Lori Vallow remains unfit for trial, Chad Daybell’s trial to be rescheduled

ST. ANTHONY, Idaho — Lori Vallow Daybell remains unfit to stand trial according to a progress report received by an Idaho court.

Vallow Daybell was placed in the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare on June 8 after she was found not competent to stand trial. Currently, Vallow Daybell faces charges including the murder of her two children JJ Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16.

Vallow Daybell declared unfit

Daybell’s incompetence to stand trial was revealed at her indictment hearing where she was charged with the first-degree murders of her children.

In 2020, the remains of both children were found on the property of her husband Chad Daybell.

Last week District Judge Steven Boyce received a letter from one of the physicians caring for Vallow Daybell asking him to extend her stay at the facility. Boyce said that letter did not provide enough information or detail about her condition to make a ruling on the issue and asked for a progress report. 

That report was returned to the court on Sept. 1 and provided enough detail to satisfy Boyce’s request.

 

“The Court has considered the progress report in this case. At this status conference, I think that just a determination for the court to indicate whether or not the commitment order would be continued. Based on the progress report the court has received and the information from the Department of Health and Welfare the court does find and determine at this time pursuant to Idaho code 18-2-12 the defendant Ms. Vallow is still not competent to proceed with the proceedings in this case,” he said during Wednesday’s proceedings.

Boyce said under Idaho law this means that case will be stayed for another 180 days unless another progress report is issued stating that Vallow Daybell has regained competency. 

No speedy trial for Chad Daybell

Late last month, Chad Daybell waived his right to a speedy trial. Daybell is charged with murdering his former wife. He is also charged with the murder of Lori’s two children. 

The state of Idaho has announced its plan to seek the death penalty in his case. 

Daybell’s case was originally scheduled for November 8th.  But new motions have been issued by his lawyers including a change of venue motion as well as a newly filed request to split his case from Lori’s.

In light of those motions, and Chad’s waiver of a speedy trial, Boyce said that they will vacate the current date for his trial and convene to schedule another date for his jury trial after their change of venue hearing scheduled for October 5 and 6.

Read more: A timeline of the missing Idaho children

 

 

Follow @walk_colb