The Lori Vallow Daybell murder trial has captivated the nation with its chilling details and unsettling revelations. From haunting phone calls to disturbing new information about the deaths of three individuals, this case has been nothing short of shocking.
Tammy Daybell’s Cause of Death
One of the biggest revelations of the trial was the cause of Tammy Daybell’s death. Initially ruled as natural, Tammy’s death was later reclassified as a homicide by asphyxiation after her body was exhumed.
The autopsy revealed bruising consistent with restraint and pointed to a struggle before her death. Prosecutors allege that Chad Daybell, Lori’s current husband, was responsible for Tammy’s death.
JJ Vallow’s Horrific Fate
The details surrounding the death of 7-year-old JJ Vallow were particularly difficult to hear. Dr. Garth Warren, the medical examiner who performed JJ’s autopsy, testified that the cause of death was asphyxiation by a plastic bag over the head and duct tape covering the mouth.
Dr. Garth Warren, the medical examiner who performed JJ Vallow's autopsy, points to a diagram during his testimony
JJ’s body also showed signs of bruising on his arms and an abrasion on his neck, indicating he had been bound with duct tape.
Tylee Ryan’s Cause of Death
While the autopsy of 16-year-old Tylee Ryan couldn’t pinpoint an exact cause of death, Dr. Warren classified it as a homicide by unspecified means. The circumstances surrounding Tylee’s death, combined with the condition of her remains, led Dr. Warren to this conclusion.
The fact that both children were found buried on Chad Daybell’s property adds another layer of horror to this already disturbing case.
Chilling Phone Calls Reveal Disturbing Behavior
The trial also featured several chilling phone calls between Lori Vallow Daybell and her family members. In one call, Lori’s surviving son, Colby Ryan, confronts his mother about the deaths of his siblings. Lori’s reaction is both eerie and unsettling. She laughs and tells Colby that he doesn’t understand what happened.
In another phone call, Lori speaks to her sister, Summer Shiflet, after the children’s remains are found. Lori’s demeanor is strangely calm and lacking in any visible remorse or sadness.
These phone calls, along with her overall behavior, paint a disturbing picture of a mother seemingly indifferent to the fate of her children.
Lori Vallow Daybell’s Google Searches Raise Red Flags
Digital forensics played a significant role in the trial, with investigators uncovering suspicious Google searches made by both Lori and Chad Daybell.
One search, made by Chad Daybell, involved checking the wind direction on the day Tylee Ryan went missing. This detail is especially troubling considering Chad’s story about burning tree limbs and burying a raccoon on his property that same day.
Detective David Stubbs of the Rexburg Police Department testifies about the Google searches made by Lori and Chad Daybell
Investigators also found searches made by Lori Vallow Daybell for malachite wedding rings just two months before Tammy Daybell’s death. This detail suggests Lori and Chad were planning a future together while Tammy was still alive.
Lori Vallow Daybell’s Claims About Her Children
Melanie Gibb, Lori’s former best friend, offered further insights into Lori’s mindset. Gibb testified that Lori believed both JJ and Tylee were possessed by dark spirits. This belief in “dark spirits,” coupled with the couple’s extreme religious views, appears to have played a significant role in the events leading up to the children’s deaths.
Gibb also shared that Lori had spoken about her belief that both Charles Vallow and Tammy Daybell were going to die. These deaths, according to Lori, were preordained.
A Hair Found on Duct Tape Links Lori to the Crime Scene
Perhaps the most damning piece of physical evidence presented was a hair found on the duct tape used to bind JJ Vallow’s body. DNA analysis confirmed the hair belonged to Lori Vallow Daybell. This discovery directly links Lori to the crime scene and raises serious questions about her involvement in her son’s death.
The Trial Continues
The prosecution has presented a compelling case against Lori Vallow Daybell, filled with chilling details and disturbing revelations. While the defense maintains Lori’s innocence, the evidence presented thus far paints a bleak picture.
The trial is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether the jury will convict Lori Vallow Daybell of the charges against her. However, one thing is certain: this case will continue to fascinate and horrify the public for years to come.
