Families release statements following Chad Daybell's death sentence

BOISE — Family members have released statements following a jury's decision that Chad Daybell will be sentenced to death for the murders of Tammy Daybell, Joshua “JJ” Vallow and Tylee Ryan.

Here are the statements:

Tammy Daybell's Extended Family

We would like to thank everyone who has put in countless hours of work to get to where we are today; law enforcement, the prosecution, the media and all of you who watched and listened to the trial and prayed for us. We are grateful for the relationships we have created through this horrible time and for the support and love we have been able to give each other. We would also like to thank my Aunt Vicki who sat in court almost every day of this trial for those of us who were unable to make it. This required a lot of strength.

We can all begin to heal from the terrible losses we have suffered. We will miss Tammy every day of our lives, but we take comfort in knowing we will see her again.

If you have been touched by Tammy and would like to support her foundation, the Tammy Douglas Daybell Foundation, to put books in the hands of children and increase literacy, please consider donating to the Tammy Douglas Daybell Foundation. THANKS.

Brandon Boudreaux's family

A year ago, we were the first people to be held responsible for what would be a never-ending void in the lives of so many families. Once again, someone is being held responsible. For the many people who have spent so many years working in Idaho, or in this case Idaho, we thank you. To the jurors who will carry the weight of these events with them for the rest of their lives, we thank you for shouldering this burden.

Many families can be affected by tragedy. Often, many suffer without the public seeing it. We cry with you. Words sometimes seem weak to express ourselves. There will be a void in our lives that will never be filled, no outcome of any trial will fill it, but justice has the right to be served and we are grateful to those who defend it. We encourage all those who participated in crimes to be held accountable.

No one can replace JJ, Tylee, Tammy or Charles. This world suffers without them. They will be forever missed and mourned by those who wish to spend more time with them. As we heard from those who loved them, we felt this pain because of who they were.
To those who suffer, we offer our empathy and love. As we suffered through these years and faced our anger, sorrow, and pain, we found strength and relief in our faith.

Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

We offer you the invitation extended thousands of years ago to turn your heart to the one who saves. Study his words and forgive. It has not filled the void left – no verdict or process can. But it brought peace in the calm of the storm of life and healing from the scars of life's most unfair moments.

Matt and Heather Daybell

The last few days and months have been a roller coaster of emotions for many, including Heather and me.

The justice we sought was ultimately achieved, but for us, right now, our feelings go back and forth from happiness and relief to sadness and heartbreak. The jury's unanimous verdict and sentence ends almost 10 years since it all began for our little family.

We would like to sincerely thank SO many people who have reached out to us and offered words of support and love over the last 2 months and over the last 4 1/2 years. Your kindness, especially towards Heather, was necessary and truly appreciated.

Like many of you, we hope to continue to heal our family, move forward together, and look forward to better days ahead.

We are very grateful to the jury, Judge Boyce, all law enforcement involved, and the Fremont and Madison prosecution teams. A sincere thank you for your tireless efforts, expertise and preparation in such a complex and emotional case – we know it has affected each of you and your families. THANKS.

We continue to express our love and support to Kay and Larry Woodcock and their extended families, Tammy's father Ron and the entire Douglas family, and to Colby and the extended Cox families. Kay and Larry reached out to us early on and were great role models for us.

We also express our love to the many other countless victims who have been affected, including our own family members.
We realize that nothing will bring Tammy, JJ, and Tylee back, but we sincerely hope and pray that once justice is served, we will all be able to move forward together, hoping for better days ahead and showing greater love and compassion towards all. .

Matt and Heather Daybell

Cox and Shiflet families

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who worked so hard to achieve this true and just verdict and sentence.

First, law enforcement who, alongside the DA's office, have been vigilant and unstoppable in their pursuit of justice for Tylee, Tammy, and JJ.

The witnesses who had to testify, sometimes at the cost of a lot of emotion.

The courageous jurors, who had to face the most horrific evidence that will surely impact them for life.

The court, especially Judge Boyce, for the thoughtful and measured decisions that protected the rights of the accused and for the victim's silent calls for justice. It was so rewarding to see our justice system working!

We are grateful to all those, visible and invisible, who contributed to this immense effort. We believe this is a fair sentence considering the cruel and callous way in which our loved ones lost. We are also grateful for all the prayers and support offered on our behalf.

We trust God and our Savior, Jesus Christ, for true healing and ask His blessing for all families who are suffering this great loss.

Tammy, Tylee and JJ will always be remembered as shining lights in this world!

The Cox and Shiflet families