Chad Daybell’s trial unfolds with conflicting portrayals of his role in the tragic murders of his wife and children. Prosecutors paint him as a calculating mastermind, while his defense insists he was manipulated by Lori Vallow.
Two Faces of Chad Daybell
Chad Daybell is depicted in starkly different lights at his death penalty trial. On one hand, he’s seen as a religious leader and a calculating murderer; on the other, as a submissive man controlled by women.
The Allegations
Prosecutors claim Daybell’s thirst for sex, money, and power drove him to kill his first wife Tammy and his current wife Lori Vallow’s children, Tylee and JJ. His defense, however, portrays him as manipulated by Vallow, described as a dominant and sexual woman.
The Defense’s Narrative
Throughout the trial in Boise, Idaho, Daybell’s attorney, John Prior, has argued that Daybell was under Vallow’s influence. He depicted Vallow as the instigator who seduced Daybell and led him to commit the crimes.
A Stunning Encounter
Daybell’s defense recounts their first meeting at a religious convention in 2019, where Vallow allegedly pursued and enticed him. This narrative aims to shift the blame onto Vallow, portraying her as the aggressor.
A Nation Shocked
The case has captivated America with its gruesome details and the couple’s extreme beliefs. Their claimed divine mission and supposed roles as prophet and goddess add a chilling layer to the story.
Convictions and Trials
Vallow was convicted last year and sentenced to life in prison for the murders. As Daybell’s trial progresses, the jury is left to decide who held the true power in their relationship, with traditional gender roles playing a significant part.
Irony in Defense
Observers find the defense’s portrayal of Daybell as controlled by women to be ironic. This strategy, seen by some as misogynistic, attempts to paint Daybell as a victim of Vallow’s supposed irresistible sexuality.
A Dichotomy of Control
A strange contradiction arises: a man from a patriarchal faith claims the women around him dominated him. This paradox is central to Daybell’s defense strategy, as attorney John Prior argues that Vallow manipulated Daybell through emotional and sexual control.
Shifting Blame
Prior’s motion last year argued Daybell was “less culpable” than Vallow in the murders, attributing her as the mastermind. This defense was echoed in opening statements, painting Vallow as a woman with a history of failed marriages and irresistible charm.
Faith and Patriarchy
Sottile challenges this narrative, highlighting the patriarchal nature of the Mormon faith both Daybell and Vallow adhered to. The faith’s teachings emphasize male authority in the family, making the claim of female dominance unusual.
Meeting and Influence
Daybell and Vallow met at a religious conference in 2018, where Vallow was captivated by Daybell’s prophetic visions. Her beliefs grew more extreme, with testimonies revealing how these ideas evolved into dangerous fantasies involving zombies and dark spirits.
An Alternate Reality
Prosecutor Rob Wood described how Daybell’s quest for sex, power, and money led him to create an alternate reality with Vallow. In this delusion, they assumed new identities and Vallow became his “exalted goddess.”
Defending Actions
Testimony from Daybell’s daughter, Emma, aimed to defend his actions at his first wife’s funeral. Her account contrasted with other family members who described his behavior as strange and detached.
Funeral Demeanor
Daybell’s daughter described his behavior at the funeral as typical for a grieving Latter-day Saint husband. She explained that their faith views funerals as temporary farewells, not permanent goodbyes.
Stoic Presence
During six weeks of intense testimony, Daybell remained stoic, hands tightly clasped, showing little reaction. His composed demeanor reminded some of his time running a publishing operation in Utah.
Author’s Recollection
Julie Coulter Bellon, who worked with Daybell at Spring Creek Books, recalled his quiet intensity and control. She noted his hands would tighten and his knuckles turn white, a sign of his determination to have things his way.
Defense Claims Questioned
Bellon was surprised by the defense’s claim that Tammy was the brains behind the publishing company. She remembered Daybell as the decision-maker, while Tammy contributed creatively but wasn’t in charge.
A Quiet Leader
Bellon described Tammy as outgoing and friendly, in contrast to Daybell’s quiet intensity. She found the defense’s portrayal of Tammy as introverted inconsistent with her own experiences.
Intense Standards
Bellon recalled Daybell’s strict standards, even insisting on changes to a scene he found inappropriate. This insistence highlighted his control over the company’s direction and decisions.
Surprising Testimony
Bellon was taken aback by Emma Daybell’s description of her mother as introverted. She remembered Tammy as a vibrant and social person, always engaging with others.
Community Shock
Tammy’s death shocked the author community, who saw her as a beloved and energetic figure. Bellon reminisced about the seemingly perfect match between Tammy and Chad, and the tragic turn of events.
Trial Progress
As Daybell’s trial resumes, closing arguments are imminent. If convicted of murder, Daybell faces the possibility of a death sentence.
