CHAD DAYBELL TRIAL

Judge in Chad Daybell trial seals midnight intervention

Apr 5, 2024, 11:59 AM | Updated: 12:45 pm

Chad Daybell is seen during his preliminary hearing in Fremont County on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. D...

Chad Daybell is seen during his preliminary hearing in Fremont County on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Daybell is being charged with destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence and conspiracy to commit destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence, both felony charges. The remains of Lori Vallow Daybell's two children were found on Chad Daybell's property. (Post Register/ John Roark, POOL)

(Post Register/ John Roark, POOL)

BOISE — The judge in the trial of Chad Daybell sealed a last-minute request that both the prosecution and defense want removed.

The contents of the request are unknown, but it comes from an award-winning Idaho trial lawyer who is not tied to either legal team in the case.

In Tuesday’s sealing order, Judge Steven Boyce wrote, “Both the State and the Defense have raised concerns about the impropriety of this attempt to intervene-procedurally and substantively.” He wrote that both counsels called for the document to be sealed or struck from the record.


Click here for complete coverage of the Chad Daybell trial


KSL legal analyst Greg Skordas told Utah’s Morning News the details around the request are unique.

“He (Terry Ratliff) files this message just before midnight, he’s not counsel on the case. He sends a copy of it to several lawyers who are not involved in the case, he writes the wrong case number on it,” Skordas said.

A court document shows the request is titled “Motione (sic) to intervene and to contiue (sic) the trial in these procedings (sic).”

Skordas added that while interventions are rare, attorneys usually file them on behalf of a victim or to push for more media access in the trial. East Idaho News filed its own intervention to put cameras in the courtroom during the Chad Daybell case.

“There are reasons you could do (an intervention), but it seems the judge in this case is absolutely convinced this was not an appropriate intervention,” Skordas said.

Boyce wrote in the sealing order that he would keep the seal in place until a hearing. Skordas said he thinks the sealing is there to stay.

“I kind of get the sense we’re not going to know what the motion said until after the trial,” Skordas said, “because the judge wants to preserve the integrity of the trial.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Chad Daybell trial

The buildings on Chad Daybell's Fremont County, Idaho property — including his former home — ar...

Nate Sunderland, EastIdahoNews via CNN

Chad Daybell’s home near Rexburg has been demolished

The buildings on Chad Daybell’s Fremont County property — including his former home — are being demolished Friday morning.

5 months ago

97 exhibits of evidence were sealed after the Chad Daybell murer trial, but his booking photo was r...

Mary Culbertson

Judge in Chad Daybell case permanently seals 97 evidence exhibits after trial

The judge in Chad Daybell's murder trial ordered that 97 exhibits of evidence be permanently sealed.

8 months ago

Chad Daybell sits and closes his eyes after the jury's verdict in his murder trial was read at the ...

Larry D. Curtis

Chad Daybell to appeal to verdict and death penalty, gets public defender

While former Chad Guy Daybell lives in Idaho's prison system, his attorney filed a notice of appeal and also filed a motion to appoint a public defender after his conviction for three murders.

8 months ago

Chad Daybell leaves the courtroom at the conclusion of his sentencing hearing at the Ada County Cou...

Andrew Adams

Daybell jurors speak publicly about death penalty decision

Two days after a jury sentenced Chad Daybell to death for three murders, jurors spoke publicly for the first time about their death penalty decision.

8 months ago

Chad Daybell in a courtroom in a blue checkered shirt and solid yellow tie...

Dakin Andone, CNN

What to know about Idaho’s death penalty after Chad Daybell was sentenced to death

Chad Daybell was sentenced to death for the murders of his wife and his second wife’s two children this weekend, but when and whether he will be executed remains a wide open question.

8 months ago

Jason and Samantha Gwilliam, Tammy Daybell's brother-in-law and sister (KSL TV)...

Lauren Steinbrecher

‘It brings closure’: Victims’ families react to Chad Daybell death sentence

Family members of the three people murdered by Chad Daybell and his wife Lori Vallow Daybell said they are feeling a sense of healing and closure after the 55-year-old religious author from Utah was given the death penalty Saturday. 

8 months ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Judge in Chad Daybell trial seals midnight intervention