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Body of Lori Vallow Daybell's Son JJ Released to His Grandparents, Three Years After 7-Year-Old's Remains Were Found
"We have waited and prayed for this day for so long and are immeasurably relieved that JJ will finally be laid to rest," Kay and Larry Woodcock said of their grandson.
The body of Joshua “JJ” Vallow — one of the two kids his adoptive mom Lori Vallow Daybell was convicted of killing — has been released to his grandparents.
The 7-year-old's remains, along with the body of his 16-year-old sister Tylee Ryan, were found on the Idaho property of Vallow Daybell's fifth husband, Chad Daybell, in June of 2020. Vallow Daybell was sentenced in July of this year to life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing her two children, as well as for conspiring to kill them and Daybell's prior wife, Tammy Daybell.
RELATED: "Doomsday Cult" Mom Lori Vallow Daybell Appeals Life Sentence in Kids’ Double Murders
JJ's biological grandparents, Kay and Larry Woodcock, have now been given possession of the boy's remains. Days after prosecutors in Fremont County, Idaho, ordered JJ's body be turned over to next of kin, a judge signed off on the order Monday, according to court filings obtained by People.
The Woodcocks expressed their gratitude for the move Monday.
What did Kay and Larry Woodcock say about the release of JJ Vallow's remains to them?
"The last several years have been filled with pain and grief as we traveled this long arduous road," they said in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. "We have waited and prayed for this day for so long and are immeasurably relieved that JJ will finally be laid to rest."
"We have spent the past days immersed in the memories of the love and happiness that JJ shined and continues to shine on our life," the Woodcocks' statement continued. "As we reminisce in the joy that JJ filled our life with, our hearts ache for those that love JJ and share in the immense grief and loss of such a beautiful little man."
How are Larry and Kay Woodcock related to Joshua “JJ” Vallow?
The Woodcocks took care of JJ, who is their biological grandson, until he was 10 months old, NBC-affiliated KSL-TV reported. Kay's brother is Charles Vallow, the fourth husband of Vallow Daybell. Vallow and Vallow Daybell adopted JJ in 2013, while they were still married.
Tylee is Vallow Daybell's daughter with her third husband Joseph Ryan.
Charles Vallow was fatally shot by Vallow Daybell's brother, Alex Cox, at her home in Chandler, Arizona in 2019. Cox, who died that same year, told authorities that he fired at Charles in self-defense and was never charged with his death. Vallow Daybell is now facing charges of conspiring to murder Charles in Arizona, where she's also charged with conspiring to kill her niece's ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux.
"We are grateful for the love and support of everyone that has come to love JJ, Tylee, and Charles," Larry and Kay continued in their Monday statement. "As we continue to fight for justice, the dedication and strength given has helped to carry us through."
The Woodcocks added that details on a memorial service for JJ would be announced at a later date. "We are anxious to find out when Tylee too can be laid to rest," they said. "Our greatest wish is for JJ and Tylee to be celebrated for the joy and love they brought to this world and for them to finally rest in peace. Only then, will our hearts begin to heal."
Vallow Daybell is appealing her conviction for murdering her two kids, with her lawyers filing a notice of appeal on August 31. She's also appealing charges of conspiring to murder Tammy Daybell in 2019.
Meanwhile, a trial for Chad Daybell — who is charged with the murders of his first wife Tammy, as well as JJ and Tylee, and conspiracy to commit murder in all three deaths — has been set for April of 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
