Defense Attorney John Prior tells jury to stick to the facts and evidence
Prosecutor Wood says jury will write the final chapter in tragic Daybell saga
BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — [ UPDATE 6:22 PM]
Defense Attorney John Prior began his opening argument after a short recess by making various statements, including that there’s no way to determine Tammy Daybell’s cause of death; and insisting lory Vallow’s kids weren’t actually buried in Chad’s backyard.
“You’ll hear testimony that the body of J.J. Vallow was discovered behind an irrigation pond and a tree out in the pasture. So, technically, yes, maybe the backyard, but more accurately described as the pasture hidden behind a tree,” said Prior.
“You’re going to hear testimony that also in the middle of this pasture was a raspberry patch, former raspberry patch that was then turned into a uh place for them to bury the cats, the dogs and all of the animals on the farm. Ok. Again, out of the pasture of the field and not the backyard and your testimony about that,” said Prior.
Prior also mentioned that there was DNA evidence found on scene that did not belong to Chad Daybell.
“Doctor Hemp Pinkett is going to talk about the fingerprints on the plastic of the J.J. Vallo was discovered in was that of Alex Cox. Doctor Pinkett is going to talk about the hair sample that was found on the plastic of Alex Cox and that it was Laurie Vallo,” said Prior. “Doctor Hemp Pinkett is going to talk about several and I mean several other hairs that were found on the plastic of J.J. Vallo. But he’s also going to say that there was no DNA evidence, no hair samples of Chad Daybell.”
Prior also emphasized to the jury to not be distracted by speculation, guesses or assumptions, and to focus on the facts and evidence. Once the eight-to-10-week trial in Ada County Courthouse is done, if the jury finds Daybell guilty, he will be facing the death penalty.
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Opening arguments in the capital murder trial of Chad Daybell began Wednesday morning in Boise.
Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Wood opened with his statements before the 12 jurors who were selected during the final phase on Monday, April 8.
Wood outlined step by step what the jurors would hear and see during the estimated eight-to-10-week trial at the Ada County Courthouse.
He also outlined all the charges that Chad Daybell faces, which include three first-degree murder charges in the deaths of Tammy Daybell, Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow, as well as conspiracy to commit murder charges, grand theft, and insurance fraud.
“Two dead children, buried in the defendants back yard. The next month, his wife. Dead in their bed. 17 days later, this defendant marries Lori Vallow. Members of the jury, days and probably weeks from now we will have the opportunity to speak with you again.” Wood said to the panel of jurors. “Your verdict will be the link that writes the final chapter of this tragic saga. A chapter that delivers justice for Tammy, justice for J.J. and justice for Tylee.”
Wood wrapped up his opening argument just after 10 a.m. and the court adjourned for a short recess.
Defense Attorney John Prior began his opening argument at around 10:30 a.m. We will have continuing coverage of the court proceedings as they unfold.
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