Idaho judge rules Daybell, Vallow-Daybell murder trials will be held together

ST. ANTHONY, Idaho — Idaho District Judge Steven Boyce denied a motion Monday from Chad Daybell’s attorney, John Prior, to separate the murder trials between his client and Lori Vallow-Daybell.

East Idaho News reported Monday that Prior argued during a hearing on Friday that his client would not be given a fair and impartial trial, if his trail was not separated from Vallow-Daybell’s.

Daybell and Vallow-Daybell are charged with several counts of conspiracy to commit murder, and first-degree murder in connection to the deaths of two of Vallow-Daybell’s children – Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16. They are also facing charges in the connection to the death of Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell. 

Vallow-Daybell was found to be incompetent last June, and her case has been on hold ever since. During Friday’s hearing, Prior argued that the uncertainty of her status impacts his defense strategy. 

In his ruling, however, Boyce says having the trials at the same time will be economic and efficient. Additionally, he says it will also help avoid the possibility of having inconsistent verdicts. 

East Idaho News also reports that Prior has filed another motion. This one is to have the indictment and death penalty against Chad Daybell thrown out. A hearing on those issues is set for Wednesday.

Read more:

• Judge recommends change of venue in Chad Daybell case
• Lori Vallow remains unfit for trial, Chad Daybell’s trial to be rescheduled

Follow @MarkJonesKSL