The judge overseeing the murder trials of Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell on Monday issued an order releasing 7-year-old JJ Vallow’s body to his next of kin.
JJ’s next of kin are his grandparents, Kay and Larry Woodcock.
“Praise Jesus!” Kay Woodcock wrote on Twitter.com. “We are grateful.”
Praise Jesus‼️‼️‼️. We are grateful. https://t.co/riy0TDZLpZ
— Kay Woodcock (@woodcockkay1) October 16, 2023
The Woodcocks have waited three years, since the discovery of JJ’s body — along with that of his half sister, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan — on Chad Daybell’s property in June 2020, nearly a year after they’d been reported missing, launching a search that ultimately led to the arrests of the so-called “cult mom” and her doomsday writer fifth husband, as CrimeOnline reported.
Vallow Daybell was found guilty of the children’s murders, as well as that of Daybell’s first wife, in May and sentenced to life in prison. Daybell’s trial on the same charges is set to begin on April 1, 2024.
Vallow Daybell is also charged with conspiracy in the death of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, who was shot to death by her brother, Alex Cox in the summer of 2019, before the children disappeared and she married Daybell. Cox subsequently died, reportedly of natural causes, a few months later.
JJ’s body was found with a plastic bag over his head, and the coroner ruled that he died from asphyxiation. Tylee’s remains had been burned and were in such bad condition that the cause of death could not be determined. Her body has not been released.
The Woodcocks also sent a statement about the release to KREM:
The last several years have been filled with pain and grief as we traveled this long arduous road. We have waited and prayed for this day for so long and are immeasurably relieved that JJ will finally be laid to rest.
We have spent the past days immersed in the memories of the love and happiness that JJ shined and continues to shine on our life. As we reminisce in the joy that JJ filled our life with, our hearts ache for those that love JJ and share in the immense grief and loss of such a beautiful little man.
We are grateful for the love and support of everyone that has come to love JJ, Tylee and Charles. As we continue to fight for justice, the dedication and strength given has helped to carry us through.
We are anxious to find out when Tylee too can be laid to rest. Our greatest wish is for JJ and Tylee to be celebrated for the joy and love they brought to this world and for them to finally rest in peace. Only then, will our hearts begin to heal.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
Larry and Kay Woodcock
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[Featured image: Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow/Facebook]
