Jurors from the Lori Vallow Daybell trial, including an alternate, have decided to share their experiences and reflections on the case. The trial involved the killings of Vallow Daybell’s two children, 7-year-old JJ and 16-year-old Tylee.
Saul Hernandez, one of the jurors, expressed his feelings in an interview with ABC News, describing how he felt he had encountered true evil during the trial. He stated, “You talk about good and bad, good and evil. And I think for the first time in my life, I put a face to evil.” Hernandez mentioned being repulsed by the wedding photos of Lori and Chad Daybell, taken in Hawaii, emphasizing that it was difficult to comprehend how someone could be happy while their children were buried.
The discovery of JJ and Tylee’s bodies buried on Daybell’s property in Idaho came only a few months after the wedding. At the start of jury deliberations, Hernandez admitted having some reasonable doubt regarding Vallow Daybell’s involvement in Tylee’s murder. However, after thorough discussion with fellow jurors and careful consideration of all the evidence, he ultimately voted guilty on all charges.
An alternate juror, identified as Tiffany, also spoke out about the emotional toll the trial had on her. In an interview with Law & Crime, she expressed deep distress at the realization of what someone could do to children. “It’s pure evil,” she remarked. Tiffany believed that Vallow Daybell’s defense made a mistake by not presenting any witnesses during the trial, expressing disappointment in the defense’s presentation.
Following her conviction on all six charges, Vallow Daybell was photographed for a new mugshot, which revealed a tired and worn appearance compared to her previous vibrant image. She will soon be transferred to a state correctional facility after her sentencing, scheduled for three months from now.
The jurors’ candid reflections shed light on the emotional weight of the trial and the impact of the crimes committed against JJ and Tylee. Their words reflect the immense responsibility placed on jurors to examine the evidence and reach a just verdict in the face of tragic and heinous acts.
