Jury selection begins in Chad Daybell trial

Here’s👇  the podcast of our live interview with KSL TV reporter Lauren Steinbrecher.

BOISE, Idaho —  Jury selection for the Chad Daybell trial begins today in Idaho. However, it could be several days and even weeks before an official jury is selecte

Daybell has been accused of killing his first wife, Tamara “Tammy” Douglas Daybell. He has also been accused of the murder of Lori Vallow Daybell’s two children — Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow. Vallow Daybell was found guilty last year. 

Difficult jury selection

Picking a non-biased jury could prove to be difficult. The widespread knowledge of the case could make it difficult to find impartial candidates. 

Potential jurors will have to go through a series of questions by the judge, defense attorneys, and prosecutors to talk about their background and if they have any prejudices about the case. If someone is found to have a bias or opinion, they will not be selected. 

Seating an “impartial” jury isn’t the only thing that could delay jury selection. Another factor is the death penalty.

When Vallow Daybell stood trial a year ago, she wasn’t facing the death penalty. However, Daybell is.

“Because of that, the jury needs to be questioned about whether or not they can follow the law as it relates to the death penalty,” said KSL legal analyst Greg Skordas who has been involved in death penalty cases both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney.

Skordas said all 12 of the jurors and any alternates will have to be willing to vote for the death penalty if the evidence fits that criteria.

“Given that Lori’s jury was selected only in a matter of days, yes, I would expect Chad’s to take probably up to two weeks.”

This means opening statements wouldn’t take place until the middle of the month. 

Related:

• Idaho court denies Chad Daybell’s motion to strike death penalty
• Lori Vallow Daybell files appeal on murder, conspiracy convictions
• Here’s why separate trials for Chad and Lori Daybell is significant