Lori Vallow: Judge orders release of ‘Doomsday Mom’ murder victim’s body to family

PHOENIX - A judge in Idaho issued a ruling on the body of a seven-year-old child whose adoptive mother has been convicted in connection with his murder.

According to court documents obtained by FOX 10 Investigator Justin Lum, Judge Steven Boyce has ordered that the remains of Joshua "JJ" Vallow may be released to his next of kin. The order was dated Oct. 16, but did not state who is JJ's next of kin.

On the same say as the ruling, JJ's grandparents, Larry and Kay Woodcocks, released a statement.

"The last several years have been filled with pain and grief as we traveled this long arduous road. 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. 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. We are grateful for the love and support of everyone that has come to love JJ, Tylee and Charles. As we continue to fight for justice, the dedication and strength given has helped to carry us through. We are anxious to find out when Tylee too can be laid to rest. 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," the Woodcocks said.

His memorial services will be announced at a later time.

JJ's remains, along with those of his sister Tylee Ryan, were discovered on an Idaho property in June 2020. Legal arrangements have reportedly not been made in regard to the remains that belonged to Tylee.

At the time JJ and Tylee's remains were discovered, the property belonged to Chad Daybell, who got married to Lori Vallow weeks after JJ and Tylee were last seen.

On May 15, 2023, almost three years after JJ and Tylee's remains were found, Lori Vallow was found guilty of killing the two, and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, Vallow's lawyers have filed a notice of appeal. Chad Daybell is awaiting trial on the same murder charges as Vallow.

Vallow's conviction and subsequent sentencing in Idaho were the culmination of a three-year investigation that uncovered bizarre claims by Vallow that her son and daughter were zombies, and that she was a goddess sent to usher in the Biblical apocalypse. The case has captured national and international media attention.

(This story was reported on from Phoenix)