Chad Daybell trial to be streamed. Legal analyst provides possible reasons

BOISE, Idaho — The upcoming trial of Chad Daybell will be live-streamed, marking a big difference between his trial and that of his wife, Lori Vallow Daybell. He faces multiple counts of murder and conspiracy in the deaths of his late wife, Tammy Daybell, and two of Lori Vallow Daybell’s children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan. 

Except for the jury’s verdict and sentencing, the courthouse did not livestream Lori Vallow Daybell’s 2023 trial.

Those who wanted to witness Lori Vallow Daybell’s trial firsthand had to be present at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise. 

Vallow Daybell was sentenced to consecutive life sentences in prison for similar charges. 

What changed for the Chad Daybell trial? 

KSL Legal Analyst Greg Skordas said that during Vallow Daybell’s trial, “restricting [cameras] didn’t really work particularly well.”

Restrictions made demand for a seat in the courthouse skyrocket. Sometimes, long lines formed outside of the courthouse hours before Vallow Daybell’s trial hearings began.

“Putting a lid on the media attention just isn’t going to work,” Skordas added. 

Skordas thinks that played a part in the judge’s decision to allow the courthouse to stream Daybell’s trial online. Streaming Chad Daybell’s trial makes access for everyone much easier.

If the jury convicts Daybell, he could face the death penalty. Skordas thinks that factor could have contributed to the decision to livestream. 

Additionally, Skordas said that streaming high-profile hearings gives people an actual look at a real courtroom and how the process works.

“When you’re dealing with a trial of this magnitude … there are a lot of things that happen that wouldn’t fit in a two-hour movie,” Skordas said.

Daybell’s trial begins Wednesday morning in Boise.

Related stories: 

• Lori Vallow Daybell sentenced to life in prison with no parole for murders of her children
• What to expect in the Chad Daybell trial ahead of opening statements

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