Families Confirm Human Remains Belong to Missing Children

REXBURG, ID — After authorities confirmed the human remains found in Chad Daybell’s backyard belong to children, the families of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan have confirmed the remains belong to the missing kids.

According to KUTV, the family members of both children confirmed the tragic news in a joint statement. 

“The Woodcock’s and The Ryan’s are confirming that the human remains by law enforcement on Chad Daybell’s property are indeed our beloved JJ and Tylee. We are filled with unfathomable sadness that these two bright stars were stolen from us, and only hope that they died without pain or suffering. Official statements from the Rexburg Police, the Medical Examiner, and the FBI will be released soon. We ask that you respect our family’s privacy while we grieve – we have only just been told of the loss of our loved ones and need time to process. We are not granting interviews at this time and hope you all understand that this is the worst new we will ever get in our lives and want to be left alone for the time being. Thank you.”

Tylee was last seen on September 8 when she took a trip with her mother, brother, and uncle to Yellowstone National Park. JJ was last seen on September 23, the last day he attended school.

Lori Daybell’s family also released a statement regarding the heartbreaking discovery made by authorities. 

"The Cox family -- Janis and Barry, Summer, Melani and Ian -- is deeply saddened by the recent findings in the investigation into the whereabouts of J.J. and Tylee. Their love for them 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.”

Chad Daybell's family also relased a statement after the families made their announcement.

"It is with heavy hearts and extreme sadness, that we wish to express our love and condolences to the families of JJ and Tylee. We especially want to convey our sorrow to Larry and Kay Woodcock and Colby Ryan for the pain and suffering they have endured for many months and especially at this time. We have hoped and prayed over the many months for the safety and well-being of JJ and Tylee and we are devastated by their passing. We are heart-broken that these beautiful children’s lives were ended tragically and prematurely and for the emptiness and pain it leaves in the lives of their loved ones. We also continue to mourn for Tammy, who has been a daughter and sister to us and part of our family for nearly 30 years. She was the sweetest and kindest person and a wonderful mother to her children.The lives of her children have been devastated since she passed away and through the events of the past months and recent days. We empathize and know that for every family and loved one involved, healing may take a lifetime. We send our most sincere love and prayers to all those who are suffering and grieving at this time."

The official search for Tylee and JJ began on November 27, 2019, after a welfare check on JJ made police suspicious. By December 20, 2019, the Rexburg Police Department went public with the search for the children. On February 20 Lori Daybell was arrested in Kauai and was charged with two felony counts of desertion and nonsupport of dependent children in connection to the case.

On March 5 Lori was extradited to Rexburg, Idaho. On June 9, authorities served the warrant that allowed them to search the home of Chad Daybell, and the next day Chad was charged with two counts of felony destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence. Both Lori and Chad remain in jail with a $1 million bond.

The results of the autopsy have not been released and as of this time no further charges have been filed against Lori and Chad Daybell.