Judge bars prosecutor from taking stand in Chad Daybell trial

BOISE, Idaho — On the fourth day of testimony in Chad Daybell’s murder trial Tuesday, the jury heard further testimony from law enforcement officers. A motion was argued to determine whether or not a state prosecutor, who helped secure convictions in the Lori Vallow Daybell trial, should be called to the witness stand.

Chad Daybell is charged with the first-degree murder of his first wife Tammy Daybell, and the children of his second wife, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan.

The crowd outside the courtroom was promoting a celebration of life for the children that is scheduled for April 27 at 11 a.m. in Idaho Falls at Colonial Theater.

First witness, Nicole Heideman

FBI Tactical Specialist Nicole Heideman finished her testimony from Monday. She was first questioned by Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake. Heideman was asked about various searches connected to several email addresses that were connected to Chad and Lori Daybell. 

The first search terms were connected to the email chad.daybell@gmail.com. The first search terms were looking for information regarding someone named “Ned Schneider,” or some spelled, “Ned Snider.” The search activity included terms like “Ned Snider 1996 death Louisiana.”

Heideman testified that the variations of the name “Ned Schneider” were referring to Vallow Daybell’s late husband, Charles Vallow, who was killed by her brother.

READ MORE: Chad Daybell discussed finances with daughter after arrest: ‘I’m not coming back’

“In reviewing police reports from Chandler Police Department and body camera footage, I believe, from Gilbert Police Department, Charles Vallow makes comments that his wife Lori Vallow was referring to him as variations on the name Ned Schneider,” she said.

Blake asked about another search term made by Chad Daybell, “bodies possessed after original occupant dies.” Heideman explained the two believed Charles Vallow was possessed by “an entity named Ned.”

Second witness, Nathan Duncan

Det. Nathan Duncan with the Chandler Police Department took the stand next, and the prosecution began by asking about his introduction to the case, started with the 911 phone call that was made by Alex Cox the day he killed Charles Vallow. Duncan was dispatched to the scene, as a homicide detective, though Cox said he had shot Charles Vallow out of self-defense.

Duncan detailed the physical appearance of the crime scene, as Charles Vallow’s death was later ruled a homicide.\

Later, Duncan discussed multiple forms of correspondence, including a suspicious letter, determined to be fabricated. Others included a message sent from Cox to Lori Vallow Daybell that stated, “Love you too. Have fun and get rid of Ned already.”

Lori Vallow responded: “Ned is still alive. Just confirmed.”

Read the full story from KSL TV here.