FBI agent testifies that texts between Chad and Lori alluded to the planning of Tylee and J.J.’s death

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Chad Daybell’s murder trial began in week three with more witness testimony. Monday morning jurors heard from retired FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Agent Doug Hart, J.J.’s nanny, and Colby Ryan, Lori Vallow Daybell’s son.

Colby Ryan’s testimony on the witness stand was emotional and tearful as he had to identify a picture of his slain sister Tylee Ryan.

Former dean of students at BYU-Idaho Wynn Hill testified that despite the claims from Lori Vallow Daybell of Tylee Ryan being a student at the college, Ryan was never enrolled at the university located in Rexburg.

Testimony was moving along quickly Monday morning, and the court took a longer than normal lunch to give the state time to get witnesses called for the afternoon.

Chad Daybell’s defense attorney John Prior asked FBI Agent Doug Hart if there were texts between Chad and Lori referencing to kill Tylee and J.J.

Hart: There are several texts that talk in detail about the deaths of those two children, yes.

Prior: Oh well in detail about the deaths and what happened during their deaths right? Not, “let’s kill the kids” are there?

Hart: Wait a minute, what do you mean?

Prior: What I’m saying is that you... there’s references to Tylee and J.J. throughout text messages, right?

Hart: Yes

John: Ok. There is not a text message that says “Let’s kill the kids” is there?

Hart: In those specific words, no. But certainly, alluding to and planning for the deaths of Tylee and J.J. Yes.

Last week the jury heard testimony from a variety of witnesses that included two days of testimony from Lori Vallow Daybell’s former best friend Melanie Gibb, who was involved in the religious castings - or removing of evil spirits. Gibb said they both learned of casting from Chad Daybell.

Court will continue at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Chad Daybell is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his first wife Tammy Daybell, and Lori’s two children Tylee and J.J. whose remains were found on Chad Daybell’s property just outside of Rexburg. He is also charged with grand theft and insurance fraud.

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