Chad Daybell appears in court, prosecutor confirms remains found in yard are children
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ST. ANTHONY — Human remains found on Chad Daybell’s property were children and one was concealed in a “particularly egregious” way, according to Madison County Prosecutor Rob Wood.
The information was disclosed as Daybell appeared for his initial court hearing Wednesday morning. He is charged with two felony counts of concealment or destruction of evidence.
Kay Woodcock, the grandmother of Joshua “JJ” Vallow, confirmed to EastIdahoNews.com that authorities have told her one set of the remains belongs to JJ. However, authorities have not released a positive identification to the public.
Daybell appeared via Zoom from the Fremont County Jail wearing a black and white jumpsuit. He showed no emotion during the proceedings and replied with one-word answers when asked by Judge Faren Eddins if he understands his rights.
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Eddins agreed with Wood’s recommendation to set bail at $1 million even though the maximum penalty on each charge is five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
“One of the primary reasons we are asking the bail to be set at that amount is these are human remains and although those remains have not yet been positively identified, we are aware that these remains are the remains of children,” Wood said. “The concealment of one of the bodies is particularly egregious and should Mr. Daybell bail out, he has strong incentive to flee.
The remains were found as a search warrant was executed at Daybell’s home Tuesday. Rexburg Police officers, Fremont County Sheriff deputies and the FBI made the discovery in the yard behind the house.
John Prior, Daybell’s attorney, argued that bail should be fairly set based on the charges and recommended $50,000 on each count for a total of $100,000.
“Mr. Daybell has every intention of staying in the community and every motivation of staying in the community to address these charges,” Prior said.”Bail is to assure that Mr. Daybell shows up to court. Bail is to assure he will not flee. Nothing says he will flee the jurisdiction.”
After ruling that bail will be $1 million, Eddins explained that should Daybell be able to post bond, he must not leave Bonneville, Jefferson, Madison or Fremont counties. He will also be required to wear an ankle monitor at all times.
Daybell is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on July 1.
