Chad Daybell pleaded not guilty Friday morning in Eastern Idaho on charges he concealed evidence tied to the case of his wife’s two missing children who were found buried on his property.
Sitting next to his attorney in a video feed, Daybell spoke softly and gave one-word answers to the judge. When it came to entering his plea, Daybell’s lawyer, John Prior, said his client pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Daybell has not been charged in the deaths of 17-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old Joshua "JJ" Vallow. In a preliminary hearing earlier this month, officials relayed horrific details about the discovery of the kids' bodies this summer. A judge said there was enough evidence to bring Daybell to trial on the concealment charges.
Police are also investigating the suspicious death of Daybell's late wife Tammy. Her body has been exhumed and autopsy results have not been released.
Daybell’s current wife, Lori Vallow, is also in jail on charges of conspiracy to destroy or conceal evidence. She waived her preliminary hearing and will be arraigned September 10.
KTVB-TV is reporting that police in Arizona are planning to charge Lori Vallow with conspiracy to commit murder in her previous husband’s death. Lori Vallow’s brother Alex Cox shot and killed Charles Vallow last year in what was thought to be a case of self-defense. Cox has also since died.
Officials re-opened Charles Vallow’s case after the children went missing. Arizona police say it may take time to recommend the charge against Lori Vallow and a prosecutor will make the final decision.
After Chad Daybell’s not-guilty plea, a judge set a trail date of January 11, 2021.
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