Judge extends length and scope of gag order in Chad Daybell case
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BOISE — Judge Steven Boyce has extended a gag order in the Chad Daybell case until the trial is concluded.
Boyce issued a non-dissemination order two weeks ago prohibiting “any party to this case, including the prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, and any attorney representing a witness, victim, or victim’s family” from making written or oral statements about the case until April 15 or after opening statements.
Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake and Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Wood asked Boyce Monday to extend the motion until the end of the trial and defense attorney John Prior agreed. The attorneys argued a gag order would “benefit the administration of a fair trial” due to media coverage.
Boyce issued a new order Tuesday afternoon not only extending the length of time but also the scope.
“Investigators, law enforcement personnel, and agents for the prosecuting attorney or defense attorney, and essential court staff directly involved in the trial in this case, are prohibited from making extra judicial statements (written or oral) concerning this case between March 28, 2024 and the conclusion of the trial in this case,” Boyce wrote.
The original order was issued after Prior spoke with KIVI TV in Boise about how he and Daybell met, whether Lori Vallow Daybell could be called as a witness and other aspects of the trial.
Boyce noted that if improper media intrusion occurs conflicting with the order, he should be notified immediately.
Opening statements in Daybell’s trial begin Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. EastIdahoNews.com will livestream the proceedings and provide live written updates from the courtroom.
