The disturbing saga of Chad Daybell, a man recently sentenced to death for the murders of his wife Tammy and two children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, continues to unfold. This case, marked by bizarre religious beliefs and accusations of cult-like behavior, has captivated the nation and left a trail of devastation in its wake. Convicted in June after a lengthy trial, Daybell now resides on death row in Idaho's Maximum Security Institution.

Adding another layer of complexity to this already unsettling case, Daybell has begun communicating with the outside world through letters. These letters, penned from his prison cell, offer a glimpse into his mindset and his version of events. The letters, purportedly aimed at friends and family, are being shared publicly via a new X profile managed by his daughter, Emma Daybell Murray, one of Daybell's five children with his deceased wife, Tammy.

The X profile, described as a platform for Daybell's letters, states that it aims to post new content every Monday and Thursday. The profile explicitly states that the opinions expressed are solely Daybell's and that he receives no financial compensation for the posts. It's a jarring contrast – a man convicted of heinous crimes attempting to control his narrative from behind bars, with his own daughter acting as his conduit.

In his initial letter, Daybell thanks those who have sent him cards and letters, stating he cherished each one. He then describes his arrival at the prison and his attempt to "settle in." Daybell acknowledges the unique environment of death row, hinting at its grim reality while refraining from divulging specific details about his daily routine or fellow inmates, claiming it's "not his place" as the newest arrival.

Daybell reveals his struggles with isolation during his time at the Fremont County Jail, where he spent "thousands of hours" without even a clock. It was during this period of forced solitude that he began to "reflect" on his life, a reflection that apparently hasn't led him to accept responsibility for his crimes.

He addresses the negative portrayal of him in the media, vehemently denying the accusations leveled against him. "I am aware of how I have been portrayed in the media," he writes, "Frankly, those portrayals of me are unrecognizable. I am not the man the media has created. I am not a cult member who should be feared."

Daybell further asserts his innocence, stating, "I am not a conspirator or a killer. I never have been." He attempts to paint a picture of himself as a loving family man, identifying as "a father, a grandfather, a husband, a son, a brother, and a friend with a firm faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ." This self-portrait stands in stark contrast to the man convicted of brutally murdering his wife and two stepchildren.

Daybell claims to have recently been allowed in-person visits with family members, expressing gratitude for their "unconditional love and support." He recounts how visitors are often asked if he has changed, and their consistent response is that he remains the same Chad they have always known.

He emphasizes his perceived gentle nature, stating, "I am still the quiet, gentle person you all know." He maintains his innocence, claiming, "I have always been a peacemaker, even now in prison. I have never caused anyone’s death, and never conspired to commit such acts against anyone."

In another letter, Daybell focuses on his late wife, Tammy. "This letter is devoted to Tammy. I loved her, and I still do," he writes. "She was my life partner and the mother of our five amazing children. We built a wonderful family together. We were married for nearly 30 years, and I always sought to keep her safe and protected. She was the anchor of my life, and I never considered harming her."

Daybell claims Tammy suffered from increasingly severe health issues in the months leading up to her death, though he suggests she kept these struggles private. He asserts that even those closest to her were unprepared for her sudden passing, which he believes has overshadowed the remarkable woman she was.

He attempts to paint a picture of Tammy as a vibrant and beloved woman. "I want you to get to know the living, vibrant, beautiful Tammy who blessed so many people with her talents and unique traits," he writes. "She was strong, yet so delicate."

Daybell describes their shared values and experiences, highlighting their parenting efforts, religious beliefs, and their joint operation of a publishing company for 15 years. He portrays Tammy as radiating goodness and charisma, positively impacting those around her, particularly children and animals.

Daybell recounts their initial meeting in their hometown of Springville, Utah, after he returned from his mission for the Church of Latter-day Saints. He describes feeling an immediate connection upon seeing her yearbook photo and how they began dating after a church volleyball game.

He details their shared experiences in college, their love of music, and their marriage at the LDS Temple in Manti, Utah, in March 1990. They built a life together, raising children and establishing a successful book publishing company.

In a subsequent letter, Daybell describes Tammy's deteriorating health, noting a stark contrast between her former energy and her increasing exhaustion and sickness. This is a potential attempt to explain away the autopsy findings that revealed she died of asphyxiation, suggesting restraint played a role in her death.

Daybell recounts the day before Tammy's death, describing her exhaustion from setting up a school book fair and her subsequent illness. "That evening she told family members she wasn't feeling well, and later had a bad coughing fit before throwing up," he writes.

He describes waking up the next morning to find her deceased. "We went to sleep, and when I woke the next morning, she had passed away." He promises to describe the events of that morning in a future letter.

Daybell emphasizes the widespread grief that followed Tammy's death, portraying her as a powerful and wonderful influence on many lives. "But as word spread of her death, everyone was devastated, because she had been such a powerful, wonderful influence to so many people," he writes. "We all feel that loss everyday."

He concludes by expressing his continued love for Tammy and his belief in an afterlife where families can be together forever. He claims that he and his children have felt her presence since her death, sensing her particular interest in her grandchildren. The letters offer a disturbing juxtaposition: a man convicted of murdering his wife and stepchildren professing love and longing for a reunion in the afterlife.

The case of Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow is a chilling reminder of the dangers of extremism and the devastating consequences that can arise when distorted beliefs take hold. As Daybell attempts to rewrite his narrative from behind bars, the families of his victims continue to grapple with the pain and loss he has inflicted.

For a detailed timeline of events leading to Lori Vallow's arrest and conviction, refer to resources like this timeline.