JJ and Tylee’s families, Chad Daybell’s brother issue statements

REXBURG — Joshua “JJ” Vallow’s grandparents, Tylee Ryan’s aunt and Chad Daybell’s younger brother have issued statements about Daybell’s arrest and the discovery of human remains on his property. The bodies of JJ and Tylee were found Tuesday, according to multiple family members.

Daybell is charged with two felony counts of concealment or destruction of evidence. He is in the Fremont County Jail on $1 million bail.

Larry and Kay Woodcock issued the following statement Wednesday afternoon:

The Woodcocks and the Ryans are confirming that the human remains found 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. Once officially confirmed, statements from the Rexburg Police, the Medical Examiner and the FBI will be released. 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 news we will ever get in our lives and want to be left alone for the time being.

Thank you,

Larry and Kay Woodcock
Colby and Kelsee Ryan

Tylee Ryan’s aunt, Annie Cushing, issued this statement:

Thank you for the overwhelming outpouring of love for Tylee and JJ throughout this crisis. My family and I eagerly await the results of the identification of the remains and autopsies but have hope that there will be resolution and closure in the near future.

As sad and taxing as this protracted investigation has been, I’ve been deeply touched by the heartfelt expressions of grief, kindness, and support throughout this process. Tylee and JJ won the hearts of people all across the globe. I’ve seen and have been impacted by both the worst and best of humanity. Hopefully, goodness and justice will win out in the end.

We ask for privacy in this difficult time.

Matt and Heather Daybell issued this statement:

The events of the past nine months have weighed heavily on our family – it has been one of the most difficult things we have ever had to go through. Some in our extended family are still struggling to accept the reality that Chad could have been involved in something so terribly wrong.

On behalf of myself, my wife Heather, and our four children, we express our most sincere sympathies to Larry and Kay and to JJ and Tylee’s entire extended families. We are devastated by today’s news and the apparent role that Chad has played in what has transpired.

Heather and I have communicated many times in person and by phone with Larry and Kay over the past several months – they have been examples of courage, strength and kindness to us throughout this difficult trial that they have been forced to endure. Throughout this ordeal, we have supported one another in pursuit of the truth, and will continue to do so. They have been praying for our family, as we have prayed for them. Our heartfelt love and prayers continue to go out to them and their family at this very difficult time.

We also continue to pray for Tammy and Chad’s adult children and their spouses. Because of the difficulty of this situation, our relationship with them has been significantly strained. As a result, we have had no contact with them or Chad for the last many months – we do not know where his children stand at this time. As such, we ask for patience and compassion for them and for all of our extended family as we cope with the horrific events that have come to light.

Matt and Heather Daybell