Tammy Daybell

Case background and investigation

Tammy Daybell lived with her husband, Chad Daybell, in Salem, a rural community in Fremont County, Idaho. On October 9, 2019, according to a timeline compiled by East Idaho News, she called 911 to report that a masked man had shot at her in her driveway with what she took to be a paintball gun. She was not hurt. Court documents later alleged that this had been an attempt on her life by Alex Cox, the brother of Lori Vallow.

Ten days later, on October 19, 2019, Chad Daybell called 911 and said his wife had died in her sleep. The county coroner accepted his account of a cough and earlier health problems, ruled the death natural and did not order an autopsy; East Idaho News has reported that the coroner later testified she would have ordered one had she known better. Tammy Daybell was buried in Springville, Utah, on October 22. NBC News reported that Chad Daybell married Lori Vallow about two weeks after the death.

The death was re-examined after Lori Vallow's children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua 'JJ' Vallow, were reported missing. The Fremont County Sheriff's Office described Tammy Daybell's death as suspicious, and her body was exhumed on December 11, 2019 for an autopsy in Utah. Alex Cox died the following day; he was never charged. The sheriff's office announced in February 2021 that the autopsy was complete. Its finding, that she died of asphyxiation caused by another person, was made public during Lori Vallow Daybell's trial in April 2023, according to the Deseret News.

A grand jury indicted Chad and Lori Daybell in May 2021. In relation to Tammy Daybell, Chad was charged with first-degree murder, both were charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and Chad was charged with insurance fraud over two life insurance policies. Lori Vallow Daybell was tried first. She was convicted in May 2023, and on July 31, 2023 she was sentenced to consecutive life terms without parole for the conspiracy against Tammy Daybell and for the murders of her two children, according to NBC News.

Chad Daybell's trial began in April 2024. On May 30, 2024, the jury found him guilty on every count, including the murder of Tammy Daybell, the murders of Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow, and two counts of insurance fraud. On June 1, 2024, the jury decided he should be sentenced to death. His lawyer filed a notice of appeal to the Idaho Supreme Court within days, and East Idaho News reported in July 2025 that the case remained under appeal. Idaho's Supreme Court also reviews every death sentence automatically. Tammy Daybell's family has set up a foundation in her name to promote children's literacy.