Prosecution Concludes Rebuttal Witnesses in Chad Daybell Trial as Jury Instructions Near

May 30, 11:00 AM

The trial of Chad Daybell continued with significant developments as the prosecution presented its final rebuttal witnesses, bringing the high-profile case closer to conclusion. Key testimonies from medical experts and investigators provided crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Tammy Daybell, JJ Vallow, and Tylee Ryan.

Judge Boyce opened the courtroom to the jury and addressed a pending issue about a proposed witness, Janice Olsen, who claimed to have heard Tammy Daybell discussing increasing her life insurance. After deliberation, Boyce decided to exclude Olsen’s testimony, citing concerns about its relevance and her potential bias after watching parts of the trial.

Dr. Erik Christensen, a retired medical examiner, resumed his testimony, reiterating that Tammy Daybell’s death was not accidental, natural, or a suicide. "There were bruises on her arms and chest, but her heart and other organs were normal," Christensen testified, dismissing the possibility of death due to toxicological issues, seizures, or cardiac arrhythmia. He concluded that Tammy's death was caused by asphyxia, labeling it a homicide.  
Defense attorney John Prior cross-examined Christensen, questioning why certain details, such as minor lung inflammation, were not highlighted in his report. Christensen responded that the inflammation was insignificant and did not contribute to the cause of death.  

Retired detective David Stubbs took the stand next, presenting evidence from Chad Daybell’s Google search history. Stubbs revealed that on January 3, 2019, someone using Chad Daybell's account searched for information on how to turn off location services on an iPhone. "A request was made on August 24, 2019, to delete all GPS history from the chad.daybell account," Stubbs testified, noting that such actions could be indicative of attempts to conceal illicit activities.

During cross-examination, Prior suggested that the searches could have been made by Tammy Daybell, who was more tech-savvy and used Apple devices. Stubbs acknowledged the possibility but reiterated that the searches were conducted through Chad’s account.

Lt. Ray Hermosillo from the Rexburg Police Department provided testimony about the investigation into the disappearance of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan. He detailed how the children were eventually found buried on Chad Daybell’s property. Hermosillo also mentioned that he drove by the Daybell residence frequently, partly because his dry cleaning business was nearby and partly due to the ongoing investigation.

Hermosillo recounted seeing Emma Murray, Daybell's daughter, at a gym but noted he did not interact with her. His testimony reinforced the prosecution’s narrative of Chad Daybell’s involvement in the children’s deaths.

The prosecution wrapped up its rebuttal witnesses, and Judge Boyce announced the next phase: jury instructions. "Closing arguments will be conducted tomorrow," Boyce stated, signaling the trial’s imminent conclusion. The jury was excused for the day, and the courtroom was cleared for administrative actions and further discussions on jury instructions.

With the rebuttal witnesses concluded, the Chad Daybell trial is poised for its closing arguments. The testimonies of Dr. Christensen, Detective Stubbs, and Lt. Hermosillo have bolstered the prosecution's case, setting the stage for the jury's deliberations. As the trial progresses, the legal community and public alike are keenly observing the proceedings, awaiting the final verdict in this complex and highly publicized case.

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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, 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