Daybell’s defense team argued that the mistake was crucial and that Daybell should be acquitted of the charge related to JJ’s death due to the incorrect date in the indictment. However, the judge ultimately sided with prosecutors, stating that it was an inadvertent error that could be addressed with special instructions to the jurors. This decision allows the case to proceed without acquitting Daybell of one of the murder charges.
The case against Chad Daybell began in 2019 when his wife’s children, 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, were reported missing. A multi-state search ensued, uncovering bizarre details about Daybell’s beliefs in doomsday and reincarnation. Prosecutors charged Daybell with three counts of first degree murder, insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit murder, and grand theft in connection with the deaths of his late wife and his new wife’s two children. His new wife, Lori Vallow Daybell, was also charged and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The error in the indictment occurred when the date of JJ’s death was changed from September 22-23, 2019 to September 8-9, 2019. Prosecutors made this amendment without seeking permission to change the murder count related to JJ’s death. Defense attorney John Prior argued that changing the dates would violate Daybell’s due process rights, but the judge disagreed, stating that the correct dates had been known for three years prior to the trial. Prior is set to begin presenting Daybell’s defense case on Monday.
The mistake in the indictment is a significant development in the trial against Chad Daybell, as it raises questions about the accuracy of the charges and the impact on the case’s outcome. Prosecutors have been meticulously detailing their case against Daybell over the past three weeks, and the error in the indictment could potentially affect the jury’s decision. However, Judge Boyce’s decision to allow the case to continue with special instructions for the jurors maintains the integrity of the trial while addressing the clerical error.
The amendment to the indictment was made without seeking permission to change the murder count related to JJ’s death, leading to the inadvertent mistake in the date. Despite the defense team’s arguments that this error could harm Daybell’s due process rights, the judge determined that there was ample time for preparation since the correct dates had been known for three years. Moving forward, Daybell’s defense attorney will have the opportunity to present their case and address the charges against him in light of the mistake in the indictment. The trial against Chad Daybell continues as he faces serious allegations of murder and conspiracy.
