Lori Vallow Daybell waives her preliminary hearing

Lori Vallow Daybell and her attorney Mark Means at an earlier court apperance | EastIdahoNews.com file photo
ST. ANTHONY — Lori Vallow Daybell’s conspiracy charges will be heading directly to district court after a motion filed by her attorney Thursday.
On Thursday, defense attorney Mark Means officially waived Lori Daybell’s preliminary hearing. The move comes just days after her husband Chad Daybell had his preliminary hearing in Fremont County on felony conspiracy and destruction of evidence charges. Following that hearing, Magistrate Judge Farin Eddins determined there was sufficient evidence to move the case to district court.
Since Lori has waived the hearing, her case moves to the higher court automatically. She will also not have to appear in court next week.
Waiving a preliminary hearing is a fairly common occurrence in Idaho. Once at the district level, Lori will either plead guilty or not guilty. If Lori pleads not guilty, a judge will set a jury trial date.
Lori is facing two felony counts of conspiracy to conceal, alter or destroy evidence in Fremont County. The charges came after investigators discovered on June 9 the remains of her two children Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16, buried on the property of her husband, Chad.
In Madison County, Lori is also charged with misdemeanor resisting or obstructing officers, criminal solicitation to commit a crime and contempt of court. She pleaded not guilty to those charges and a jury trial is set for Jan. 25 to 29 before Magistrate Judge Michelle Mallard.
Chad is charged with two felony counts of conspiracy to conceal, alter or destroy evidence. Prosecutors also charged him with two felony counts of concealment, alteration or destruction of evidence. He will appear for an arraignment on Aug. 21, in Fremont County to enter a plea.
Lori’s district court arraignment date has not been scheduled.

Source: eastidahonews.com