The Idaho man, Chad Daybell, was convicted on Thursday of killing his wife and his new girlfriend’s two youngest children in a bizarre triple murder case that involved apocalyptic prophesies, zombie children, and extramarital affairs. Jurors deliberated for just six hours before finding Daybell guilty, concluding a case that began in 2019 and spanned multiple states. Daybell, who appeared stoic, now awaits the jury’s decision on whether he should receive the death penalty for the murders. The penalty phase of the trial resumes on Friday.
The case garnered significant media attention, prompting the judge to move the trial from the rural Idaho community where the crimes occurred to Boise to ensure an impartial jury. Prosecutors will argue for a death sentence based on the heinous nature of the crimes, while Daybell’s defense will present mitigating circumstances to seek a lighter sentence.
The investigation into the murders began five years ago when the grandparents of one of the victims, JJ, became concerned about his well-being. The search for the missing children led to shocking revelations about Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell, who were having an affair while their spouses died under suspicious circumstances. The couple’s actions were driven by a twisted belief system that involved zombies and apocalyptic visions.
The trial featured testimony from numerous witnesses detailing the couple’s elaborate scheme to eliminate obstacles to their relationship and profit from survivor benefits. Daybell portrayed himself as a religious leader with the power to identify “zombies” and predict death percentages. The prosecution argued that each victim was labeled as “dark” by Daybell before being killed in accordance with their beliefs. Their ‘mortality rate’ would decrease, leading to their inevitable demise,” she stated.
Ms. Blake also revealed that Mr. Daybell had influenced Ms. Vallow Daybell and her brother, Cox, into assisting with the scheme, sometimes granting ‘spiritual blessings’ on Cox and cautioning Ms. Vallow Daybell about displeasing the angels by disregarding him.
Mr. Daybell’s defense lawyer, John Prior, refuted the prosecution’s portrayal of Mr. Daybell’s beliefs. He portrayed Mr. Daybell as a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious individual who frequently discussed his spiritual convictions.
Mr. Prior argued that the police only sought evidence against Mr. Daybell rather than focusing on the truth of the matter. He alleged that the children’s deceased uncle, Cox, was responsible for the crimes, citing Cox’s history of violence and his attempt to frame Mr. Daybell by burying the slain children in his yard.
During the sentencing phase, the jury will determine whether Mr. Daybell should face capital punishment or life imprisonment. Mr. Woodcock expressed satisfaction with either outcome, emphasizing that justice must prevail for the murders of innocent children and Mr. Daybell’s wife.
Rebecca Boone contributed to this report.
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