Missouri prosecutor brought in to assist with Vallow Daybell murder cases stepping down two months before Chad’s jury trial

St. Anthony, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Rachel Smith who was hired by Rob Wood to assist the Madison County and Fremont County Prosecuting Attorneys on the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell murder cases will be leaving the case at the end of February according to East Idaho News.

Smith, who is a veteran homicide prosecutor from Missouri, has been assisting the eastern Idaho Prosecutors since March 2021.

She declined to say why she is stepping down so close to Daybell’s trial but did say

Quote “It has been a true honor to help pursue justice for Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell over the last three years... I am proud to have been part of the State of Idaho’s efforts that led to the conviction of Lori Vallow Daybell.... To have the opportunity to utilize my experience as a homicide prosecutor to help bring some comfort to the victims’ families is something I’ll cherish for a lifetime.” end quote

Chad Daybell is charged with multiple crimes including conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder in the deaths of his current wife Lori Vallow Daybell’s two kids 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, along with the death of his first wife Tammy Daybell.

His trial is set to begin on April 1, 2024 at the Ada County Court House in Boise.

Below are full statements given by Smith and Wood.

RACHEL SMITH’S ENTIRE STATEMENT

It has been a true honor to help pursue justice for Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell over the last three years. I am proud to have been part of the State of Idaho’s efforts that led to the conviction of Lori Vallow Daybell in 2023. I have spent the vast majority of my legal career as a prosecutor. To have the opportunity to utilize my experience as a homicide prosecutor to help bring some comfort to the victims’ families is something I’ll cherish for a lifetime.

I appreciate the opportunity to work with Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Wood and his team as they led the prosecution of Lori Vallow Daybell. My work on behalf of the State of Idaho on the Daybell matter is expected to end on Feb. 28, 2024. As the Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office leads the prosecution of Chad Daybell for charges connected to the deaths of Tylee, JJ and Tammy, I wish them the very best of luck in the pursuit of justice.

ROB WOOD’S ENTIRE STATEMENT

Rachel Smith is an invaluable team member in the prosecution for the deaths of Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell.

Ms. Smith was an integral part of the team that secured the jury conviction of Lori Vallow Daybell in May 2023 on all counts. Ms. Vallow Daybell is serving three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Ms. Smith continues to add tremendous support as the team prepares for the trial against Chad Daybell in April 2024. Between now and the end of February, Ms. Smith will assist with witness coordination, exhibit preparation, and other duties required to complete case preparation for trial.

Jury selection begins on April 1, 2024 at the Ada County Courthouse.

On behalf of Madison County, I want to express my deepest appreciation for the expertise Rachel Smith has contributed to our ability to seek justice for Tylee, JJ and Tammy. Her commitment to justice for the victims has been extraordinary.