J.J.’s grandfather arrives at court, Rexburg detective continues with testimony for day two of Daybell murder trial

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Thursday marked the first full day of testimony in the capital murder trial of 55-year-old Chad Daybell of Rexburg.

Daybell is charged with killing his wife and the two youngest children of his current wife, Lori Vallow Daybell, in an unusual case rooted in extremist religious beliefs.

The trial comes nearly a year after Vallow Daybell was convicted of murdering her children.

Larry Woodcock, the grandfather of Daybells youngest alleged victim JJ Vallow, arrived to the courthouse Thursday morning and made brief comments

“I think the prosecution was dead on. I think they nailed it.” Woodcock said. “I think the defense, uh, was admirable and what they did. But let’s go to court, let’s get this to the jury.”

Opening statements began Wednesday, followed by the prosecution’s first witness, Rexburg Idaho detective Ray Hermosillo, who gave a similar account as he did in the Lori Vallow Daybell trial.

Hermosillo was again the states witness Thursday and reiterated the timeline of events

“July 11th, 2019, Charles Vallow dies, September 2nd through September 3rd, 2019, Lori, Alex and the kids, J.J. and Tylee, moved to Rexburg, Idaho. The last known proof of life for Tylee was September 8th, 2019. The last known proof of life for J.J. was September 22nd, 2019. The attempted shooting at Brandon Boudreaux Gilbert, Arizona for attended homicides, excuse me, October 2nd, 2019. The attempted shooting of Tammy Daybell October 9th, 2019. The death of Tammy Daybell October 19th, 2019.”

Hermosillo also gave detailed accounts of finding the children’s bodies on Chad Daybell’s Rexburg property, as well as being present for their autopsy in June of 2020.

There will be no court proceedings tomorrow and court will resume on Monday at 8:30 a.m.

Chad Daybell is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, as well as conspiracy to commit murder, grand theft, and insurance fraud.

If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

Copyright 2024 KMVT. All rights reserved.