Lori Vallow’s family issued a statement Wednesday afternoon saying they were “deeply saddened by the recent findings in the investigation into the whereabouts of J.J. and Tylee,” Vallow’s two missing children whose remains are believed to have been found buried behind Vallow’s husband’s home outside Rexburg, Idaho, East Idaho News reports.

Janis and Barry Cox, Vallow’s parents, along with her sister Summer Shiflet and niece Melani Pawlowski and her husband Ian, signed onto the statement, which was released by their attorneys Robert Jarvis and Garrett Smith,

Previously, Janis Cox and Summer Shiflet have said that they believed the children were still alive, and Melani Pawlowski said Vallow had told her the children were “safe and they’re doing everything they can to keep to them from the people that are trying to harm them.”

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The statement said the family’s “love for [the children] knows no bounds.”

“The family has maintained a strong hope and belief that they were alive and well. With that hope and belief apparently shattered, they struggle to find comfort and hope in this potential new reality. They miss J.J. and Tylee very much.

“The family is very grateful to those who have expended so much time and effort in trying to locate them.

“The family expresses their deep and abiding love for J.J. and Tylee. The family will continue to closely watch the developing situation and will anxiously await the pending conclusions with heavy hearts. The family extends their gratitude to all those who have expressed their love and concern for J.J. and Tylee and feels the strength of their faith and prayers.”

JJ Vallow’s grandparents, Kay and Larry Woodcock told reporters that the remains found on Daybell’s property were those of the 7-year-old boy and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan, although authorities have not confirmed the identification, as CrimeOnline previously reported.

Daybell was arrested Tuesday and charged with two felony counts of destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence. Vallow is in custody on felony child desertion charges.

See all our reporting on this story here.

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