The sister of convicted killer Lori Vallow has expressed gratitude to prosecutors after Chad Daybell was sentenced to death for his role in the murders of Vallow's two children and his former wife. Summer Shiflet, who had previously defended her sister, acknowledged that Vallow has lost touch with reality.
Daybell, 55, showed no emotion as the death sentence was handed down on Thursday. Shiflet told attendees at CrimeCon 2024 that justice had been served, stating, 'I had no expectations but when I heard those words, it was everything I needed to hear.'
Prosecutors argued that the couple developed an apocalyptic belief system to justify the killings, which they saw as necessary to eliminate obstacles to their relationship and to obtain financial benefits. The children, Joshua 'JJ' Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16, disappeared in September 2019, and their remains were found the following June on Daybell's property. JJ had been asphyxiated, while Tylee's remains were dismembered and burned.
Shiflet blamed Daybell for turning her sister into a deluded killer, saying, 'How does your sister and this mother get to this point from a one-year period from meeting Chad Daybell to having your kids murdered?' She added that Vallow believes she is sane and that her dead children are doing well.
Vallow was sentenced to life without parole last year, with the judge citing a delusional disorder and hyper-religiosity. She told the court that her children were 'happy' and 'busy' in the spirit world, claiming communications with Jesus Christ and angelic visitors.
