WATCH: Hearing on allowing video cameras inside the Daybell preliminary hearings starts at 2:30 p.m.

Chad and Lori Daybell | Jail photos
ST. ANTHONY — Magistrate Judge Faren Eddins is expected to rule Monday on whether video cameras will be allowed during the upcoming preliminary hearings for Chad and Lori Daybell.
Earlier this month, Madison County Prosecutor Rob Wood asked the judge to reconsider his order governing courtroom conduct. The order currently allows one media agency to go into the courtroom and record the hearings in realtime, which is then broadcast to other television stations, and livestreamed for online news agencies.
“Allowing broadcasting/livestreaming of the preliminary hearing will make it more difficult to pick an unbiased jury in Fremont County,” Wood wrote in a memo to support his motion. “Picking a jury, in this case, will be difficult and time-consuming due to the already existing media coverage.”
RELATED | East Idaho News joins with other media in opposing request to ban cameras from Daybell hearings
On Friday, EastIdahoNews.com joined with local, regional and national media in opposition to Wood’s request. If Wood’s request was approved, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the preliminary hearings would effectively be closed to the public. An Idaho Supreme Court order currently limits who can attend a hearing and since the pandemic began, most hearings are streamed over Zoom and YouTube.
Along with other local and regional news agencies, EastIdahoNews.com jointly hired Idaho Falls attorney Steve Wright to object to the motion. He is expected to argue during today’s 2:30 p.m. hearing. Other media outlets participating include the Post Register, KIFI Local News 8, KPVI NewsChannel 6, The Idaho Statesman, KIVI Idaho News 6, KSL TV 5, Court TV and NBC News.
RELATED | Prosecutor asks judge to ban video cameras at Daybell preliminary hearings
In the objection, Wright argues that video cameras are necessary for the public to have access to the court system.
“When the public is aware that the law is being enforced and the criminal justice system is functioning, an outlet is provided for these understandable reactions and emotions,” the objection states. “The unique and remarkable allegations of this case are the very reason that video coverage of the proceedings is vital.”
The media are not the only ones objecting to Wood’s motion. Lori’s attorney, Mark Means, and Chad’s attorney, John Prior, also filed objections to the motion.
The Daybells are facing felony charges in Fremont County after investigators discovered the remains of 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan buried in the backyard of Chad’s Salem home. Court dockets indicate Chad’s hearing will start on Aug. 3 and Lori’s will begin on Aug. 10.
Monday’s hearing will be streamed live at EastIdahoNews.com. The hearing is set to begin at 2:30 p.m.
Source: eastidahonews.com