Missing Idaho Siblings Update: Police Seize Property Of Missing Mother And Stepfather To Aid Investigation

Investigators seized the property of Chad Daybell, the stepfather of two missing Idaho siblings, in an effort to find them sooner, police said.

Fremont County Sheriff Len Humphries told reporters that officers obtained and executed a search warrant Friday for the home of Daybell and his wife, Lori Vallow. Officers seized 43 items including phones, computers, personal journals, medication, and other “forensic evidence” from the home.

“A lot of work now has to be done,” Humphries said.

Humphries added that it’s too soon to know how the seized items will alter their search for the couple’s children, Joshua Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 17, who have been missing since November.

Police were asked by the siblings’ relatives to conduct a welfare check after not hearing from them on Nov. 26 but were told by Daybell and Vallow they were staying with family in Arizona. However, officers learned this was false and returned the next day with a search warrant for the home. By the time police arrived, though, the couple had already fled the area.

It was later revealed that Daybell and Vallow’s previous partners had both been killed before the two married in 2019.

Vallow’s previous husband, Charles Vallow, was shot and killed by her brother, Alex Cox, after the couple had gotten into a fight. Charles Vallow had reportedly filed to have their marriage dissolved and was seeking sole custody of Joshua when he was killed.

“Father states that mother's recent decision-making has caused emotional harm to JJ who has special needs and is unable to understand the circumstances or situation happening,” the petition read.

Cox wasn’t charged and died in December, though the cause of death wasn’t released.

Daybell’s previous spouse, Tammy Daybell, was reportedly found dead at their home in Fremont County, Idaho, on Oct. 19. Authorities initially believed her death was due to natural causes but investigators had her body exhumed on Dec. 11 to be re-examined and now suspect foul play was involved.

Daybell and Vallow wed weeks after Tammy Daybell's death.