BOISE, Idaho — Opening statements were delivered in Chad Daybell's trial on Wednesday morning, marking the start of the trial, expected to take eight to ten weeks.
Statements started with a chapter-by-chapter account of Chad Daybell's background from the prosecution, followed by statements from the defense, arguing that he was not responsible for the deaths of Tammy Daybell, Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow.
The State called one witness, Rexburg Police Detective Ray Hermosillo, to the stand. He was the only witness to take the stand on Wednesday, and the prosecution's questioning took up most of the time.
Det. Hermosillo discussed his association with the case, the investigation he led, and how it played out. He mentioned that when he was searching Lori Vallow's apartment in November of 2019, the house appeared normal, but the closets had no clothes in them, just empty hangers.
He also stated that during the same search, he found a children's suitcase filled with 72-hour supply packs, a somewhat common item among those who prep for disastrous events.
Court concluded Wednesday with Det. Hermosillo discussing how Rexburg police came across what appeared to be a human head, buried on Daybell's property.
Court adjourned at 3:30 p.m., which is the planned daily end time for this trial.
On Monday, the court went through preemptory challenges of jury members, narrowing the pool down from 57 to 18.
The court had initially only sought 50 potential jurors, however, to help create a "buffer" of sorts in case of a no-show or emergency scenario, an additional seven people were chosen and added to the pool.
The jury is comprised of 10 men and eight women. Of the 18 selected, six will be alternates. However, jurors will not be made aware they are alternates until later in the court proceedings, closer to deliberations.
This Wednesday will be the first time this week that the trial will be live-streamed, as they did not stream on Monday to protect juror identities.
On Tuesday, the judge overseeing the case extended a gag order enacted on March 28, barring attorneys from speaking to the media. The original order was until April 15, but after consideration, the gag order will remain in place until the end of the trial.
Live Updates:
3:29 p.m.: Det. Hermosillo describes finding what appeared to be a human head on Daybell's property. After his response, attorney Rob Wood pauses questioning to remind Judge Boyce of the time. They decided to conclude court for the day, excusing jurors at 3:30 p.m. He states there is another matter he would like to address without jury present.
3:23 p.m.: Det. Hermosillo is still on the standing answering questions about Daybell's property. He will be the only witness to speak today, with the defense still waiting to cross examine.
3:04 p.m.: Sidebar takes place regarding an exhibit in the trial.
2:54 p.m.: Court is back in session, Judge Boyce is asking for the jury to be brought in. Det. Hermosillo is still on the witness stand. Prosecution is still asking Hermosillo questions.
2:28 p.m.: Judge Boyce announces to the court that will be taking its afternoon break and will be back in a few minutes.
2:25 p.m.: Counsel is taking a sidebar with Judge Boyce.
2:00 p.m.: Det. Hermosillo is still on the stand, there have been many objections from the defense in regard to prosecution's questioning.
1:23 p.m.: Witness testimony continues with Det. Hermosillo.
1:04 p.m.: Court is back in session, and immediate private conversation between Judge Boyce and counsel takes place.
11:52 a.m.: Sidebar with counsel and Judge Boyce. Judge Boyce comes back and states that court is going to lunch. Court will be back at 1 p.m.
11:43 a.m.: Witness testimony continues with Det. Hermosillo.
11:11 a.m.: Back from sidebar, witness testimony continues.
11:07 a.m.: John Prior asks for a sidebar after four images were submitted into evidence during Det. Hermosillo's testimony.
10:57 a.m.: State calls their first witness to the stand, Rexburg Police Detective Ray Hermosillo.
10:54 a.m.: Defense has completed opening statements. After defense's opening statements, Judge Boyce asked if the state was ready to call a witness. Prosecution asks for a sidebar to discuss scheduling.
10:34 a.m.: Court is back in session. Jury brought back in. John Prior, the defense attorney, will be delivering opening statements.
10:01 a.m.: Prosecution's opening statements conclude. Judge Boyce asks if defense wants to deliver the statements now, or have a break. John Prior asks to take a break. Court is in a short recess.
9:38 a.m.: Prosecution begins opening statements.
9:20 a.m.: Judge Boyce is reading jury instructions to the courtroom.
9:12 a.m.: Jury is sworn in. Judge Boyce announces that court should be taking place 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every day, with some exceptions as needed.
9:09 a.m.: Charges against Chad Daybell are read. Judge Boyce reminds jurors that these are just the charges brought forth, and not an indication of guilt.
9:07 a.m.: Jury roll call being taken, all jurors are present.
9:04 a.m.: Jury is brought into the courtroom
9:00 a.m.: Judge Steven Boyce has begun court for the day.
8:30 a.m.: Court live stream has begun, the public begins filing into the courtroom.
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