy: A Mother’s Cruelty
The courtroom then shifted focus to the autopsy of JJ Vallow. Unlike his sister, JJ’s body was found intact, wrapped in plastic and duct tape, a cruel detail that underlines the calculated nature of the crime. This mummification preserved his body, allowing Dr. Warren to make significant observations.
JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan
Dr. Warren noted abrasions on JJ’s neck, suggesting a possible struggle. The bruising on his arms, determined to be antemortem (before death), further points towards a violent struggle, a heartbreaking detail that indicates JJ fought for his life.
Dr. Warren’s chilling conclusion stated that JJ’s cause of death was asphyxiation, caused by a plastic bag placed over his head and duct tape covering his mouth. The image of a seven-year-old boy, autistic and vulnerable, suffering such a horrific death is deeply unsettling.
The Betrayal: Summer Shifflet’s Testimony
One of the most poignant moments of the week was the testimony of Summer Shifflet, Lori Vallow Daybell’s sister. Initially a staunch supporter of her sister, Shifflet’s stance changed drastically after the discovery of JJ and Tylee’s remains.
In a gut-wrenching phone call played in court, Shifflet confronts her sister, expressing her anguish and disbelief. Shifflet’s raw emotion and the realization of her sister’s alleged actions resonated through the courtroom.
Chad Daybell’s Suspicious Search History
Further incriminating evidence came to light through the testimony of a Rexburg police officer. The officer revealed that Chad Daybell’s phone records showed a search for wind direction on September 8, 2019, the day before he claimed to have burned limbs and buried a raccoon. This detail, coupled with the timeline of Tylee’s disappearance, raised significant suspicion.
Tammy Daybell’s Sister: Unsettling Observations
Samantha Gilliam, Tammy Daybell’s sister, provided crucial testimony regarding Chad Daybell’s past and her sister’s health. Gilliam revealed that Chad had previously dug graves as part of his work, a detail that takes on a sinister meaning in light of the case.
Gilliam shared her concerns about Tammy’s health and the unusual nature of her last visit. She also noted a change in Chad and Tammy’s relationship, describing their behavior as awkward and distant.
A Community Seeks Justice
As the prosecution meticulously presents its case, the courtroom and the public grapple with the disturbing details of this case. The tragic deaths of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan have left a community heartbroken and seeking justice.
