Strange case of 2 kids who vanished in Idaho takes grim turn

BOISE, Idaho — It was the extended family who grew suspicious first, and then at their urging, local police: Seven-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and his 17-year-old sister Tylee Ryan hadn’t been seen in far too long, and their mother wouldn’t give a straight answer about where they were.

Soon strangers around the world were following the case, transfixed by the increasingly strange circumstances surrounding Lori Vallow Daybell and her new husband, Chad Daybell. The investigation grew to include the mysterious deaths of their former spouses, rumors of doomsday cult-like beliefs and their sudden move to Hawaii.

The case took a grim turn this week when investigators announced they found human remains while searching Chad Daybell’s property in rural Idaho. In a field near his house, the FBI and local authorities erected canopies, draped blue tarps on the ground and brought in heavy equipment to dig. Victim advocates began calling family members Tuesday, telling them about the remains.

Relatives released a statement the next day, saying the bodies belonged to JJ and Tylee. But officials have yet to confirm that.

Earlier Wednesday, Chad Daybell was charged with concealing or destroying human remains. His attorney didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lori Daybell already has been charged with child abandonment, obstructing an investigation, contempt of court and soliciting a crime. Her attorney has said she intends to defend herself against the charges. The Daybells are both in jail on $1 million bond.

Though relatives say those remains are Tylee and JJ, they are still waiting for answers. They watched JJ’s birthday arrive in late May.

“Our feelings of extreme anguish and despondency were prevelant throught the period approaching JJ’s 8th birthday,” Kay Woodcock wrote in a Facebook post. “Our Rexburg family hosted a poignant vigil on Monday 5/25 in honor of our little man … We are comforted knowing their commitment is as strong as ours.”

Daybell has not yet entered a formal plea, but her attorney says she intends to defend herself against the charges.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3cVgva2