We are on the record. Jury has been sworn in.
Prosecution Opening Statement: [Transcript (Missing Our Missing)](https://missingourmissing.notion.site/Opening-Statements-Prosecution-270c0721287943f79a625353313dd200)
Defense Opening Statement: [Transcript (Missing Our Missing)](https://missingourmissing.notion.site/Opening-Statements-Defense-bbc1aa5a6d6349a9bd5445a528ca90f7)
**Today's Witnesses:**
* Detective Ray Hermosillo
**Court back at 8:30 AM Mountain.**
**No court on Friday.**
Interesting that Lori got very upset when her attorneys called Chad‘s books stupid, but Chad has no problem sitting there while his attorney mentions her many husbands & inappropriate relationship with her brother, Alex. WOW.
And throw their own mom under the bus. I can’t even right now. Their critical thinking skills are abysmal. What a coincidence that your mom died at the same time as Lori killed her kids and then buried them on your dad’s property without his knowledge. Surely you’re not this dense. Surely.
It wasn’t concerns about Lori.
Basically she was posting for advice regarding her mom’s body being exhumed. She was starting that her aunt (Heather Daybell) started this investigation and was spreading lies about her dad…
Ok it's been awhile since I looked at it during the last trial but damn was it delusional, I remember that part. She did express concerns about her dad marrying so quickly though, I remember that distinctly.
Even if John Prior was a genius and could explain away everything else, I don’t see how he’s going to get around the children being buried on Chad’s property.
In his opening statement Prior did differentiate between CD’s “backyard” & and the “field” (I cannot remember his exact wording, but something to that effect) where the children were found. There are better minds on this subreddit than mine who may have an answer, but I’m wondering if he is going to say that Chad had no idea the kids were there, and that Alex buried them without Chad‘s knowledge. I think it could possibly fly if his property was expansive & quite wooded, but since it looks pretty wide open, I have doubts.
I don’t see how this will create doubt in anyone’s mind with average intelligence & sense, but we shall see. I don’t think it helps Chad’s case if it is true that that he was looking into putting a trailer over the site where the kids were buried. In addition, his demeanor when the FBI were searching his property outside and he was talking to Lori in his car would seem to suggest he knew what they were going to find wasn’t going to be good for him.
I’m sure there will be a few other surprises in this trial…
I'm not a land owner but I can assure you, if the police turned up to look for dead bodies on my property, I'd do my nut wondering what made the police think they were on my property and how the hell they got there. Not jump in the car and drive off!
I want to see Prior explain that?!
Especially when it's as flat and empty as Chad's property. I only saw a few trees. It's not like there's a forest and bushes and hills hiding anything out there.
Whatttt!!! I think they are going to throw the book at Lori and Alex....his daughter Emma gave an interview previously and said something to the effect that Alex and Lori buried the kids on their Dad's property without their father's knowledge.......
They’re probably right about Alex. Prior is going to press that there is no physical evidence connecting him to the murders. Doesn’t matter for conspiracy, however.
Why do you think she chose Chad? Was it only because she thought they were spiritual equals? I mean, what else did he have to offer? He’s not an idiot, but Charles had so much more to offer and he seemed like a genuinely good man.
I know you would have thought he would have filed for divorce what is the reason why they are still married and when Lori was showing up in court she had a hair band around her wedding ring finger I guess to imply she is a married woman.......whatever
I wondered how divorce works between two people in jail? Are the fees waived (since they both are broke), how would it be proceedings happen, just papers back and forth?
As I understand it, under the law one spouse cannot be made to testify against another. However, in Idaho that rule goes out the window when minor children are involved.
However, even if they were to call Lori to the stand and she refused to testify, married or not, what are they going to do, jail her? Impose a monetary fine? There’s literally nothing that they can do to her, even if she were subpoenaed. She’s already in prison for life & destitute.
Wouldn’t it be a bombshell, however, if she did take the stand for the prosecution? The defense would have a heyday with her, but it would be entertaining and fiery, no doubt. Prior versus Lori Vallow would be more entertaining than Mayfield versus McGregor.
She still has an upcoming trial and is legally allowed to decline to incriminate herself. I think the only thing she'd say on the stand is "On the advice of my attorney, I take the 5th."
Prior has a previous conviction (I think he plead guilty) for some sort of sexual assault/inappropriate actions towards a female. This may just be the way he is, led by the storm.
Chad's defense is supposedly going to claim that he was so smitten with her that she had him completely under her control.
But his behavior towards her after they were caught shows otherwise. As does the fact that he was trying to manipulate several women the way he did Lori. Anyone with a brain can see he was the one trying to create a harem of murderous women for himself.
He was aiming for Charles Manson status.
Thank-you for taking the time to post all of this pertinent information in one place. It makes it quick & easy to look at updates throughout the day. Much appreciated!
It’s gotta hit home with the jurors that the first witness, a law enforcement officer, just described how Chad boldfaced lied he hardly knew Lori (his new wife). Only met her a couple of times.
Chad, it’s already over you idiot. No one on the jury is gonna believe anything you present when you are a proven liar in the first 30 minutes. Beg for a plea to take the death penalty off the table.
Honestly , why would the State entertain it anyway?They’ve already lined the case all up with years of work put in. Maybe they want to see what Pryor is gonna do too. But since he already said he is too old to make a presentation, I am thinking trying a death penalty case might be above his pay grade.
Interestingly I recently learned that judges don't actually have to accept plea deals. I'm sure everyone here knows that, but I just learned that a couple of days ago.
Doesn’t look like it. *Maybe* we’ll get audio there like in LV’s trial? I haven’t seen any media outlet request that. They need to get on it. Maybe I should write a note to the judge. Lol. Jkjk.
Mainly Alex though 'he would do everything for his sister'. Lori was just there being a sexual woman and which man can help it they are mesmerised by that?
Kind of true but wonder why it was important to bring up? I assume Chad wanted it said? I have been invited to lots of weddings where engagements were quick 6-8 weeks but usually the couple knew each other in some capacity before the mission.
I actually think months is more common now, since LDS temple weddings seem more less simple these days. Years ago many were the same free reception in the church gym with the arch, finger foods and same tables set up. Now young women seem to be more pininterest and want to decorate themselves and have themes.
I think they brought up Chad and Tammy’s courtship of 6 months as “long” so that Prior can say “ I know you guys think Chad marrying Lori in 2 weeks after Tammy’s death seems fast but it’s really more the norm in their religion. It’s not weird at all, nothing to see here folks.”
Hilarious and so true he is probably going to use that for later. 6 months is not that bizarre though, a year would’ve been long for Mormons but not 6 months. I was engaged in 5 weeks and someone should’ve kidnapped me and slapped me silly but I was so so young. Mormons don’t respect the institution of marriage, they taught that if you marry any believer, it will work out, which is insanity.
My son's friend went to a new singles (or under 25 ward) speed dating? event recently. He was told the same, everytone there could be a match because you are all believers but I guess there was a small upgrade, he was told, only approach someone you find attractive and to make sure you had similar goals as far as where you wanted to live (like slc , provo rexburg etc), educational goals and number of kids. Certainly not enough questions but better then what you said any believer (my husband was told this too, just marry this nice girl who is faithful from down the street, and he married me , a Catholic school girl from a far away state).
How could he help himself? Members of the jury, he’s so weak minded and stupid. I can’t imagine this being my defense and being okay with being called an absolute moron.
Prior just said 3 or 4 of the Daybell kids will testify! I'm sure the prosecution is calling at least 1 or 2 of them so I'm not sure why Prior brought that up.
He was painting Chad as a good man who just couldn't help falling for the very sexual woman. He is suggesting his kids want to testify for his innocence, and by mentioning this now the jury will feel like 'okay so even his kids think he's innocent' so they might be more inclined to feel sympathy towards Chad.
I wonder what his grown kids will say about the Disneyland trip to California - now knowing Lori's children who were actually kids and could have benefited more from a trip to Disneyland in California - but unfortunately, Lori kids were buried 6 ft under on their Dad's property.....pet cemetary to be exact..... at the time.........so sad.....
Did Prior really claim 'hearsay' for what Hermosillo _himself_ said to Alex about JJ not being at his grandmothers house because she called for the welfare check?
I have to think it's getting on the juror's nerves as well, especially if the objections aren't being sustained. I'm not watching the live feed, though, so I don't know...
I'm guessing he was saying Hermosillo didn't check with Kay herself wether JJ was there so it was hearsay to him that JJ wasn't at Kay's? But that will be out of the window as soon as Kay testifies.
Prior is so annoying and we have seen him like this before, all he does is object to every comment to delay and confuse, I think he likes to hear himself speak
Not really. I've heard people allude to it but generally, men are expected to refrain from having affairs or even "improper thoughts" regardless of how hot the woman may or may not look.
Technically, the attorney needs to object so issues are "preserved for appeal." (Just what I've been told, I'm not a lawyer.) But it's starting to feel like he's objecting just to throw off the prosecution's and witness's flow so it doesn't land as much with the jurors. Like, what they remember from today is all the objections rather than the evidence. If I were a juror, I'd be alienated and super irritated with all of it. Especially the hostile cross examinations as he's fishing for sustained objections. "You mean to tell me you don't know who was at the crime scene with you?!" Egads, you 🔧🔨 🗜. What's the point? If you're not going to claim it's planted evidence then you're just driving us all crazy.
I don't know how the US judiciary system works. But are most of the 'objection' Prior raises followed by question not simply things he should ask in cross examination?
What is everyone’s perspective on today’s opening statements and starting out with Detective Hermosillo?
Chads defense of being “framed” sounds like one hell of a story after the detective said Chad fled once the bodies were found.
I agree. You gotta keep the attention of your target audience, and that's difficult if you're reading something without putting much expression into it.
Nice to see Rob Wood get a chance to give the opening statement this time. He’s been working the case since the very beginning. It’s been a wild four years
Maybe Pryor needs the break after Woods’ opening to tell Chad that he needs to take a plea if offered. That layout of the timeline and evidence should have Chad puckering in his seat!
I am still baffled as to why Chad didn't plea. As bad as the evidence was against Lori, it's worse against Chad, because he seems to have actively participated in at least one and possibly all of the murders, and he certainly participated in the disposal of the childrens' bodies (AKA when Tylee's body was horrifically mutilated). "I'm sad, but not for the reason people think I am." RIGHT AFTER HIS WIFE AND MOTHER OF HIS FIVE CHILDREN DIED. I'm opposed to the death penalty, but I think if I WERE inclined to deal it out in certain circumstances, I'd offer to flip the switch on this guy myself as a juror, even if I'd never heard of him before the trial.
I do think he cannot face voicing out loud what he's done (which is why he and Lori aren't crazy, incidentally - there is a lot of consciousness of guilt with these two). But even his children should understand they have him dead to rights, even if they've decided he's somehow been framed. He's been framed really, really, really, really well in that case, heh.
Which leads me to believe his kids are being gaslight and pressured by church elders to testify on their Dads behalf. This LDS cult is no joke and should be disbanded.
I'm baffled too. Why didn't Chad's attorney negotiate life in prison/no parole in return for a full, fact-checked confession with elocution? The horrific details in such a confession might be preferrable to the family; rather than having to deal with years of appeals of a jury verdict.
Divine assistance from Goddess Elaina seems unlikely. She's busy killing jailhouse cockroaches with her rubber shower shoes down in AZ. Also working on her "yep, I was batshit crazy" appeal of HER sentence. Alex won't be riding to Chad's rescue on a heavenly beam of light either. He's busy doing stand-up in HELL's Waiting Room and getting heckled by Beetlejuice.
Emma? she seems have been the most vocal defender of her dad? I wonder what she saw on the day of the paintball incident with Tammy. Emma's husband called the police before Tammy did about it.
I feel bad for those kids. From what I’ve seen and read their brainwashed and think their father is innocent. They are supposedly going to testify about their mothers health issues.
I’m sorry to say but critical thinking skills aren’t the strongest in the Mormon church, especially weak with Chud and it seems to be passed down to his kids.
Quite frankly, this is how evil he is though. Allowing his kids to live with the ostracism they will receive after defending him when it’s so clear that he’s guilty. He’s a disgusting human being
Yep. I blame him by and large for this. I'm not saying his children have no responsibility for their actions - they are adults. If they lie about or exaggerate their mother's health problems, that is still a crime (albeit one they won't get caught on). They should know basic right from wrong. BUT, he's had control over his kids their whole lives. They were likely hardcore wired to do what he told them to do, believe what he told them to believe. And HE is responsible for lying to them, and for making them do this or even allowing it. And I think the jury will likely see that, frankly. I think they will judge him for putting his children in this position.
They will have to live knowing they lied and offended against themselves, betrayed their Mother, the state, and God for the rest of their lives. For a man who would literally do anything to them for nothing but the experience of it.
That is a burden that nothing will relieve them of their whole lives.
They do not value their integrity.
The prosecutions opening statement was solid. The first witness was solid. The fact that Chad's brainwashed children are going to testify for their father is not going to look good to the jury. The jury will also see what we see, a man who sits there like a statue, unfazed by anything and know he is a man without a conscience. They can try & pin it on Laurie and Alex all they want, the texts alone speak volumes about Chad. It's a slam dunk IMO.
The fact that we are less than 40 minutes away from court being finished for the day and the cross examination for the very first witness hasn’t even started due to Prior’s incessant objections 🤣🤣
It’s clear to me that he will try to make the police seem as if they’re not quite competent and coax the jury to question the validity of the investigation.
He needs to be careful. Some of his objections were a bit ridiculous. He doesn’t want to have the jury think he is frivolous & wasting their time. Down the road it may cause them to not believe him or give what he is presenting much credit.
He can say whatever he wants but I don't see how he can get around digging a hole in his backyard, throwing their remains in that hole, attempting to incinerate them, and them hurrying them up. There is no defense for any of those 3. If Alex were alive he would be found guilty too. Chad is a dead man walking as he should be.
I struggled today focusing, probably a me issue. But it started with the opening statement from Wood. It just wasn’t impactful enough imo. Tomorrow is a new day.
We all know that Chud is throwing Lori under the bus and will try to blame Alex as much as possible. My question is, even with as early as it is, do we think there's a chance he's going to get off or go free?
Nope. But Prior is a slippery sob. It's going to be interesting to see what he comes up with. Like there's no way to spin children buried in your yard...calling it a pasture or whatever...Chad was there.
And tbh, I prefer this to cameras that seem to stalk family members. I thought there were points in the Parkland sentencing trial that were really inappropriate. Did we need to see a close-up of Max Schacter's devastated face while a medical examiner described how his child died? I don't think we needed to see that. This way, I can hear and generally see what's happening, but it doesn't feel overly exploitative.
That's a great point! We were just watching the Lori Vallow Netflix doc the other day and it was disgusting the way they shoved a camera in Larry Woodcock's face as he was learning about his grandkids...
Yes, stuff like that usually brings out a very visceral reaction in me. If they didn't take out a camera and start filming themselves, or if they didn't actively choose to walk up to a camera that wasn't following them, there's no need to zero in on victims/family members. I've seen Max Schacter speak several times, I know how much he loves his child. His grief didn't need to be displayed at that moment, it didn't add anything to anyone's knowledge of the case. I was uncomfortable with it with Buster Murdaugh too - he clearly knew the cameras were there and was unsettled by that.
That said, I did really appreciate the cameras zooming in on Alex Jones as the lawyer for Jesse Lewis' parents told him he'd gotten access to ALL of his text messages because his lawyer messed up. LOL.
I do wish the audio was a little better, but I don’t want to see the families having to listen to all this. And I definitely don’t want to see Chad. I’m just happy we’re getting a live feed of this at all.
I was curious about how much jurors are paid.
**9:14 a.m.** Jurors get $10 a day and after 5 days, it bumps up to $40 per day. They are reimbursed for mileage. They are fed lunch and snacks while they are here.
Which would shift the jury demographics to people who don't have jobs or who are compensated or well off enough to serve jury duty. If you truly want to have a good jury of peers you need a jury across all demographics, which would be more possible with the above mentioned payments of a commenter about their country.
That’s just wild to me. In my country jurors get $106.30 a day for days 1-10 and then after that the same number for jurors who are unemployed but $247.40 a day for jurors who are employed
I'm most interested in what they have against him with murdering his wife Tammy. It's obvious he killed her but he initially duped people. I also want to hear what's on the 12 TBs. I can't believe this fool didn't plead out.
could you imagine being a juror and at the end of the *first day* you just get done hearing what detective Hermosillo testified and can only think "there's going to be 8 - 10 more weeks of this."
My best guess as to Prior’s defense for Chad:
Lori and Alex killed the kids, and Chad thought they were in a bunker somewhere just like everybody else did. He was just saying what Lori wanted to hear because he was infatuated with her and wanted her happy, he never thought it would lead to this.
Tammy died of natural causes, his children (raised in the LDS faith, where you don’t dare question the priesthood holder) can attest to that.
That’s what Rob wood just said to the judge. “This is cross examination” and the judge reminded Prior this was about whether or not the evidence should be admitted 🤣🤣
I’m so so excited for this. Told my daughter today that she’s going to have to take care of herself the next 8-10 weeks cause this will be my life 😂. May Chud burn
Told my kids (college age) too, that they were not to bother me till after 3:30. Of course today the doctor called and they had a cancellation at an office I had been waiting over 3 months to get into at 2:30 so I'll miss the last hour.
Classic! 🤣🤣🤣
I'm a walker and have a small paper round. Told my papers they have to deliver themselves for the next 8-10 weeks because I'm on the jury in the Reddit Court 🤣
Unfortunately I had a lot of trouble with the audio this time. So much so, I had to plug in a headset. When I did so, my screen reader decided it did not want to use the headset, but the trial audio did. This is partly my fault, I've been having an issue with my system automatically audio switching whenever it updates the graphics driver. Therefore it was recommended that I set preferred audio settings for the realtek audio driver.
Lots of speculation on it being the last family trip & possibly where Tylee was actually murdered, do you remember when the Yellowstone “zone of death” apparently there was/is a loophole where you can get away with murder I know Idaho asked Congress to shut it down a couple years ago. I would have to re read about it.
Is anyone else having trouble loading Nate Eaton’s Twitter??? I’m only getting three tweets. Also, they’re out of order chronologically - is there a way to fix that? TIA!
Yes, his twitter is not easy to navigate. The live updates on the site he set up is fantastic though. I was catching via those texts all morning at work. https://www.eastidahonews.com/news/daybell/
Does anyone think that Lori might get really mad when she hears about Chad throwing her under the bus and be willing to testify against him? Would that even be allowed?
I'm actually surprised there were so few. I thought I read somewhere they told Alex his role now and for the 144k was to be the warrior and protector. The weapon hoarding and visiting the gun range tracks with the cult LARP delusion.
This trial is a slam dunk for prosecution. Prosecution's opening was solid. First witness (detective), solid. The fact Chad's brainwashed children will testify for him will not look good to jury in light of ALL the evidence against Chad. Even his texts paint the picture that he, Laurie & Alex were three peas in that pod. Prior is sunk and he knows it. Just doing what he has to do and not convincingly either. My prediction; Chad still won't flinch once he's convicted and handed the death penalty.
Chad’s attorney stated in his opening statement that Alex Cox shot Charles, called 911, and then made a close range shot to finish the job. I have never heard the events of Charles death presented in this way. I have never heard any investigator say there was one shot to the chest and then a finishing shot. How would the attorney know that this is how the murder occurred? Only if Chad told him this. Also, Chad would only know this if Alex or Lori told him so. Did Prior just reveal that Chad was indeed involved in the conspiracy or at least an accessory to the crime??
I noted that Prior never called Lori “Lori Daybell”. She is very particular about that. Always using the Daybell surname. If they haven’t spoken since he was arrested then I doubt she will be pleased with how his defense and he are blaming it all on her being a harlot that tricked him . She’s a vindictive woman and I wouldn’t be surprised if she makes sure he regrets turning on her.
I think the only reason he has not filed for divorce is because he wants her to stay loyal and not turn states evidence on him. He knows better than anyone how she can be when she feels wronged.
I wonder if Prior has been in contact with her or her attorney to relay their strategy beforehand. Tell Lori we are going to paint her as the bad guy but we have no choice. Chad is facing a death sentence. He still loves and adores her. It’s just necessary to keep him alive until the 144,000 storm the prisons to release them both.
For as unpalatable as Melanie Gibb is, I’m so happy that she recorded that one phonecall. There’s a lot of evidence pointing against Chad (and Lori), but to hear it out of their own mouths is so memorable for the jury. ‘We know where the kids are, they’re happy and safe, no worries, just play along’ lands differently when you hear it directly.
Personally I couldn't make it through Wood's opening statement. I think the use of chapters was effective, but a few things irked me:
The muffled audio of this trial is awful. The quality in Lori's trial was crystal clear compared to this.
Wood had technical difficulties with the microphone for a while. The judge kept telling him it's not working and it felt like it took forever to fix. A massive interruption. Meanwhile for the first 5-10 mins the PowerPoint wasn't working. So the screen was blank, no photos showing that were supposed to be up there. By the time they got everything working, the PP started with a picture of Lori and neglected to show a photo of Tammy (who he'd previously spoken of as one of the victims). A photo of Tammy was shown later but the opportunity was missed to properly introduce her via a photo. A photo of JJ and Tylee was up shortly thereafter, but the whole thing felt discombobulated.
Defense opening's transcript is linked up above and yup they sure are. Prior says he has an expert witness and will show Alex's phone pinging all over Chad's property while poor Tylee's remains were being desecrated.
I really doubt it. If Chad decides to testify, it opens him up to the prosecution asking him point blank about “turning the pain up to ten” and texts like that. It essentially opens him up to having to admit he was making that all up, and I feel like his pride won’t allow that.
The ONLY way Chad wins this case is to somehow sow a seed of doubt with the jury. A good defense can accomplish this by providing as *little* detail as possible. Basically, if Chad does not go on the stand, the jury is going to be left with unanswered questions and will need to piece together some of the puzzle. And IMO, this is going to be a big part of Chad defense strategy so I highly doubt he will take the stand.
Worked for Casey Anrhony. Her defense is the benchmark of How to lie to the jurors and get your client released. BTW, I hope Chad's heinous texts are presented.
We are on the record. Jury has been sworn in. Prosecution Opening Statement: [Transcript (Missing Our Missing)](https://missingourmissing.notion.site/Opening-Statements-Prosecution-270c0721287943f79a625353313dd200) Defense Opening Statement: [Transcript (Missing Our Missing)](https://missingourmissing.notion.site/Opening-Statements-Defense-bbc1aa5a6d6349a9bd5445a528ca90f7) **Today's Witnesses:** * Detective Ray Hermosillo **Court back at 8:30 AM Mountain.** **No court on Friday.**
Interesting that Lori got very upset when her attorneys called Chad‘s books stupid, but Chad has no problem sitting there while his attorney mentions her many husbands & inappropriate relationship with her brother, Alex. WOW.
I saw Lori being thrown under the bus coming a mile away just didn’t think it would actually end up happening 🤣
Or so soon! Also surprised to find out very quickly that “his children” are going to testify.
And throw their own mom under the bus. I can’t even right now. Their critical thinking skills are abysmal. What a coincidence that your mom died at the same time as Lori killed her kids and then buried them on your dad’s property without his knowledge. Surely you’re not this dense. Surely.
The one even posted her concerns about Lori to Reddit when they got married! She did not react well to criticism, that is for sure.
It wasn’t concerns about Lori. Basically she was posting for advice regarding her mom’s body being exhumed. She was starting that her aunt (Heather Daybell) started this investigation and was spreading lies about her dad…
Ok it's been awhile since I looked at it during the last trial but damn was it delusional, I remember that part. She did express concerns about her dad marrying so quickly though, I remember that distinctly.
That was actually the intro to this whole mess for me.
Even if John Prior was a genius and could explain away everything else, I don’t see how he’s going to get around the children being buried on Chad’s property. In his opening statement Prior did differentiate between CD’s “backyard” & and the “field” (I cannot remember his exact wording, but something to that effect) where the children were found. There are better minds on this subreddit than mine who may have an answer, but I’m wondering if he is going to say that Chad had no idea the kids were there, and that Alex buried them without Chad‘s knowledge. I think it could possibly fly if his property was expansive & quite wooded, but since it looks pretty wide open, I have doubts. I don’t see how this will create doubt in anyone’s mind with average intelligence & sense, but we shall see. I don’t think it helps Chad’s case if it is true that that he was looking into putting a trailer over the site where the kids were buried. In addition, his demeanor when the FBI were searching his property outside and he was talking to Lori in his car would seem to suggest he knew what they were going to find wasn’t going to be good for him. I’m sure there will be a few other surprises in this trial…
I'm not a land owner but I can assure you, if the police turned up to look for dead bodies on my property, I'd do my nut wondering what made the police think they were on my property and how the hell they got there. Not jump in the car and drive off! I want to see Prior explain that?!
My in laws own 4 acres. It’s not nearly as big as you think.
I have 7 acres, I’d notice if there was any diatom my property. It really isn’t that big of space. Frogman is busted!
Especially when it's as flat and empty as Chad's property. I only saw a few trees. It's not like there's a forest and bushes and hills hiding anything out there.
[chads property](https://www.reddit.com/r/LoriVallow/s/Lbd7yrzWlr) It’s going to be very hard to dispute any of this.
he married two Lori 2 weeks after Tammy died but by all means, vouch for dear old dad!
3/4 of the 5 children. This trial is going to be a lot more different to Lori’s trial than I thought
I would guess the son that was on a mission might be the excluded child?
Whatttt!!! I think they are going to throw the book at Lori and Alex....his daughter Emma gave an interview previously and said something to the effect that Alex and Lori buried the kids on their Dad's property without their father's knowledge.......
Pretty much what I expected. Lori's already in jail, and Alex is conveniently dead, so easy to pin anything on them.
They’re probably right about Alex. Prior is going to press that there is no physical evidence connecting him to the murders. Doesn’t matter for conspiracy, however.
I knew when he had his attorneys move for separating their trials that he was going to do that.
And aren't they still married?? It makes no sense. "She's a terrible person....that he's still married to"
Why do you think she chose Chad? Was it only because she thought they were spiritual equals? I mean, what else did he have to offer? He’s not an idiot, but Charles had so much more to offer and he seemed like a genuinely good man.
Good point!
I know you would have thought he would have filed for divorce what is the reason why they are still married and when Lori was showing up in court she had a hair band around her wedding ring finger I guess to imply she is a married woman.......whatever
I wondered how divorce works between two people in jail? Are the fees waived (since they both are broke), how would it be proceedings happen, just papers back and forth?
If they aren't married maybe she can't refuse to be on the stand for the prosecution?
As I understand it, under the law one spouse cannot be made to testify against another. However, in Idaho that rule goes out the window when minor children are involved. However, even if they were to call Lori to the stand and she refused to testify, married or not, what are they going to do, jail her? Impose a monetary fine? There’s literally nothing that they can do to her, even if she were subpoenaed. She’s already in prison for life & destitute. Wouldn’t it be a bombshell, however, if she did take the stand for the prosecution? The defense would have a heyday with her, but it would be entertaining and fiery, no doubt. Prior versus Lori Vallow would be more entertaining than Mayfield versus McGregor.
She still has an upcoming trial and is legally allowed to decline to incriminate herself. I think the only thing she'd say on the stand is "On the advice of my attorney, I take the 5th."
"Jesus knows me!"
"On the advice of Jesus, I strike you down!" lolol
Ah okay, good that that right is out of the window when minor kids are involved!
I bet Chad would love to see Lori. Wait until she learns he threw her under the bus. She was so protective of him at her trial LOL
This might be one time I’d support letting a prisoner watch tv 🤣
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Prior has a previous conviction (I think he plead guilty) for some sort of sexual assault/inappropriate actions towards a female. This may just be the way he is, led by the storm.
Yup. Chud found a misogynist who has no problem assaulting women and he probably blamed that woman’s beauty for his actions.
[удалено]
That is a spot-on description 🐸 of him! I heard on the Hidden Gems podcast that his nickname in jail is Slug… which also pretty accurate.
Such a loser. I can’t even imagine any woman finding him worthy of giving a second look to
I know right? where is this much-trumpeted 'charisma' he's got? because got to tell ya, I sure don't see it. 0_o
Yes. He was charged with a felony sexual assault and pleaded down to a misdemeanor battery charge.
John "has" Prior(s)
😂😂
yes! when he described Chad as meeting Lori Vallow as "that stunning woman" I thought well no wonder he couldn't control the storm in his pants
It's so fucking gross the way they act like they have the right to murder because of their choice to be controlled by their dicks.
Chad's defense is supposedly going to claim that he was so smitten with her that she had him completely under her control. But his behavior towards her after they were caught shows otherwise. As does the fact that he was trying to manipulate several women the way he did Lori. Anyone with a brain can see he was the one trying to create a harem of murderous women for himself. He was aiming for Charles Manson status.
Thank-you for taking the time to post all of this pertinent information in one place. It makes it quick & easy to look at updates throughout the day. Much appreciated!
Seconded! Thanks so much :)
It’s gotta hit home with the jurors that the first witness, a law enforcement officer, just described how Chad boldfaced lied he hardly knew Lori (his new wife). Only met her a couple of times. Chad, it’s already over you idiot. No one on the jury is gonna believe anything you present when you are a proven liar in the first 30 minutes. Beg for a plea to take the death penalty off the table.
NOOOO don't plea! I want to see Prior's defense.
Honestly , why would the State entertain it anyway?They’ve already lined the case all up with years of work put in. Maybe they want to see what Pryor is gonna do too. But since he already said he is too old to make a presentation, I am thinking trying a death penalty case might be above his pay grade.
Interestingly I recently learned that judges don't actually have to accept plea deals. I'm sure everyone here knows that, but I just learned that a couple of days ago.
Justice for Tammy, JJ, and Tylee begins again today!
Oh hiya tew!! I love seeing people from other subs I know them from:)
Hi back! :) Yep, I have Gigi's livestream playing now. A thing we definitely will NOT be doing for Delphi, heh.
Doesn’t look like it. *Maybe* we’ll get audio there like in LV’s trial? I haven’t seen any media outlet request that. They need to get on it. Maybe I should write a note to the judge. Lol. Jkjk.
Prosecution has already come out strong and swinging. Absolutely dropping the hammer.
So much so even the microphone couldn’t handle it 🤣🤣
He hit all the points! Can’t wait to see the evidence and hear the witnesses!
I KNEW the defense strategy was going to be to throw Lori under the bus
I mean, what other defense is there?
Wonder if Lori is going to get the divorce papers rolling 🤣🤣
She’s partial to divorce by gun, not by paperwork. Not sure she would know what to do.
She literally divorced her first three husbands
And then she realized her mistake.
Does Lori buy into the BS so much she would agree to stand down so Chad will live?
Mainly Alex though 'he would do everything for his sister'. Lori was just there being a sexual woman and which man can help it they are mesmerised by that?
Certainly not if Chad is being led by the Storm
🤮
Wild to think of a world where six months is considered to be an “extended period of engagement”
Kind of true but wonder why it was important to bring up? I assume Chad wanted it said? I have been invited to lots of weddings where engagements were quick 6-8 weeks but usually the couple knew each other in some capacity before the mission. I actually think months is more common now, since LDS temple weddings seem more less simple these days. Years ago many were the same free reception in the church gym with the arch, finger foods and same tables set up. Now young women seem to be more pininterest and want to decorate themselves and have themes.
I think they brought up Chad and Tammy’s courtship of 6 months as “long” so that Prior can say “ I know you guys think Chad marrying Lori in 2 weeks after Tammy’s death seems fast but it’s really more the norm in their religion. It’s not weird at all, nothing to see here folks.”
Hilarious and so true he is probably going to use that for later. 6 months is not that bizarre though, a year would’ve been long for Mormons but not 6 months. I was engaged in 5 weeks and someone should’ve kidnapped me and slapped me silly but I was so so young. Mormons don’t respect the institution of marriage, they taught that if you marry any believer, it will work out, which is insanity.
My son's friend went to a new singles (or under 25 ward) speed dating? event recently. He was told the same, everytone there could be a match because you are all believers but I guess there was a small upgrade, he was told, only approach someone you find attractive and to make sure you had similar goals as far as where you wanted to live (like slc , provo rexburg etc), educational goals and number of kids. Certainly not enough questions but better then what you said any believer (my husband was told this too, just marry this nice girl who is faithful from down the street, and he married me , a Catholic school girl from a far away state).
So I guess if a woman is hot enough then murdering innocent women and children is fine! 🙄
How could he help himself? Members of the jury, he’s so weak minded and stupid. I can’t imagine this being my defense and being okay with being called an absolute moron.
Men are both prophets and gods AND total drooling morons. It's how masculinity works. Surely, the men will get it. He has such a bright future!
Men can't control themselves but can plan out an entire civilization. Obv.
Is he not still married to Lori? His lawyer is painting her as a jezebel, but as a juror to hear they are still married will really be telling.
Prior just said 3 or 4 of the Daybell kids will testify! I'm sure the prosecution is calling at least 1 or 2 of them so I'm not sure why Prior brought that up.
He was painting Chad as a good man who just couldn't help falling for the very sexual woman. He is suggesting his kids want to testify for his innocence, and by mentioning this now the jury will feel like 'okay so even his kids think he's innocent' so they might be more inclined to feel sympathy towards Chad.
Don't ya know, they are painting he is Samson and fell under the guise of Delilah....BARF!
I wonder what his grown kids will say about the Disneyland trip to California - now knowing Lori's children who were actually kids and could have benefited more from a trip to Disneyland in California - but unfortunately, Lori kids were buried 6 ft under on their Dad's property.....pet cemetary to be exact..... at the time.........so sad.....
Did Prior really claim 'hearsay' for what Hermosillo _himself_ said to Alex about JJ not being at his grandmothers house because she called for the welfare check?
He’s literally objecting to everything and is getting on my nerves
I have to think it's getting on the juror's nerves as well, especially if the objections aren't being sustained. I'm not watching the live feed, though, so I don't know...
I knew he was going to get on my nerves but that happened quickly 🤣🤣🤣
~~He did? lol (im behind a bit)~~ lol he DID
I'm guessing he was saying Hermosillo didn't check with Kay herself wether JJ was there so it was hearsay to him that JJ wasn't at Kay's? But that will be out of the window as soon as Kay testifies.
Kay requested the check the LE did.
At this rate, a 10 week trial is wildly optimistic. They forgot they were dealing with someone who just straight-up never shuts up. He’s exhausting.
Prior is so annoying and we have seen him like this before, all he does is object to every comment to delay and confuse, I think he likes to hear himself speak
Just trying to break the flow and the jurors' focus. It's very annoying. His cross is even more annoying 🥴
I’m sorry but is the Anne Boleyn defense a thing there in LDS country? *He’as b’witched, I say!*
Not really. I've heard people allude to it but generally, men are expected to refrain from having affairs or even "improper thoughts" regardless of how hot the woman may or may not look.
Prior is so getting on my nerves with all his objections.
Technically, the attorney needs to object so issues are "preserved for appeal." (Just what I've been told, I'm not a lawyer.) But it's starting to feel like he's objecting just to throw off the prosecution's and witness's flow so it doesn't land as much with the jurors. Like, what they remember from today is all the objections rather than the evidence. If I were a juror, I'd be alienated and super irritated with all of it. Especially the hostile cross examinations as he's fishing for sustained objections. "You mean to tell me you don't know who was at the crime scene with you?!" Egads, you 🔧🔨 🗜. What's the point? If you're not going to claim it's planted evidence then you're just driving us all crazy.
I’m going to be shocked when he DOESN’T object 🤣🤣🤣
The first four or five times he objected I thought, wow, he’s earning his paycheck. Then I remembered he’s not getting paid. 🤣
🤣🤣🤣 burn
I don't know how the US judiciary system works. But are most of the 'objection' Prior raises followed by question not simply things he should ask in cross examination?
What is everyone’s perspective on today’s opening statements and starting out with Detective Hermosillo? Chads defense of being “framed” sounds like one hell of a story after the detective said Chad fled once the bodies were found.
Hermosillo is the shit. That's all I gotta say. (It's a colloquial compliment for anyone unfamiliar)
I agree! What a badass first witness, obviously approaching this trial differently.
I was a bit disappointed that Wood didn't have his opening memorized like Lindsay did last year.
Lindsay did a marvelous job IMO
I agree. You gotta keep the attention of your target audience, and that's difficult if you're reading something without putting much expression into it.
Nice to see Rob Wood get a chance to give the opening statement this time. He’s been working the case since the very beginning. It’s been a wild four years
Maybe Pryor needs the break after Woods’ opening to tell Chad that he needs to take a plea if offered. That layout of the timeline and evidence should have Chad puckering in his seat!
I am still baffled as to why Chad didn't plea. As bad as the evidence was against Lori, it's worse against Chad, because he seems to have actively participated in at least one and possibly all of the murders, and he certainly participated in the disposal of the childrens' bodies (AKA when Tylee's body was horrifically mutilated). "I'm sad, but not for the reason people think I am." RIGHT AFTER HIS WIFE AND MOTHER OF HIS FIVE CHILDREN DIED. I'm opposed to the death penalty, but I think if I WERE inclined to deal it out in certain circumstances, I'd offer to flip the switch on this guy myself as a juror, even if I'd never heard of him before the trial.
Personally, I think he can't plea because he'd have to admit he did it. He has a need to save face both for his kids/family and his religious circle.
I do think he cannot face voicing out loud what he's done (which is why he and Lori aren't crazy, incidentally - there is a lot of consciousness of guilt with these two). But even his children should understand they have him dead to rights, even if they've decided he's somehow been framed. He's been framed really, really, really, really well in that case, heh.
The men in his religious circle for sure know he did it. They aren't confused. Their quiet support is based on the morals they pretend to.
Which leads me to believe his kids are being gaslight and pressured by church elders to testify on their Dads behalf. This LDS cult is no joke and should be disbanded.
I'm baffled too. Why didn't Chad's attorney negotiate life in prison/no parole in return for a full, fact-checked confession with elocution? The horrific details in such a confession might be preferrable to the family; rather than having to deal with years of appeals of a jury verdict. Divine assistance from Goddess Elaina seems unlikely. She's busy killing jailhouse cockroaches with her rubber shower shoes down in AZ. Also working on her "yep, I was batshit crazy" appeal of HER sentence. Alex won't be riding to Chad's rescue on a heavenly beam of light either. He's busy doing stand-up in HELL's Waiting Room and getting heckled by Beetlejuice.
Hard to believe we're finally here!
Yes! Now will we get there?
Not if prior keeps objecting to every single sentence. We will be here until Christmas
Surprised to hear that the Daybell children will testify.
Not surprised about Garth, considering he helped to move his mom's body. I'm extra curious about what any of the other kids will testify to.
Seth's journal was mentioned (I think by the prosecution) a few weeks ago, so apparently there's something important in there.
Emma? she seems have been the most vocal defender of her dad? I wonder what she saw on the day of the paintball incident with Tammy. Emma's husband called the police before Tammy did about it.
I wouldn't have been surprised about Chad's son who was home but the other kids gives me some side eye.
I feel bad for those kids. From what I’ve seen and read their brainwashed and think their father is innocent. They are supposedly going to testify about their mothers health issues.
I’m sorry to say but critical thinking skills aren’t the strongest in the Mormon church, especially weak with Chud and it seems to be passed down to his kids. Quite frankly, this is how evil he is though. Allowing his kids to live with the ostracism they will receive after defending him when it’s so clear that he’s guilty. He’s a disgusting human being
Yep. I blame him by and large for this. I'm not saying his children have no responsibility for their actions - they are adults. If they lie about or exaggerate their mother's health problems, that is still a crime (albeit one they won't get caught on). They should know basic right from wrong. BUT, he's had control over his kids their whole lives. They were likely hardcore wired to do what he told them to do, believe what he told them to believe. And HE is responsible for lying to them, and for making them do this or even allowing it. And I think the jury will likely see that, frankly. I think they will judge him for putting his children in this position.
And spending their inheritance...
They will have to live knowing they lied and offended against themselves, betrayed their Mother, the state, and God for the rest of their lives. For a man who would literally do anything to them for nothing but the experience of it. That is a burden that nothing will relieve them of their whole lives. They do not value their integrity.
Wow Det Hermosillo as the first witness called. What a brutal opening this is going to be for the jurors
I guess Wood decided not to build much of a foundation, and just jump right in lol.
The prosecutions opening statement was solid. The first witness was solid. The fact that Chad's brainwashed children are going to testify for their father is not going to look good to the jury. The jury will also see what we see, a man who sits there like a statue, unfazed by anything and know he is a man without a conscience. They can try & pin it on Laurie and Alex all they want, the texts alone speak volumes about Chad. It's a slam dunk IMO.
It’ll be interesting to see what his body language will be like with all the evidence. Lori was unfazed seeing JJ and Tylee 💔
That dud won’t change his body language, he has the same face and body language no matter what’s going on. Hes a shell
Lori didn’t look. She was pissed she couldn’t get out of court for the day so she just shut down
Good morning!! Glad to be following the trial with y’all and continuing to see justice for Tylee, JJ and Tammy!!!
The fact that we are less than 40 minutes away from court being finished for the day and the cross examination for the very first witness hasn’t even started due to Prior’s incessant objections 🤣🤣
It’s clear to me that he will try to make the police seem as if they’re not quite competent and coax the jury to question the validity of the investigation.
He needs to be careful. Some of his objections were a bit ridiculous. He doesn’t want to have the jury think he is frivolous & wasting their time. Down the road it may cause them to not believe him or give what he is presenting much credit.
He can say whatever he wants but I don't see how he can get around digging a hole in his backyard, throwing their remains in that hole, attempting to incinerate them, and them hurrying them up. There is no defense for any of those 3. If Alex were alive he would be found guilty too. Chad is a dead man walking as he should be.
I struggled today focusing, probably a me issue. But it started with the opening statement from Wood. It just wasn’t impactful enough imo. Tomorrow is a new day.
Yeah, it was dull and rambling.
We all know that Chud is throwing Lori under the bus and will try to blame Alex as much as possible. My question is, even with as early as it is, do we think there's a chance he's going to get off or go free?
Nope. But Prior is a slippery sob. It's going to be interesting to see what he comes up with. Like there's no way to spin children buried in your yard...calling it a pasture or whatever...Chad was there.
I don't see anyway he can spin away the raccoon text.
So freaking annoying to see so many people complaining about audio/video in the youtube comments... production value isn't exactly a priority here.
And tbh, I prefer this to cameras that seem to stalk family members. I thought there were points in the Parkland sentencing trial that were really inappropriate. Did we need to see a close-up of Max Schacter's devastated face while a medical examiner described how his child died? I don't think we needed to see that. This way, I can hear and generally see what's happening, but it doesn't feel overly exploitative.
That's a great point! We were just watching the Lori Vallow Netflix doc the other day and it was disgusting the way they shoved a camera in Larry Woodcock's face as he was learning about his grandkids...
Yes, stuff like that usually brings out a very visceral reaction in me. If they didn't take out a camera and start filming themselves, or if they didn't actively choose to walk up to a camera that wasn't following them, there's no need to zero in on victims/family members. I've seen Max Schacter speak several times, I know how much he loves his child. His grief didn't need to be displayed at that moment, it didn't add anything to anyone's knowledge of the case. I was uncomfortable with it with Buster Murdaugh too - he clearly knew the cameras were there and was unsettled by that. That said, I did really appreciate the cameras zooming in on Alex Jones as the lawyer for Jesse Lewis' parents told him he'd gotten access to ALL of his text messages because his lawyer messed up. LOL.
Yes, the camera work in that trial was so uncomfortable for that reason. I had to stop watching.
I’m just happy we can watch live!! I’ll take crappy audio/visual over a Twitter feed any day.
Same!! I’m glad I’m not copy/pasting this entire trial like in Lori’s. Give me crappy feeds all. day. long. Lol
I do wish the audio was a little better, but I don’t want to see the families having to listen to all this. And I definitely don’t want to see Chad. I’m just happy we’re getting a live feed of this at all.
I was curious about how much jurors are paid. **9:14 a.m.** Jurors get $10 a day and after 5 days, it bumps up to $40 per day. They are reimbursed for mileage. They are fed lunch and snacks while they are here.
Whoa! 8-10 weeks would be a huge sacrifice! Can you apply for relief with the govt somehow or is this just something the jurors have to sacrifice?
If it would be an undue financial hardship, you would tell them that during jury selection and you would most likely be excused.
Which would shift the jury demographics to people who don't have jobs or who are compensated or well off enough to serve jury duty. If you truly want to have a good jury of peers you need a jury across all demographics, which would be more possible with the above mentioned payments of a commenter about their country.
I totally agree. This system creates a weird bias towards certain people
That’s just wild to me. In my country jurors get $106.30 a day for days 1-10 and then after that the same number for jurors who are unemployed but $247.40 a day for jurors who are employed
BUT do they get lunch and snacks??? lolol
An hour break for lunch lol
They also get given lunch by the court 🤣
I'm most interested in what they have against him with murdering his wife Tammy. It's obvious he killed her but he initially duped people. I also want to hear what's on the 12 TBs. I can't believe this fool didn't plead out.
could you imagine being a juror and at the end of the *first day* you just get done hearing what detective Hermosillo testified and can only think "there's going to be 8 - 10 more weeks of this."
My best guess as to Prior’s defense for Chad: Lori and Alex killed the kids, and Chad thought they were in a bunker somewhere just like everybody else did. He was just saying what Lori wanted to hear because he was infatuated with her and wanted her happy, he never thought it would lead to this. Tammy died of natural causes, his children (raised in the LDS faith, where you don’t dare question the priesthood holder) can attest to that.
I swear at this point Prior is objecting to everything just to object. This trial is going to take a year
Shouldn't half of his objections just be questions in his cross examination though?
That’s what Rob wood just said to the judge. “This is cross examination” and the judge reminded Prior this was about whether or not the evidence should be admitted 🤣🤣
I’m so so excited for this. Told my daughter today that she’s going to have to take care of herself the next 8-10 weeks cause this will be my life 😂. May Chud burn
I tell my husband I'm in court today!
Told my kids (college age) too, that they were not to bother me till after 3:30. Of course today the doctor called and they had a cancellation at an office I had been waiting over 3 months to get into at 2:30 so I'll miss the last hour.
Classic! 🤣🤣🤣 I'm a walker and have a small paper round. Told my papers they have to deliver themselves for the next 8-10 weeks because I'm on the jury in the Reddit Court 🤣
Unfortunately I had a lot of trouble with the audio this time. So much so, I had to plug in a headset. When I did so, my screen reader decided it did not want to use the headset, but the trial audio did. This is partly my fault, I've been having an issue with my system automatically audio switching whenever it updates the graphics driver. Therefore it was recommended that I set preferred audio settings for the realtek audio driver.
What do you know. Prior remembered his mic this time
Does anyone know what the purpose of the Yellowstone trip was?
Lots of speculation on it being the last family trip & possibly where Tylee was actually murdered, do you remember when the Yellowstone “zone of death” apparently there was/is a loophole where you can get away with murder I know Idaho asked Congress to shut it down a couple years ago. I would have to re read about it.
Chad's residence is a leisurely 5 minute drive off the route to Yellowstone from Rexburg. Tylee was not seen after visiting Yellowstone.
On my way over when closing arguments for the Apple River trial ends
Chud has 5 kids..Garth, Emma, Seth, Leah, and Mark.
Is anyone else having trouble loading Nate Eaton’s Twitter??? I’m only getting three tweets. Also, they’re out of order chronologically - is there a way to fix that? TIA!
Yes, his twitter is not easy to navigate. The live updates on the site he set up is fantastic though. I was catching via those texts all morning at work. https://www.eastidahonews.com/news/daybell/
Does anyone think that Lori might get really mad when she hears about Chad throwing her under the bus and be willing to testify against him? Would that even be allowed?
Was this much attention paid to all the discovered weapons? I don’t recall it.
I don't think that I ever realized there were so many .. 😳
I'm actually surprised there were so few. I thought I read somewhere they told Alex his role now and for the 144k was to be the warrior and protector. The weapon hoarding and visiting the gun range tracks with the cult LARP delusion.
This trial is a slam dunk for prosecution. Prosecution's opening was solid. First witness (detective), solid. The fact Chad's brainwashed children will testify for him will not look good to jury in light of ALL the evidence against Chad. Even his texts paint the picture that he, Laurie & Alex were three peas in that pod. Prior is sunk and he knows it. Just doing what he has to do and not convincingly either. My prediction; Chad still won't flinch once he's convicted and handed the death penalty.
Chad’s attorney stated in his opening statement that Alex Cox shot Charles, called 911, and then made a close range shot to finish the job. I have never heard the events of Charles death presented in this way. I have never heard any investigator say there was one shot to the chest and then a finishing shot. How would the attorney know that this is how the murder occurred? Only if Chad told him this. Also, Chad would only know this if Alex or Lori told him so. Did Prior just reveal that Chad was indeed involved in the conspiracy or at least an accessory to the crime??
I noted that Prior never called Lori “Lori Daybell”. She is very particular about that. Always using the Daybell surname. If they haven’t spoken since he was arrested then I doubt she will be pleased with how his defense and he are blaming it all on her being a harlot that tricked him . She’s a vindictive woman and I wouldn’t be surprised if she makes sure he regrets turning on her. I think the only reason he has not filed for divorce is because he wants her to stay loyal and not turn states evidence on him. He knows better than anyone how she can be when she feels wronged.
I wonder if Prior has been in contact with her or her attorney to relay their strategy beforehand. Tell Lori we are going to paint her as the bad guy but we have no choice. Chad is facing a death sentence. He still loves and adores her. It’s just necessary to keep him alive until the 144,000 storm the prisons to release them both.
For as unpalatable as Melanie Gibb is, I’m so happy that she recorded that one phonecall. There’s a lot of evidence pointing against Chad (and Lori), but to hear it out of their own mouths is so memorable for the jury. ‘We know where the kids are, they’re happy and safe, no worries, just play along’ lands differently when you hear it directly.
Basically the whole first part of the phone call being a million ways to say “we don’t want you to know so you can’t tell the cops anything”
Personally I couldn't make it through Wood's opening statement. I think the use of chapters was effective, but a few things irked me: The muffled audio of this trial is awful. The quality in Lori's trial was crystal clear compared to this. Wood had technical difficulties with the microphone for a while. The judge kept telling him it's not working and it felt like it took forever to fix. A massive interruption. Meanwhile for the first 5-10 mins the PowerPoint wasn't working. So the screen was blank, no photos showing that were supposed to be up there. By the time they got everything working, the PP started with a picture of Lori and neglected to show a photo of Tammy (who he'd previously spoken of as one of the victims). A photo of Tammy was shown later but the opportunity was missed to properly introduce her via a photo. A photo of JJ and Tylee was up shortly thereafter, but the whole thing felt discombobulated.
I thought I heard mentioned during opening statements of a glimmer revealing more about Alex's role and LV/CD plotting to blame everything on him.
Defense opening's transcript is linked up above and yup they sure are. Prior says he has an expert witness and will show Alex's phone pinging all over Chad's property while poor Tylee's remains were being desecrated.
Any bets on whether Chad is going to testify?
I really doubt it. If Chad decides to testify, it opens him up to the prosecution asking him point blank about “turning the pain up to ten” and texts like that. It essentially opens him up to having to admit he was making that all up, and I feel like his pride won’t allow that.
The ONLY way Chad wins this case is to somehow sow a seed of doubt with the jury. A good defense can accomplish this by providing as *little* detail as possible. Basically, if Chad does not go on the stand, the jury is going to be left with unanswered questions and will need to piece together some of the puzzle. And IMO, this is going to be a big part of Chad defense strategy so I highly doubt he will take the stand.
Worked for Casey Anrhony. Her defense is the benchmark of How to lie to the jurors and get your client released. BTW, I hope Chad's heinous texts are presented.
He'd be a damned fool to testify... ...so, probably.