BOISE, Idaho — When the jury returns its verdict in the trial of Lori Vallow, aka Lori Vallow Daybell, people will be able to watch it live on the internet and on television.
Judge Steven Boyce on Tuesday morning issued an order stating the the court "will broadcast — through its official YouTube channel — using the court's own media devices, visual and audio coverage of the verdict stage of the case."
KTVB will bring the verdict to you live on this website, channel 7.1, and the KTVB YouTube channel. The feed also will be accessible through the court's website.
The date and time of the verdict are not yet known, but it may come within the next few days. The prosecution and defense both rested Tuesday, and closing arguments are set for Thursday. After the prosecution and defense present their closing arguments, the jury will deliberate. Once the jurors reach a verdict of guilty or not guilty, they'll submit their findings to the judge, who will read the verdict in open court.
Some courtroom seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who wish to attend the verdict reading in person, a news release on behalf of the Idaho Judicial Branch states. The court's seat reservation system will no longer be used after closing arguments, nor will the overflow rooms in the Ada and Madison county courthouses. The livestream will be available for anyone unable to attend the reading in person.
In his order, Judge Boyce noted that the court "has received multiple requests from various media outlets to obtain approval to record and broadcast the reading of the verdict in this case."
Boyce on Sept. 23, 2022, entered a court order prohibiting video or still photography in the courtroom during Vallow's trial and the numerous hearings leading up to it, in response to a motion from Vallow's attorneys requesting that prohibition. At the time, Boyce wrote, "continued visual coverage of this case will impede the ability of the parties to select fair and unbiased jurors." He also mentioned video from an Aug. 16, 2022, hearing in which Vallow's defense argued that the coverage demonstrated "an inordinate focus" on Lori Vallow, "regardless of who was speaking or what was happening."
Under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 45, judges reserve the right to limit audio or video coverage of any public hearing "when the interests of the administration of justice requires."
Because the verdict will come after the presentation of evidence to the jury and closing arguments in the case, Boyce wrote, much of the rationale for the existing ban on cameras in the courtroom will not be an issue.
Except for the courtroom equipment to be used when the verdict is read, cameras and livestreaming of the trial remain prohibited. KTVB continues to bring you coverage during its newscasts and online with updates from reporters at the courthouse.
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