Lori Vallow Update: 2020 Court Dates Face New Rules, Restrictions After Judge's Recent Ruling
Both Lori Vallow and her husband, Chad Daybell, are readying for their next court dates. The appearances follow the remains of Vallow's children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua "JJ" Vallow, being located on Daybell's Idaho property. However, their time in front of a judge may look a bit different than they initially anticipated due to a variety of new decisions in a recent ruling.
On Thursday, Magistrate Judge Farren Eddins stated that each defendant has "a right to be present during the preliminary hearing" regarding Vallow and Daybell's separate cases, as reported by EastIdahoNews.com.
Continuing, he added, "The defendant has a right to confront and cross-examine witnesses in person. In order to preserve an adequate recording of the proceeding and to preserve the defendant’s rights, the defendant must be present in the courtroom with his (or her) attorney."
Judge Eddin's new decision states that judges presiding over both appearances can now use their discretion when it comes to the 2020 hearings "because of the court’s needs or to prevent undue prejudice to a party." The move to an in-person format signifies a difference Daybell's previous pre-trial hearing that took place over Zoom. During his time in front of the judge, he was informed that his bail had been set at $1M.
As for how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could affect the upcoming trials, Eddins also determined that those within the Fremont County courtroom will need to adhere to social distancing guidelines. As a result, attendance will be limited, which means that only the judge, court staff, attorneys, assistance, defendants, witnesses, and family members of JJ and Tylee will be present outside of a small media presence. Only three camera operators and one photographer will be inside. Public view will be restricted to virtual attendance.
Other safety measures will also be taken in order to protect those within the courtroom from spreading the novel coronavirus, including installing a protective plexiglass around the bench and witness stand. The installation is expected to conclude early next week.
Aside from the recent decisions, new information has continued to emerge about what allegedly took place behind the scenes following the disappearance of Vallow's children. Not only did footage indicate that something had "gone wrong," but Daybell's "strange" behavior and belief that he would not face any consequences were also discussed.
Daybell is scheduled to return to court to face various charges regarding the death of Vallow's children on Aug. 3 and 4, while Vallow herself is slated to appear in front of a judge again on Aug. 10 and 11 if necessary.
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