Judge issues decision on whether Chad Daybell’s trial will be moved back to eastern Idaho
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ST. ANTHONY — Chad Daybell’s murder trial won’t take place in eastern Idaho — it will be in Ada County instead.
In an eight-page order issued Friday afternoon, District Judge Steven Boyce denied a renewed motion from prosecutors to reconsider a change of venue for the trial due to challenges in finding a fair and impartial jury.
“The reality is, and the state would likely concede, that nearly every responsible, eligible working citizen of Fremont County, capable of jury service, has followed the ‘Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow’ story,” Boyce wrote. “While the expense of conducting trial in Boise is immense, it is still less expensive than attempting, and failing, to seat a jury in Fremont County, only to thereafter return to Ada County.”
Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake and Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Wood asked Boyce to reconsider the location following comprehensive media coverage in Ada County during Lori Vallow Daybell’s trial earlier this year.
She was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder in relation to the deaths of 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan — two of Lori’s kids — and Chad’s first wife, Tammy Daybell.
Chad Daybell faces similar charges with a trial scheduled to begin April 1.
“A large number of prospective jurors will be necessary…to ensure that the balance tips in favor of robust due process to Daybell — particularly in light of the potential for capital punishment,” Boyce wrote. “Ada County, the most populous county in Idaho, has the resources to impanel an impartial jury and is willing to provide the facilities to conduct the trial.”
Boyce noted he has conducted many trials in Fremont County and has never had any issues with jurors creating problems or serving faithfully. He also wrote that the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office “is fully capable and competent to oversee a trial of this magnitude” and court clerks are “dedicated, experienced, and responsive.”
“Absent the concern about selecting an impartial jury, not tainted by pretrial publicity, Fremont County would unquestionably be an ideal venue for the
upcoming trial,” Boyce wrote.
Lori Vallow Daybell was extradited to Arizona last week on two conspiracy to commit murder charges in connection with the death of a previous husband, Charles Vallow, and the attempted killing of her former nephew-in-law, Brandon Boudreaux. She was arraigned Thursday and pleaded not guilty. Her trial is scheduled to begin April 4.
