Idaho Doomsday Author Chad Daybell Guilty of Murdering First Wife, Second Wife's Kids
Chad Daybell was found guilty of murder and conspiracy for killing his first wife and two stepchildren in Idaho. Prosecutors cited motives involving power, money, and apocalyptic beliefs. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Idaho Doomsday author Chad Daybell, a central figure in a case fraught with allegations of power, sex, and apocalyptic beliefs, was convicted on Thursday of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges.

These charges stem from the deaths of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, and his second wife's children, Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow.

The verdict opens the possibility of the death penalty for Daybell, CNN reports.

The tragic events unfolded beginning in late 2019 when Tammy Daybell was found dead in her Idaho home, initially believed to have passed away in her sleep.

However, suspicions grew when the remains of Lori Vallow Daybell's children, Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow, were discovered buried on Chad Daybell's Fremont County property in June 2020.

Prosecutors alleged that these killings occurred amidst a backdrop of religious fanaticism, financial greed, and sinister intentions.

Courtroom Proceedings

The trial gripped the nation with emotional testimonies and compelling evidence that shed light on the disturbing circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Witnesses recounted Idaho Doomsday author Chad Daybell's alleged manipulation and control over Lori Vallow Daybell, portraying him as the mastermind behind the tragic killings.

Prosecutors argued that Daybell's charismatic influence and extreme religious beliefs contributed to the demise of his victims.

After the verdict was delivered, family members of the victims expressed profound grief and frustration, according to KSL.com.

Larry Woodcock, JJ's grandfather, voiced heartbreak over the loss of innocent lives and condemned the actions of Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell.

Despite the overwhelming sorrow, Woodcock emphasized the enduring memories of the victims and their profound impact on loved ones.

Throughout the trial, Chad Daybell maintained his innocence, with his defense team arguing that he was manipulated and coerced by Lori Vallow Daybell into unlawful actions.

They portrayed Daybell as a victim of circumstance, manipulated by external forces beyond his control and unaware of the grave consequences of his actions.

Conviction and Sentencing

The jury found Chad Daybell guilty on multiple charges, including a triple murder case, conspiracy, insurance fraud, and grand theft.

This verdict marks a significant stride towards justice for the victims and closure for their bereaved families, Fox News noted.

The case brought to light the unsettling dynamics of a relationship rooted in religious extremism and fantastical beliefs.

Chad Daybell, an Idaho Doomsday author, and his second wife Lori Vallow Daybell, whom he met in 2018 at a religious gathering, shared visions of apocalypse and believed in their reincarnated identities.

Prosecutors argued that these convictions fueled their horrific crimes.

The prosecution also highlighted the violent history of Alex Cox, who had previously killed Lori Vallow Daybell's former husband and who was portrayed as her protector before his death in 2019.

During the trial, Chad Daybell's defense emphasized the absence of his DNA on the children's bodies, while the circumstances surrounding Tammy Daybell's death remained inconclusive.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Doomsday author Chad Daybell found guilty in triple-murder case - From ABC News