Prosecutors Seek Relocation of Chad Daybell's Murder Trial Amid Media Coverage Concerns
Nov 20, 2023, 12:00 PM
Prosecutors in the high-profile murder case of Chad Daybell are urging a judge to move the trial from Ada County back to eastern Idaho due to extensive media coverage and potential challenges in selecting an impartial jury.*
Chad Daybell faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder, in connection with the deaths of 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, and his first wife, Tammy Daybell. The trial is scheduled to commence on April 1, but concerns about the influence of media coverage on jury selection have prompted prosecutors to seek a change of venue.
In a motion filed on Wednesday, Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake and Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Wood argued that "local media and community participation in Ada County itself was pervasive and extensive," making it difficult to secure an impartial jury.
They emphasized that Chad Daybell's property, where all three victims' bodies were discovered, is situated in Fremont County. Therefore, they contend that a fair and unbiased jury can be found there, especially since Lori Vallow Daybell's trial, Chad's co-defendant, took place in Ada County. The extensive media coverage during Lori's trial and the potential influence it may have on jurors in Ada County are significant concerns.
Prosecutors also referenced the role of East Idaho News, highlighting its national and international reach and its impact on coverage of the case. They noted that extensive interviews, statements, and live news coverage were conducted outside the courthouse during Lori's trial, adding to the media frenzy.
To address these concerns, prosecutors have asked the judge, District Judge Steven Boyce, to either relocate the trial back to Fremont County or consider a venue that is "closer, less saturated, and less expensive."
In a separate motion, prosecutors renewed their objection to allowing cameras in the courtroom during Chad Daybell's trial. While John Prior, Daybell's defense attorney, has advocated for a public trial, prosecutors expressed worries about the prejudicial pretrial publicity that cameras might generate.
"Excessive prejudicial pretrial publicity will negatively impact the parties’ right to trial created by the improper use of camera and audiovisual equipment in sensitive pretrial hearings," wrote Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake. She raised concerns that the extensive media coverage and trial of Lori Daybell have already affected the ability to select a fair and impartial jury in Ada County.
Prosecutors also highlighted the potential complications in jury selection and the potential impact on witness testimony that may arise from having cameras in the courtroom.
A hearing to address these motions, including the request for trial relocation and the objection to cameras in the courtroom, is scheduled for November 29 in Fremont County. The outcome of these proceedings will determine the location and the level of media presence during Chad Daybell's upcoming trial.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Chad Daybell faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder, in connection with the deaths of 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, and his first wife, Tammy Daybell. The trial is scheduled to commence on April 1, but concerns about the influence of media coverage on jury selection have prompted prosecutors to seek a change of venue.
In a motion filed on Wednesday, Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake and Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Wood argued that "local media and community participation in Ada County itself was pervasive and extensive," making it difficult to secure an impartial jury.
They emphasized that Chad Daybell's property, where all three victims' bodies were discovered, is situated in Fremont County. Therefore, they contend that a fair and unbiased jury can be found there, especially since Lori Vallow Daybell's trial, Chad's co-defendant, took place in Ada County. The extensive media coverage during Lori's trial and the potential influence it may have on jurors in Ada County are significant concerns.
Prosecutors also referenced the role of East Idaho News, highlighting its national and international reach and its impact on coverage of the case. They noted that extensive interviews, statements, and live news coverage were conducted outside the courthouse during Lori's trial, adding to the media frenzy.
To address these concerns, prosecutors have asked the judge, District Judge Steven Boyce, to either relocate the trial back to Fremont County or consider a venue that is "closer, less saturated, and less expensive."
In a separate motion, prosecutors renewed their objection to allowing cameras in the courtroom during Chad Daybell's trial. While John Prior, Daybell's defense attorney, has advocated for a public trial, prosecutors expressed worries about the prejudicial pretrial publicity that cameras might generate.
"Excessive prejudicial pretrial publicity will negatively impact the parties’ right to trial created by the improper use of camera and audiovisual equipment in sensitive pretrial hearings," wrote Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake. She raised concerns that the extensive media coverage and trial of Lori Daybell have already affected the ability to select a fair and impartial jury in Ada County.
Prosecutors also highlighted the potential complications in jury selection and the potential impact on witness testimony that may arise from having cameras in the courtroom.
A hearing to address these motions, including the request for trial relocation and the objection to cameras in the courtroom, is scheduled for November 29 in Fremont County. The outcome of these proceedings will determine the location and the level of media presence during Chad Daybell's upcoming trial.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com