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On Friday, an Idaho judge granted Chad Daybell, husband of “cult apocalyptic” mother Lori Vallow, a change of venue for his murder trial amid the media attention surrounding the case.
Judge Steven Boyce suggested that the trial be moved from Fremont County to Ada County, in accordance with his court order.
LORI VALLOW AND CHAD DAYBELL CHARGED FOR MURDER IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEATH OF HER CHILDREN
Chad Daybell enters the courtroom during his preliminary hearing in Fremont County on Monday, August 3, 2020. A judge has granted a change of venue for his murder trial.
(Post Register / John Roark, POOL)
“The Court has always considered the citizens of Fremont County to be fair, attentive and dedicated jurors when called upon to fulfill this critically important civic duty,” Boyce wrote in its decision. “The Court has no doubt that in the absence of the extraordinary circumstances presented here, Fremont County would have been an ideal location for this trial and an ideal panel of jurors from which to select tutors of fact to decide this case. However, this is no ordinary affair. . “
Defense lawyers argued that media attention around the trial may have prejudiced would-be jurors. Prosecutors wanted the trial to take place in Fremont County, but jurors were sequestered and chosen elsewhere. Boyce rejected this request.
The judge said he took several factors into account, including Fremont County’s small population, courtroom availability and facilities, security, staff and media presence, before making his decision. .
“The court concludes that Ada County would offer the best opportunity to conduct the trial in this case,” Boyce wrote.
Lori Vallow takes a look at a camera during her March 6, 2020 hearing in Rexburg, Idaho. To his right is defense lawyer Edwina Elcox.
(PA)
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Daybell and Vallow face multiple criminal charges in connection with the deaths of his two children – Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, and his teenage sister, Tylee Ryan – and his former wife, Tammy Daybell. The children’s remains were found on the Daybell property in Idaho last year.
Vallow also faces a conspiracy to commit first degree murder in Arizona in connection with the July 2019 shooting death of Charles Vallow, 62, who was her husband at the time.
A trial date for Daybell has not been set. Vallow’s case is on hold after she was found mentally unfit to stand trial.
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