A forensic DNA expert testified at Chad Daybell’s triple murder trial that there was no evidence of the self-proclaimed prophet’s DNA on anything that was tested from the slain bodies of two children found buried on his property in June 2020.
Dr. Greg Hampikian told jurors at the Boise, Idaho courthouse on Wednesday about hairs found on the adhesive that was used to bound little JJ Vallow. None belonged to Daybell.
Daybell, 55, is on trial for the murders of his first wife Tammy, who died suddenly on October 19, 2019 – just one month after Lori Vallow’s two children, Tylee Ryan, 16, and JJ Vallow, seven, disappeared. Two weeks after Tammy’s death, Daybell and Vallow married on a beach in Hawaii.
It was only after the children were reported missing – and authorities began delving into the couple’s bizarre cult beliefs – that questions were asked about Tammy’s death and her body was exhumed for an autopsy. It was determined she had died of asphyxia and Daybell was charged with her murder.
Prosecutors say Daybell and Vallow justified the three killings by creating an apocalyptic belief system, which was part of an elaborate scheme to eliminate any obstacles from their life.
But Daybell’s attorney claims he was manipulated by Vallow, who was convicted of the murders last year and received three life sentences.
If convicted, Daybell faces the death penalty or life in prison.
Chad Daybell appears to choke up as 911 call from wife’s death played in ‘cult prophet’ murder trial