COURTROOM INSIDER PART 2 | Prosecution rests and whoa! Error found!

East Idaho News
16 May 202458:41

TLDRIn a dramatic courtroom development, the prosecution rests its case in a trial overshadowed by a significant error in the indictment. The court discovers a discrepancy in the alleged murder date of JJ Vallow, originally between the 22nd and 23rd of September 2019, but mistakenly amended to the 8th and 9th. The judge considers this a clerical error and allows the amendment, much to the relief of the defense led by John Prior. The trial resumes with the defense's case, with all eyes on the strategy John Prior will employ to counter the prosecution's evidence.

Takeaways

  • 👨‍⚖️ The prosecution has rested its case in the courtroom drama, and a significant error was found in the indictment regarding the timeline of events.
  • 📅 There was a discrepancy in the dates of the alleged murder of JJ Vallow, which were amended from the 22nd and 23rd of September 2019 to the 8th and 9th without proper evidence supporting the new dates.
  • 🔍 Detective Doug Hart read out text messages between Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow, revealing their suspicious and possibly incriminating conversations.
  • 📱 Texts included discussions of 'zapping' children, references to demonic entities, and plans for the future that suggest a premeditated and involved plot.
  • 🚨 The court addressed the issue of the incorrect dates in the indictment, which could have significant implications for the case's outcome.
  • 🤔 The prosecution was given two additional hours to prepare an argument regarding the error in the indictment's dates.
  • 👥 There was an evident tension in the courtroom as the judge's ruling on the indictment's error could lead to the dismissal of charges.
  • 👩‍🏫 The judge instructed the jury on the importance of the evidence presented and how it related to the charges, highlighting the discrepancy in the dates.
  • 📝 The defense and prosecution both made arguments concerning the error, with the defense arguing against any amendments after the prosecution has rested.
  • 👮‍♂️ Detective Hart's testimony provided context to the texts, explaining the references to 'storms' and 'exalted beings' mentioned in the messages.
  • 🔗 The connections between Chad Daybell, Lori Vallow, and the events surrounding the deaths of JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell were further illuminated through the texts and testimonies.

Q & A

  • What was the significant error found in the courtroom transcript?

    -The significant error found was related to the amended indictment, specifically the incorrect date range provided for the alleged murder of JJ Vallow, which was originally stated to be between the 22nd and 23rd of September 2019 but was erroneously changed to the 8th and 9th in the amended indictment.

  • How did Chad DeBell and Lori Vallow communicate their plans?

    -Chad DeBell and Lori Vallow communicated their plans through text messages, which were read out in court. They discussed various topics, including their intentions to cause pain to individuals they referred to as 'demons' and their desire to be together.

  • What was the term 'storm' in reference to in the texts?

    -The term 'storm' was used metaphorically in the texts between Chad and Lori. When Chad says 'just grab me by the storm,' it seems to imply a strong, overwhelming force or event, suggesting he would follow Lori through any situation or challenge.

  • What was the 'James and Elena story' mentioned in the transcript?

    -The 'James and Elena story' appears to be a narrative or reference that Chad and Lori were familiar with, possibly related to their shared beliefs or a coded message. The exact details or significance of this story are not provided in the transcript.

  • How did the prosecution respond to the texts about 'zapping' the children?

    -The prosecution highlighted the texts about 'zapping' the children as evidence of Chad and Lori's intentions to cause harm. They pointed out the disturbing nature of the messages and the context in which they were sent, particularly while Lori was on a trip with the children.

  • What was the context of the messages exchanged on July 29th, 2019?

    -The messages exchanged on July 29th, 2019, were between Chad DeBell and Lori Vallow while Lori, Melanie Budro, Alex Cox, and the children were on a road trip to California. Chad offered to cause pain to the 'two threes,' a reference to two of the children, if they acted up during the trip.

  • What was the significance of the texts regarding 'Tammy' and the 'demonic entity' named Viola?

    -The texts regarding 'Tammy' and the 'demonic entity' named Viola were part of Chad's narrative that his wife, Tammy DeBell, had been switched with a demonic entity. This narrative was used to explain her death and the subsequent actions of Chad and Lori.

  • What was the role of Chad DeBell as the 'connector' between Alex and Tammy DeBell?

    -Chad DeBell was the only connection between Alex and Tammy DeBell. Alex and Tammy did not know each other directly; Chad was the intermediary who facilitated their interactions.

  • How did the court address the issue of the incorrect date range in the amended indictment?

    -The court acknowledged the error in the amended indictment regarding the date range of JJ Vallow's alleged murder. The judge gave both sides the opportunity to argue their case and ultimately decided to allow the dates to be corrected to align with the original indictment and the evidence presented.

  • What was the outcome of the judge's ruling on the amended indictment?

    -The judge ruled that the dates in the amended indictment were a clerical error and decided to allow the correction of the dates to match the original indictment, which stated the alleged murder occurred between the 22nd and 23rd of September 2019.

Outlines

00:00

🕵️‍♂️ Text Analysis in Criminal Investigation

Detective Doug Hart reads through a series of texts between Lori and Chad, discussing ominous plans and coded language. The texts reveal a deep connection and shared understanding of a disturbing narrative involving 'zapping' children and references to a 'storm'. The conversation suggests a sinister plot, with Chad expressing his desire to follow Lori 'to the ends of the universe' and both discussing the 'James and Elena story'. The texts also show technical difficulties experienced by Chad, possibly affecting the investigation's progress.

05:03

🗣️ Disturbing Texts and Alleged Child Endangerment

Investigator Hart testifies about the exchange of messages between Lori, Chad, and Melanie, which took place during a road trip to California. The messages suggest a plan to cause pain to the children referred to as 'two threes'. The conversation indicates a possible threat to the children's safety, with Chad offering to 'zap' them and Lori indicating when it would be appropriate to do so. The testimony also involves discussions about supernatural elements, such as spirits and dark entities, which the investigators took seriously in the context of the case.

10:07

📅 Discrepancy in Alleged Murder Dates

The court addresses a critical discrepancy in the alleged dates of JJ Valow's murder. The initial indictment states the murder occurred between the 22nd and 23rd of September 2019, but the amended indictment incorrectly cites the 8th and 9th. The judge expresses concern over the lack of evidence supporting the new dates and the potential impact on the trial's integrity. The prosecution and defense are given time to argue their positions on this issue, highlighting the importance of accurate and consistent information in a criminal trial.

15:07

🚔 The Prosecution's Strategy and Defense's Objections

The prosecution attempts to amend the indictment after the defense has rested its case, which is typically not allowed under Idaho Criminal Rule 7e. The defense objects to any changes, arguing that the prosecution had ample opportunity to amend the indictment earlier. The judge's decision on whether to allow amendments could significantly affect the trial's outcome and the defendant's rights.

20:07

👨‍⚖️ Judge's Ruling on Indictment Amendment

Judge Boyce rules that the amended indictment should not have included alterations to count 4, which refers to the alleged murder of JJ Vallow. He acknowledges that the original indictment's dates were correct and that the change to the amended indictment appears to be a clerical error. The judge considers the potential prejudice to the defense and concludes that allowing the amendment would not be prejudicial, thus permitting the correction of the dates to align with the original indictment.

25:09

📹 Courtroom Dynamics and Public Engagement

The narrative shifts to the public's engagement with the trial, highlighting the presence of former jurors, the media, and the impact of the case on the community. The trial's proceedings are discussed on a livestream, with the host expressing gratitude for the support received and detailing plans for future coverage. There is also mention of the judge's decision-making process and the implications for the trial's continuation.

30:10

👥 Community Reactions and Media Coverage

The public's reaction to the trial is palpable, with individuals expressing their support for the coverage and discussing the case's developments. The host of the livestream receives gifts and messages from viewers, indicating a deep connection between the community and the trial's outcome. There is also anticipation for the continuation of the trial and the insights that former jurors and experts can provide.

35:11

📝 Questions and Speculations Surrounding the Trial

The livestream host addresses various questions from the audience regarding the trial, such as Chad's decision to go to trial instead of accepting a plea bargain, the presence of networks in the courtroom, and the potential for appeal. The host also discusses procedural aspects of the trial, such as amendments to the indictment and the roles of different court personnel. The segment ends with a reflection on the day's events and a look forward to the next court session.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Prosecution

The prosecution refers to the legal team representing the government in a criminal case, responsible for presenting the case against the defendant to the court. In the video's context, the prosecution has rested, indicating they have completed presenting their evidence and arguments. This is a pivotal moment as it transitions the trial to the next phase where the defense will present their case.

💡Error

An error, in this context, refers to a mistake or inaccuracy that has been discovered within the proceedings. The script mentions an 'error found,' which suggests that there was an issue with the legal process or documentation that could potentially impact the trial's outcome. In the video, the error pertains to the amendment of an indictment and the incorrect dates stated within it.

💡Indictment

An indictment is a formal written accusation by a grand jury against a person or entity, typically for a serious crime, stating the charges for which the defendant is to be tried. In the script, there is a significant focus on an amended indictment, which is a revised version of the original indictment, reflecting changes that have been made to the charges.

💡Acquittal

Acquittal is the act of finding someone not guilty in a criminal trial. In the video, there is a motion for a judgment of acquittal, which suggests that the defense is asking the judge to dismiss the charges due to insufficient evidence presented by the prosecution, as per Rule 29 of the Idaho criminal rules.

💡Directed Verdict

A directed verdict is a legal term used when a judge decides that there is not enough evidence for a reasonable jury to find the defendant guilty. In the script, the defense attorney is asking for a directed verdict, indicating that they believe the prosecution has not met the burden of proof.

💡Burden of Proof

The burden of proof is the responsibility to provide enough evidence to convince the jury of a defendant's guilt. It is a fundamental concept in criminal law, where the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The script discusses this concept in relation to the sufficiency of the evidence presented by the prosecution.

💡Jury Instructions

Jury instructions are the legal directions given by the judge to the jury at the end of a trial to guide their deliberations. They cover the laws that apply to the case and the considerations the jury must make. In the video, there is mention of 'onorab' instruction, which seems to be a typographical error for 'an honor between' instruction, indicating a range of dates rather than specific ones.

💡Clerical Error

A clerical error is a mistake made in writing or typing, often due to carelessness or oversight. In the context of the video, the judge and attorneys discuss a clerical error that occurred when amending the indictment, specifically regarding the dates of the alleged crime. The court must decide whether this error can be corrected without causing prejudice to the defendant.

💡

💡Prejudice

In a legal context, prejudice refers to harm or disadvantage suffered by one party as a result of the actions or omissions of another. The judge in the video is concerned about the potential for prejudice to the defendant if the court allows an amendment to the indictment after the prosecution has rested its case, as it could affect the defendant's rights to a fair trial.

💡Sidebar

A sidebar is an informal discussion that takes place between the judge, attorneys, and sometimes the court reporter, outside the hearing of the jury. Sidebars are used to address procedural matters or to resolve issues that arise during a trial. In the script, there is mention of sidebars occurring as the judge and attorneys discuss the issue with the indictment.

💡Plea Bargain

A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to one or more charges in exchange for concessions from the prosecution, such as a reduced sentence or the dropping of other charges. The script mentions that the defendant, Chad, opted for a trial instead of a plea bargain, indicating his refusal to accept such an agreement.

Highlights

Prosecution rests its case during the courtroom proceedings.

A significant error is discovered in the court documents.

Text messages between Chad and Lori reveal their intimate and possibly incriminating relationship.

Chad and Lori discuss 'zapping' children, indicating a potential threat or form of punishment.

Investigation uncovers references to a 'James and Elena story' within the texts.

The term 'storm' is mentioned, with Chad offering to follow Lori to the ends of the universe by it.

Detective Doug Hart reads out memorable texts from the first trial involving Lorie Bow.

Chad and Lori's texts show discussions of supernatural elements, including 'exalted beings' and 'demonic entities'.

Lori expresses frustration with the pace of events and pressures Chad for action.

Chad and Lori discuss physical changes and a workout plan, indicating a desire to improve their appearances.

The prosecution emphasizes Chad's role as the only connection between Alex and Tammy.

Texts reveal Lori's concern for Alex's well-being and her request for Chad to protect him.

The trial includes discussions about the involvement of psychic or medium abilities in the investigation.

Judge considers a motion for a directed verdict, questioning the sufficiency of the evidence.

A discrepancy is found in the amended indictment regarding the date of JJ Valow's alleged murder.

The judge's decision on the amendment of the indictment could have significant implications for the case.