BOISE, Idaho — On the fourth day of jury selection, Thursday, the court reached 52 potential jurors for the Chad Daybell capital murder trial.
Sixteen jurors were added on Monday, the first day of court proceedings. An additional four were added to the list of potential jurors on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the court selected 17 more jurors, bringing the total to 37 jurors by end-of-day Wednesday. Thursday added 15 jurors, reaching 52 total.
On the fifth day of trial, the court called in an additional panel of jurors. It is unknown at this time exactly why the court is bringing more jurors in. The court needs to get to 18 jurors total, 12 jurors and 6 alternates. The alternates will sit in for the entirety of the trial, but will find out they are alternates when the jury begins deliberations.
With the death penalty attached to this case, it is critical for the court to find a jury that can appropriately try the case and stay impartial. Media coverage and length of the trial have been some of the bigger reasons that jury members have been dismissed. The trial is estimated to last eight to 10 weeks.
Live Updates:
12:41 p.m.: Court is back in session again. Judge Boyce states that preemptory challenges will begin on Monday at 10 a.m. Court is adjourned until then.
12:32 p.m.: Court is back in session. This small panel has been passed for cause. They were instructed to avoid media, and to not discuss. Judge Boyce alludes to a jury return of Monday. Boyce asks for a sidebar with counsel. We are now at 57 jurors for this trial.
12:15 p.m.: Judge Boyce is still privately discussing matters with counsel off the public record.
11:53 a.m.: Sidebar is complete, however Judge Boyce stated that there are private matters to discuss off public record. They have asked the gallery to leave the courtroom.
11:48 a.m.: Sidebar is taking place
11:35 a.m.: Defense attorney John Prior asks a juror about the length of his marriage and his ability to not discuss the case with his spouse.
11:29 a.m.: In individual voir dire: another potential juror has moved on to the next round. Another woman was just excused because she believes Daybell is guilty after watching Dateline, 48 Hours and newscasts.
11:20 a.m.: Individual voir dire continues.
11:19 a.m.: Court is called back into session after a longer break than expected. Currently allowing the gallery to come into the courtroom.
10:44 a.m.: Court is in recess for 20 minutes.
10:35 a.m.: Next juror said on her juror questionnaire that she’s generally opposed to it but would be willing to follow instructions from court related to imposing death penalty. Juror has moved on. One more person will be questioned before morning break.
10:30 a.m.: Individual voir dire continues for first panel of Friday. There are seven jurors remaining, with seven excused. This panel had 14 potential jurors, two did not show up.
10:25 a.m.: During individual voir dire, a juror agrees she has a deep moral conviction against the death penalty and will not vote for it under any circumstances.
10:18 a.m.: One woman no longer lives in Ada County so she’s been excused.
9:58 a.m.: Prosecutor Lindsey Blake now talking about conspiracy element and telling jurors they’ll hear evidence regarding Alex Cox and Lori Vallow. Asks if they’re ok holding someone accountable if that person didn’t necessarily act, but conspired to do so.
9:29 a.m.: A woman said she would have a hard time serving on this jury because she’s a teacher & has other jobs. She’d be able to get her full teaching salary but it’s a lot to juggle to prep someone else to fill her teaching role. She’s excused.
9:06 a.m.: Judge is reminding jurors the defendant never has to prove his innocence— it’s on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Reminds them it’s on them to determine facts and apply them to the law as provided to them.
8:56 a.m.:
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.