Missing Children Uncover a STRANGE Timeline of Events: The Case of JJ and Tylee Vallow

The case of Lori Vallow and her missing children, JJ and Tylee, has captured national attention due to its complexity and the bizarre series of events that have unfolded. This article delves into the details of the case, the investigation, and the strange timeline of events that have left many baffled.

Lori Vallow’s Marriages and Family Background

Lori Vallow has been married five times, with each marriage bringing its own set of complications. Her first marriage in 1992 ended without children and little public detail. In October 1995, Lori married her second husband in Texas, and they had a son named Colby. This marriage ended in divorce in 1998.

In 2001, Lori married Joseph Ryan, with whom she had a daughter named Tylee. Joseph also adopted Colby. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2004. In 2006, Lori married Charles Vallow in Las Vegas. Charles, a successful businessman, converted from Catholicism to the LDS (Latter Day Saints) church to align with Lori's faith. Charles had two children from a previous marriage.

Lori’s brother, Alex Cox, also played a significant role in her life. In 2007, Alex was sentenced to 90 days in jail for assaulting Joseph Ryan, Lori's ex-husband. Alex had tased Joseph twice and threatened to kill him.

The Adoption of JJ

In July 2014, Charles’ sister Kay and her husband Larry took in their grandson JJ, who was diagnosed with autism. Due to the care JJ required, Kay and Larry felt unable to provide the necessary attention. Charles and Lori decided to adopt JJ, integrating him into their family.

Move to Hawaii and Obsession with Chad Daybell

In late 2014, Lori and Charles moved with JJ and Tylee to Kauai, Hawaii. During their time there, Lori became obsessed with Chad Daybell’s writings. Chad, an author known for his LDS-themed dystopian novels, focused on end-times prophecies. Lori and Chad did not know each other at the time, but Lori avidly read his work and shared it with friends.

Chad Daybell’s Background

Chad Daybell was married to Tammy, and together they had five children. Chad, who also claimed to have visions and near-death experiences, founded Spring Creek Book Company with Tammy, through which he published his books. In 2015, Chad claimed he heard voices instructing him to move to Rexburg, Idaho, which he did with Tammy.

The Tragic Timeline of Events

Early 2019: Divorce and Disappearance

In February 2019, Charles Vallow filed for divorce from Lori, citing her threats to kill him and her delusions of being a reincarnated god. Lori vanished for 58 days, leaving her family without explanation. Upon her return, Charles called off the divorce, hoping to reconcile.

July 11, 2019: Charles Vallow’s Death

Charles went to Lori’s home to pick up JJ, resulting in a violent confrontation. Lori’s brother, Alex, shot and killed Charles, claiming self-defense. Lori and the children were notably calm when police arrived, and neighbors reported a pool party at the house that night.

August 2019: Move to Rexburg, Idaho

Lori, Tylee, JJ, Alex, and Lori’s niece Melanie moved to Rexburg, Idaho. Neighbors reported seeing Tylee initially but not after the first few weeks. JJ was last seen at school on September 23, and Lori unenrolled him the next day, claiming she would homeschool him.

October 2019: Suspicious Deaths and Marriages

On October 2, Brandon Boudreaux, Melanie’s ex-husband, survived a drive-by shooting. The Jeep used belonged to Charles Vallow. On October 9, Tammy Daybell reported being shot at by a masked man. Ten days later, Tammy died in her sleep, allegedly from natural causes, though her family declined an autopsy. Two weeks later, Chad and Lori married in Hawaii.

November 2019: Missing Children Reported

On November 26, police conducted a welfare check on JJ at the request of his grandparents, but Lori and Chad claimed he was with friends. The next day, they abruptly vacated their residence. On December 1, Lori and Chad were found in Hawaii without the children. Police began investigating Tammy Daybell’s death, leading to her exhumation on December 11.

December 12, 2019: Alex Cox’s Death

Alex Cox was found dead in his home, adding another layer of mystery to the case. The cause of his death remains under investigation.

January 2020: Investigations and Arrests

Police searched Chad’s property and took 43 items for forensic analysis. On January 25, Lori was ordered to produce JJ and Tylee to authorities but failed to comply. On January 30, Lori was arrested in Kauai for desertion and non-support of dependent children, among other charges. Chad was not arrested but was questioned by police.

The Ongoing Search for JJ and Tylee

The primary concern remains the whereabouts of JJ and Tylee, who have not been seen since September 2019. The investigation continues, with authorities scrutinizing every lead to uncover the truth behind their disappearance.

Recent Updates

February 2020: Lori’s Arrest and Court Appearance

On February 20, Lori was arrested and charged with two felony counts of desertion and non-support of dependent children, resisting or obstructing officers, criminal solicitation to commit a crime, and contempt of court. Her bond was set at $5 million. Lori's initial court appearance was scheduled for March 2, 2020.

March 2020: Lori’s Extradition to Idaho

Lori was extradited from Hawaii to Idaho to face charges. She continued to maintain her innocence and refused to disclose the whereabouts of JJ and Tylee.

June 2020: Discovery of Human Remains

In a significant development, human remains were discovered on Chad Daybell's property in Rexburg, Idaho. The remains were later confirmed to be those of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, bringing a heartbreaking end to the search for the missing children.

June 2020: Chad Daybell’s Arrest

Following the discovery of the remains, Chad Daybell was arrested and charged with two counts of destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence. His bond was set at $1 million.

August 2020: Additional Charges

Both Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell faced additional charges, including conspiracy to commit destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence.

May 2021: Charges of First-Degree Murder

In a major turn of events, Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell were charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of JJ Vallow, Tylee Ryan, and Tammy Daybell. This marked a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against the couple.

June 2021: Lori Vallow Found Incompetent

Lori was found incompetent to stand trial and was committed to a mental health facility for treatment. The court proceedings were put on hold pending a determination of her competency to face the charges.

September 2021: Chad Daybell Pleads Not Guilty

Chad Daybell pleaded not guilty to all charges, including first-degree murder and conspiracy. His defense team prepared for a lengthy trial process.

November 2021: Lori Vallow’s Competency Restored

Lori’s competency was restored, and she was deemed fit to stand trial. Legal proceedings resumed, with both Lori and Chad facing the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.

January 2022: Pre-Trial Motions and Hearings

Pre-trial motions and hearings began for both Lori and Chad. Their legal teams filed several motions, including requests for a change of venue due to the extensive media coverage of the case.

March 2022: Trial Dates Set

Trial dates were set for Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, with proceedings expected to begin in early 2023. The trials were anticipated to be highly publicized and closely followed by the media and the public.

December 2022: Additional Evidence Presented

Prosecutors presented additional evidence, including forensic analysis and testimonies, further strengthening the case against Lori and Chad. The evidence included digital footprints, financial records, and communications that illustrated the couple’s involvement in the deaths of JJ, Tylee, and Tammy.

February 2023: Joint Trial Ordered

The court ordered a joint trial for Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, citing the intertwined nature of the evidence and charges. This decision aimed to streamline the legal process and present a comprehensive case to the jury.

July 2023: Lori Vallow Daybell Sentenced

Lori Vallow Daybell was sentenced to multiple fixed life terms in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of her two youngest children and conspiracy to murder a romantic rival. Judge Steven Boyce emphasized the heinous nature of her crimes, ordering her to serve the prison terms consecutively to ensure she is punished for each death.

Judge's Remarks:

"You chose the most evil and destructive path possible," Judge Boyce told Vallow Daybell. He contrasted her enjoyment of a honeymoon in Hawaii with the reality of her children lying in shallow graves in Idaho. He noted the horrific conditions in which the children's bodies were found, describing them as "burned, mutilated, and dismembered, and buried like animals."

Vallow Daybell's Response:

For the first time during the trial, Lori Vallow Daybell spoke, insisting she was not guilty