Preliminary hearings for Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell to happen in person with precautions

The preliminary hearings for Lori Vallow Daybell and her husband, Chad Daybell, will happen in person. The hearing for Chad Daybell is scheduled for Aug. 10 and 11. Vallow’s hearing is planned for Aug. 3 and 4.

The Idaho Supreme Court ruled April 22 that all court proceedings are to be held remotely. The order states that a “presiding judge may, in the exercise of discretion and after making findings on the record, determine that proceeding must be held in person because of the court’s needs or to prevent undue prejudice to a party.”

According to court filings, the defendant has the right to be present during the preliminary hearing and has a right to confront and cross examine witnesses in person.

The courtroom where the hearings will happen is large enough to provide the required social distancing of everyone in attendance. Plexiglass has been installed along the bench and the witness stand to protect the health of the participants.

The court issued an order governing courtroom conduct, dated July 8, for the preliminary hearing and future hearings to provide safety and public access measures. The administrative district judge issued an administrative order governing courthouse conduct, dated July 7, that also aims to provide safety and public access measures.

Both filings were signed by Magistrate Judge Faren Eddins, who presided over Vallow Daybell and Daybell’s initial hearings.

The remains of two children, 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan, were found on Daybell’s property last month. The two children disappeared in September 2019, and their mother, Vallow Daybell, is also behind bars in connection to the case, according to EastIdahoNews.com.