Chad Daybell trial live: New witness casts doubts on cult prophet’s son’s story about mom’s death
Chad Daybell’s trial began on April 1, about a year after Lori Vallow was convicted in the 2019 murders of Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow, and Tammy Daybell
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A new rebuttal witness for the prosecution testified that Chad Daybell’s son Garth had told him how he found his dead mother Tammy Daybell, which is different from what Garth told the court at his father’s triple murder trial earlier this week.
Shortly after the defense rested on Thursday, Jason Abegelen, who worked with Garth at a haunted house, recalled that Garth told him how he found his mother dead in the bedroom and that his father was not there.
But Garth had testified that in the early morning hours of October 19, 2019, his father woke him up to help after finding the mother-of-five dead and halfway off the bed on the floor, tangled up in sheets.
Daybell, 55, is on trial for the death of Tammy, and the murders of Lori Vallow’s two children, Tylee Ryan, 16, and JJ Vallow, seven. Two weeks after Tammy’s death, Daybell and Vallow married on a beach in Hawaii.
It was only after the children were reported missing – and authorities began delving into the couple’s bizarre cult beliefs – that questions were asked about Tammy’s death and her body was exhumed for an autopsy. It was determined she had died of asphyxia and Daybell was charged with her murder, as well as the murders of Vallow’s children, who were found buried in Daybell’s Idaho backyard nine months after they went missing.
Prosecutors say Daybell and Vallow justified the three killings by creating an apocalyptic belief system, which was part of an elaborate scheme to eliminate any obstacles from their life.
But Daybell’s attorney claims he was manipulated by Vallow, who was convicted of the murders last year and received three life sentences.
Like Vallow, Daybell did not testify in his defense.
Closing arguments are expected to be next week and then the case will be in the hands of the jury.
If convicted, Daybell faces the death penalty or life in prison.
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Family, friends gather to honor Lori Vallow’s slain children Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow
Chad Daybell appears to choke up as 911 call from wife’s death played in ‘cult prophet’ murder trial
He’s accused of killing their mother but Chad Daybell’s children will take the stand in their father’s defence
Court ends early as state begins to wrap up case
Court ended early on Wednesday after testimony from Investigator Edwards.
Judge Steven Boyce informed the court that the state has one more witness – who will take the stand on Thursday.
It is not yet known when the defence will begin presenting their side of the case.
A proposed schedule for the rest of the trial will be discussed tomorrow.
RECAP: Jury hears gruesome testimony about Tylee Ryan’s remains
Jury hears gruesome testimony about tools used to chop and shatter Tylee Ryan’s remains
On Monday, jurors listened to gruesome testimony and viewed graphic photos as Douglas Halepaska, FBI Toolmark Analyst, described tools used to chop and shattered Tylee Ryan’s remains.
The 16-year-old’s remains were found buried and burned on Chad Daybell’s property.
Her hip bone and spine were shattered.
“The force you can kind of see at the top left, you can see that the bone has actually shattered in separate places and fractured,” the analyst said.
“Based on my training experience, it appears that the tool that was used actually cut through the bone and into that soft tissue and may have actually carried into it.”
Mr Halepaska testified that many of Tylee’s injuries came from tools like a machete, a hatchet, a cleaver and a pick.
A pickaxe and shovel were among the numerous tools found on Daybell’s property that tested positive for human remains.
The defence argued that the tools analyst could not specifically identify the tools that were used on Tylee.
Recap: Listen to Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow giggle on the phone day before kids’ bodies are found
Prosecution to rest today as Chad Daybell’s defense prepares to fight back
Prosecutors have one last witness for the court as they prepare to rest their case against Chad Daybell.
After the witness is questioned by both parties, the state will likely rest its case and court will adjourn early for the day.
Judge Steven Boyce told the court there will be discussion today about the trial schedule going forward.
Court is set to resume today at 10:30am ET/8:30am MT. It will be livestreamed on Judge Boyce’s YouTube page.
Chad Daybell in back in courtroom as state prepares to rest case
The “doomsday” author is at the defence table this morning as his triple murder trial resumes in Boise, Idaho.
The state has one more witness today before it rests its case against Chad Daybell.
Court is expected to start shortly.
Four former jurors from Lori Vallow’s trial are in courtroom today
Four former jurors who convicted Lori Vallow a year ago are back in the same Ada County courtroom today for Chad Daybell’s trial.
East Idaho News’ Nate Eaton, who is reporting from the courtroom, says there are about 30-40 people in the gallery.
Larry Woodcock, the grandfather of slain JJ Vallow, is also in the courtroom.
Prosecution is expected to rest today.
‘We’ll give them a reason to scream’
Agent Hart testified about a text on July 29, 2019 between Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow.
Chad to Lori, “One question: Do you want me to cause pain yet to those two 3s you’re riding with?”
Lori to Chad: “Probably hold off on them till we arrive. They will be a miserable to deal with. But I’ll text you if they start acting up and we can zap them.”
Chad to Lori: “Sounds great. Yes, if they are going to act up, we’ll at least give them a reason to scream. I love, cherish, treasure and adore you.”
State rests in Chad Daybell case
The prosecution rested their case against Chad Daybell on 16 May, six weeks after the trial began.
The defence, which solely rests on attorney John Prior, could begin arguing their side as soon as tomorrow.
Court resumes to discuss indictment error
Judge Boyce says he has prepared a ruling on all counts except count four -- which is the first degree murder for JJ Vallow.
Judge hears state’s argument for acquittal
On all counts, excluding count four, Judge Boyce ruled that the state presented significant evidence so Mr Prior’s motion for acquittal is denied.
Now Ingrid Batey is arguing for the state why the indictment should be amended to keep the murder charges for JJ Vallow.