The gripping trial of Chad Daybell, the man accused of murdering his first wife, Tammy, and his current wife’s children, 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, continues to captivate the nation. As the trial unfolds, newly released police video footage from June 9th, 2020, the day the children’s remains were found on Daybell’s property, offers a chilling glimpse into Daybell’s demeanor and actions.
Shocking Discoveries and a Puzzling Phone Call
Before delving into the never-before-seen footage, the jury was presented with evidence that sent shockwaves through the courtroom – a recorded phone call between Chad and Lori Vallow Daybell, his current wife, who is already serving a life sentence for her role in the murders. At the time of the call, Lori was incarcerated in the Madison County Jail, facing charges of failing to produce her missing children.
In this crucial piece of evidence, Lori informs Chad that authorities are searching his property. “They’re searching the property, the house, right now,” she says. Instead of expressing shock or confusion, Chad responds with a chillingly calm “Okay.” The lack of surprise in their voices speaks volumes.
“[This phone call] is such an important piece of evidence because we know that they find the kids’ bodies on that property,” says legal analyst and commentator, Sarah Jones. “And does Chad say, ‘I don’t know what they’re doing, why are they looking there’? Or do you hear Lori saying ‘What on earth is going on?’ No. It’s almost as if they aren’t that surprised.”
A Father’s Reaction or a Calculated Response?
Fast forward to the newly released police footage, where we see Daybell’s daughter, Emma, arrive at the scene. Daybell is sitting in the back of a patrol car, having been detained by Detective Eric Wheeler after displaying suspicious behavior, including looking intently towards the pond where JJ’s remains were found and the fire pit area where Tylee’s remains were discovered.
Chad Daybell sits in the back of a patrol car as his daughter Emma talks to him
The footage reveals a conversation between father and daughter that is both heartbreaking and perplexing. Emma, clearly distraught, discusses financial matters with her father, who seems more concerned with ensuring his affairs are in order than with the horrific discovery on his property. “I’ve had a lot of success with Mom’s stuff just saying ‘will you help me? My mom died,'” Emma can be heard saying.
This seemingly emotionless response to the discovery of the children’s remains is particularly jarring, given Daybell’s professed religious beliefs, which center around the end of days and dark spirits. Prosecutors allege that Daybell and Lori used these beliefs to justify their actions.
Unanswered Questions and the Search for Justice
As the trial progresses, the prosecution aims to prove that Daybell, driven by religious extremism and a desire for financial gain, played a central role in the murders. The defense, however, maintains that Daybell was unaware of the children’s deaths and points the finger at Lori Vallow Daybell and her deceased brother, Alex Cox.
The newly released footage adds another layer of complexity to this already convoluted case. Will the jury interpret Daybell’s behavior as evidence of guilt or as a father attempting to provide for his daughter in the face of unimaginable tragedy? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain: the quest for justice for JJ, Tylee, and Tammy Daybell continues.