Chad Daybell to plead not guilty in deaths of Lori Vallow’s children
KATE FELDMAN
Chad Daybell, who was arrested last week after the bodies of his wife’s missing children were found buried on his Idaho property, plans to plead not guilty to charges, according to his defense attorney.
In newly unsealed court documents, Daybell’s lawyer, John Prior, said his client will likely plead not guilty and requested all evidence that prosecutors have gathered so far, including records, documents, books, photos and tangible objects.
Daybell, the fifth husband of Lori Vallow, was arrested last week and charged with two felony counts of destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence after police found the remains of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan in his backyard.
Vallow was arrested in Hawaii in February and extradited back to Idaho, where she stands charged with two felony counts of desertion and nonsupport of dependent children, as well as misdemeanors for resisting or obstructing officers, criminal solicitation to commit a crime, and contempt of court.
A booking photo provided by the Rexburg (Idaho) Police Department shows Chad Daybell, who was arrested Tuesday, June 9, 2020, on suspicion of concealing or destroying evidence after local and federal investigators searched his property, according to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said they uncovered human remains at Daybell's home Tuesday as they investigated the disappearance of his new wife's two children — a case that's drawn global attention for its ties to two other mysterious deaths and the couple's doomsday beliefs.
In this aerial photo, investigators search for human remains at Chad Daybell's residence on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, in Salem, Idaho. Authorities say they uncovered human remains at Daybell's home as they investigated the disappearance of his new wife’s two children.
In this aerial photo, investigators search for human remains at Chad Daybell's residence on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, in Salem, Idaho.
In this aerial photo, investigators search for human remains at Chad Daybell's residence on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, in Salem, Idaho.
In this aerial photo provided by East Idaho News shows authorities investigating a home in Salem, Idaho, on Tuesday June 9, 2020.
In this photo provided by East Idaho News shows authorities outside a home after serving a warrant in Salem, Idaho, on Tuesday June 9, 2020.
Lori Vallow Daybell leaves the courtroom during her hearing on Friday, March 6, 2020, in Rexburg, Idaho. Daybell who is charged with felony child abandonment after her two children went missing nearly six months ago had her bond reduced to $1 million by an Idaho judge on Friday.
Kay Woodcock, center, and Larry Woodcock, right, address the media outside court at a hearing for Lori Vallow Daybell on Friday, March 6, 2020, in Rexburg, Idaho.
Lori Vallow Daybell, front, second right, and her defense team wait to leave the courtroom during her hearing on Friday, March 6, 2020, in Rexburg, Idaho. Daybell who is charged with felony child abandonment after her two children went missing nearly six months ago had her bond reduced to $1 million by an Idaho judge on Friday.
Larry Woodcock, from left, Kay Woodcock and Brandon Boudreaux attend the hearing for Lori Vallow Daybell on Friday, March 6, 2020, in Rexburg, Idaho.
Lori Vallow appears in court in Lihue, Hawaii on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. A judge ruled that bail will remain at $5 million for Vallow, also known as Lori Daybell, who was arrested in Hawaii over the disappearance of her two Idaho children. Vallow requested a hearing so the judge would consider a reduced bail. After the judge denied the request, her defense attorney, Craig De Costa, left, said she is waiving an extradition hearing, which had been scheduled for March 2. Kauai Prosecutor Justin Kollar said he will work with Idaho authorities on logistics for her departure.
Lori Vallow appears in court in Lihue, Hawaii A judge ruled that bail will remain at $5 million for Vallow, also known as Lori Daybell, who was arrested in Hawaii over the disappearance of her two Idaho children on Feb. 26, 2020.
Chad Daybell, Lori Vallow's current husband, walks into court for his wife's hearing on child abandonment and other charges in Lihue, Hawaii on Feb. 21, 2020.
In this undated file photos released by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children show missing children Joshua Vallow, left, and Tylee Ryan.
Lori Vallow, right, and her new husband, Chad Daybell, are wanted in the disappearance of the two children.
Both are being held on $1 million bails.
More charges are expected for both Vallow and Daybell in the deaths of JJ and Tylee, but also a litany of mysterious deaths that surround them, including her ex-husband, Charles, her brother, Alex Cox, and his wife, Tammy.
Daybell is due back in court on July 1 for a preliminary hearing.
