COURTROOM INSIDER | Special prosecutor Rachel Smith opens up about Daybell case

#eastidahonews #chaddaybell #courtroominsider
Tonight on 'Courtroom Insider,' Special Prosecutor Rachel Smith's first interview about the Daybell case. She has extensive legal history - prosecuting over 100 murder trials and more than a dozen death penalty cases. Tonight she opens up about Daybell and more.
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[@pamalmeida]

Wow I'm so impressed by this interview. I'm so impressed how sincere and honest she was with her answers. Good job, guys.

[@lorimashburn8555]

I feel the same way! I loved the honesty!

[@WiseChild1987]

I appreciate your dedication to the case SO MUCH Ms. Smith! As an Idahoan I have realized just how lucky we are to have had such a wonderful prosecution and law enforcement team; thank you all from the bottom of my heart! 💜💙🦆

[@lindawillis2746]

This lady is amazing... great interview Nate... watched both trials from Scotland 😊

[@barbaracallenmohr783]

Nate, you are a great interviewer! Thank you for this intriguing interview. I can't wait for tomorrow and Thursday's Courtroom Insider!! ❤👍

[@deborahawatson6629]

Sorry I missed so much I came back to watch! Thank you!

[@Beelzybud]

Good job Ms. Smith! Thanks!

[@thequieterubcomethemoreuhe1198]

From Louisville, KY., sending much appreciation & thanks.

[@marjoriejohnston3038]

Great interview all round

[@octopuszoo2027]

Thank you Rachel. ❤️

[@lorileary4432]

EXCELLENT interview !

[@SheilaRoss-so6xp]

I love her explanation of the role of religion. Makes so much sense.

[@OutWestRedDirt]

Chad and Lori used religion as a front for their wickedness. There's is nothing they did based on Christianity or LDS.

[@anovemberstar]

Agree! That made so much sense!!!

[@lorimashburn8555]

Agree! Excellent explanation!

[@loricoenen728]

I just love Rachel's personality!!! Down to earth and so so smart!! I appreciate your work and thank you for all you did on this case.

[@plparmer]

This woman is brilliant. I’m so impressed with her and the entire team plus law enforcement. God bless them.

[@connieburge2298]

Nate you're adding so much insight to the case that I'm not seeing anywhere else. Thank you.

[@bronwyn117]

Every interview you do is fascinating. You ask interesting questions, you listen carefully to the answers, and then follow up. You were born for this, and I appreciate you so much! This interview was especially great!

[@ohnoZomBri]

Mrs. Smith is incredible! What an outstanding intelligent prosecutor. Amazed that even though they clearly knocked their case out of the park, she still has a list of things she’d do better next time. That’s the sign of a true unstoppable force. Thank you for accepting this case!

[@nuckinfuts7610]

Humble and humility. A true display of both. Among many other brilliant characteristics.

[@b.bembeneck9710]

Really good interview, thank you Rachel for willing to be interviewed.

[@kyrieteleison3009]

She was my favorite in Lori's trial. I love to hear her talk, and I love to hear her strategy. She's is awesome!!

[@denisegray1903]

We love and appreciate your professionalism NATE ❤😊

[@Bevaboo]

I am just struck with the intelligence and integrity of the team who put this case together to allow justice to be served for these victims! I can never hear enough behind the scenes on these cases. It really gives me a lot of hope to see that for all the evil out there, there are plenty more good guys to see that the bad people are held accountable.

[@melissaconnellyjones2622]

Upmost respect to prosecutors who handle homicide and violent crime. Having to deal with the absolute worst that human beings can do is a huge burden to carry. Thank you to all of these brave souls who work to get justice.

[@nancyhammond389]

Utmost respect

[@Fivar]

unless they are from Boston

[@hopsta5628]

The prosecutor, who, in conjunction with the corrupt police of Canton Massachusetts, certainly doesn't deserve any respect whatsoever. It's prosecutors like him cause people to lose faith in the justice system, it's not too hard to tell that Karen Read is being railroaded (for a murder she clearly didn't commit) by the police and the judiciary of that town. Honest people deserve respect, criminals don't, no matter what their job title is.

[@George_Tropicana]

I agree. They take on the trauma to do what the rest of us won’t do. Same with first responders. They endanger their own lives to save other’s.

[@loricoenen728]

I want to know how Melanie niece, didn't get charged with anything? What in the world!! Plus all her videos of lying over and over! I want to see what she thinks to this day.

[@nadzach]

Me, too. She told both Ian and Melanie Gibb that "the plan failed." Melanie Gibb offered that evidence right away because I saw a court document Brandon filed. Melani Boudreaux did not show up for the hearing which was about custody. There would be no plan to kill Brandon if Melani didn't promise them a share of the money. I want to know what was the big deal about the steps to the upstairs room???? Maybe I missed it.

[@XjtBA]

She may appear in Lori’s trial in Arizona. We shall see.

[@DCBabos]

Very valuable interview! I appreciate this one, I think the most so far! Thank you, Rachel Smith and East Idaho News!

[@lynnetanner1369]

I have followed both Daybell cases from Alberta, Canada. It’s been an eye opener to me. This prosecution team was amazing! The hours, weeks, months, & even years of being mentally, emotionally, & physically drained taking on such horrific cases makes these lawyers worth their weight in gold!!!! Their team work, cooperation, investigation & dedication was above & beyond. Thank you for bringing justice for Tylee, JJ& Tammy. ❤

[@MrLisarn2]

Another great interview! I love hearing from everyone involved in the case. I’d like to hear in a year’s time from the children of Tammy Daybell again, just to see if views have changed at all. Thanks Nate and East Idaho News! Bravo!

[@cindyranelli7590]

Thank you for these amazing interviews with jurors, prosecutors, detectives, etc., following the Vallow-Daybell trials. It's been a long 4.5 years and now seeing how things worked during this investigation/trial is incredible to hear. Nate, I think many would love to hear from Prosecutor Lindsay Blake. She did an interview recently, and no offense to Jason Lum, but you're a better interviewer!!!!!!

[@shannonmccreery7948]

Thank you Nate!!! I have wanted so badly to hear from Rachel! She is yet another member of this amazing AMAZING team of people, some we will never be able to name as they were behind all the scenes, who gave these cases their all to the very end!

[@kathiewhite443]

Hi again from Chicago! Great interview! This prosecutor is amazing and was integral to the process!! THANX RACHEL!!

[@lorimontcalm9086]

Another great interview! It is obvious that everyone involved in investigating and prosecuting the Daybells was committed, diligent and complimentary towards each other. Hugs from 🇨🇦

[@patriciafoster3347]

Listening to what Nate is going to do next is like Christmas.

[@MindyManhattan]

Of all the post trial interviews, I think this one was my favorite. She was willing to give detailed answers on topics that others would not.

[@lorimashburn8555]

Agreed! This is my favorite interview thus far.

[@Nicki704]

Such a remarkable, intelligent, knowledgeable woman. Thank you for your dedication for justice for Tylee, JJ, and Tammy .

[@lynnhuidekoper8647]

My younger aister was murdered at age 32 yrs. by the man who brainwashed her. Fortunately, he committed suicide pre-trial in prison. I fought for years to separate her from him to no avail.

[@LoriArmstrong-l1i]

I’m so sorry for your loss and not coming to justice

[@hope46sf]

Great, great interview, Nate. What a gem of a person she is! God bless you for inviting her on!!

[@LongJohnWadicus]

I love hearing all the different viewpoints and perspectives. Another great interview Nate!

[@william_mac]

Again I do this coming in with an open mind. Right off the bat, I noticed some telling clues. She is a beautiful person. She's selfless, kind and what humanity should be about. The compassion and empathy just pours from her. If I'm an attorney I want this person on my team! She's serious, yet calm. This is an attorney that knows what she's doing. We the people of the State of Idaho are blessed to have her on our side. A true victims advocate. This is a tough woman, and such a hard worker. I can see it in her eyes. Listen to this woman. He won the cases, yet she wants to do better. Such a very critical thinker. Something that they stress highly when getting a bachelor of science degree. This is such a smart, beautiful human being. I'm so proud as in Idaho citizen, for Rachel Smith to be part of our team.

[@rosannacellini2158]

This a great interview Nate! Rachel is an awesome prosecuter and it's so interesting to hear what she has to say, about the cases. 🙂👍👍⚖️😅

[@PatSwindel]

I totally agree with her assessment that religion was a means to an end. The proof to me is that Chad and Lori were planning to move to Hawaii…so much for Rexburg being the church center and refuge.

[@jeaniechampagne8831]

Nate, the reason your interviews are so successful is your questions and your delivery. You hit it at just the right time and carry it through like a conversation. You are so good at what you do. This lady Rachel Smith is a genius, she is able to organize her thoughts to convey exactly what she wants to say or rather tell you while answering your questions. So impressed. So they, C&L, used religion only to get what they wanted, at the right time and it changed as their needs changed. Would be very interesting for her to give an opinion on does she believe Lori is delusional, removed from reality or is she just pulling a fast one.

[@OneBadAssMoMo]

Lori’s sister firmly believes that Lori will remain lost in her delusions! The psychologists who examined her believe that as well!

[@mickeykyker4837]

Oh I would love to hear her thoughts on that one. I have always thought Lori was full of it. Lori I'm sure believes in religion, the basic things that are taught but the stuff Chad was coming up with, light and dark , the ratings, zombies. No never. Lorie would hint around to Chad what she wanted then Chad would tell her exactly what he knew she wanted to hear. Lori knew it was a little game they played to justify their evil plots. Lori was the one who set the murders in motion. Chad could care less if someone was murdered just as long as he got sex.

[@critterscute3642]

Started on live. Had to leave and am finishing up. Wonderful and insightful interview. Thanks Nate and Rachel.

[@nadzach]

Ever since the children were announced as missing, many of us have hung on every word published. With no knowledge of trial preparation, we had a lot of anxiety about whther justice would prevail. Thank you for giving your best. Much appreciated.

[@lisat1750]

Amazing interview! I really appreciate her being so candid about her personal theories on what really happened. Thank you Atty Smith for your tireless work! Thank you Nate for being the best, as always!

[@trubrit5036]

Ms. Smith's thoughts on the religious side of these terrible crimes, was spot on. Religion and control go hand in hand.

[@karachikay5759]

A great interview, she gave us the behind the scenes we wanted 😊 Bless this woman for the career path she chose, Speaking for the Voiceless ❤

[@OneBadAssMoMo]

Wow! Nate we are so fortunate to have you as as our go to journalist! The quality of your reporting is outstanding, we are fortunate to have you! Edit - but, why is it harder on the prosecution with the cameras there? I wanna know more about that!

[@denysemcalister3390]

I could listen to her for hours. She's absolutely brilliant. Not only that, but you can tell she has a great big heart to go along with her intelligence. The entire team was outstanding! Super impressed by all of them.

[@SunnyBunny132]

Watching from coastal North Carolina. This was such an interesting interview! Thank you to Mrs. Smith for all of her hard work and dedication in getting justice for JJ, Tylee, and Tammy. As always, Nate, your coverage was incredible. ❤

[@lynnhuidekoper8647]

Lynn from San Francisco/Peninsula. Love Nate's reporting!! 😊

[@justicejane2429]

Rest in Sweet Peace & Justice for JJ👟👟Tylee👡👡 Joseph👞👞 Charles👢👢 & Tammy👠👠

[@laurawaldie456]

Hi Nate from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦! Thank you for this fabulous interview with Rachel. What a great person she seems to be and obviously a wicked prosecutor. Looking forward to hearing more from both of you on the Smith case as it progresses. Thank you Nate. Blessings to you and your family.

[@kimberleeh.308]

Thank you Nate for the continued case coverage, incredible work & interviews. ❤️ Rachel Smith Watching from St Louis & enjoying Courtroom Insider in my Mug Shot TShirt.

[@joannawoods2569]

Thank you so much for this interview has been the best yet. Love hearing her thoughts on these cases.

[@pollackfamily2]

Listening from the Poconos Pennsylvania!

[@rhodagillen4892]

B.K.s hometown?

[@Rexannlater]

Rachel Smith, what a class act!

[@louesparza8003]

Absolutely!!!

[@angperkins1517]

Amazing interview as always! Listening from Northern Indiana.

[@modeanryan246]

0:43 Hello From Ball Ground Georgia!

[@lorimashburn8555]

I am in Cherokee County also!

[@julieengel4583]

Watching from Australia 🦘🪃🌏

[@ladybuglady4380]

Thank you very much Nate and Mrs Smith for a very informative discussion. Much respect to Mrs Smith for your knowledge and contribution to this case.

[@SAMeyer-hh7cv]

We absolutely miss and love Rachel💕 Thank you for all your hard work👍

[@BamaCyn]

Snap, missed the notice so I'm on the rewatch crew.❤

[@filly9867]

Ms. Smith was excellent. Thank you

[@dhutchinson2781]

Rachel Smith is an excellent prosecutor and asset to any team. I was disappointed when she announced she would not participate on the trial part of Chad's case. She definitely put in the work and it was evident. Enjoyed this interview and appreciate all the work Nate puts into these interviews.

[@mariapaz2789]

Watching from Argentina 🇦🇷🧉

[@amypietsch5103]

Argentina is a beautiful country~ ❤

[@mcsmith732]

Rachel Smith's commentary about Alex was extremely interesting. The lack of information about him leaves a large chunk of the Vallow--Daybell case forever incomplete and mysterious. We will probably never know the extent of Alex's actual involvement with the plans and commission of all the murders. Nor will we be able to solve the mystery of his fears of betrayal by his own sister and his apparent mentor Chad, along with the real cause of Alex's death.. I have a hypothesis that part of Chad's religious plans was to become a many-wived patriarch of his own religion. Was Lori helping him to vet future wives, since it seems that she was the one who recruited the various women into "casting" circles and arranged for them to show up for Chad's "teaching" and prayer gatherings? Thank you Nate, for all your work with this convoluted, crazy and murderous operation by the Vallow-Daybell cult, and the enormous task of helping to bring justice for J.J., Tylee, Tammy and their family members and friends. You and your crew at East Idaho News did an outstanding job of making the case matter to so many strangers to the victims and keeping the public informed of both nuances and facts. With Sincere Appreciation, M.C. Smith from Appalachia in Western North Carolina.

[@OneBadAssMoMo]

I can’t see Lori ever sharing top billing with anyone else! I think they were definitely coupling the women up with men who were taken in by their spiel! Look at how they pushed Ian and Melanie to marry quickly, and Alex and Zulema too! If David Warwick had been more receptive then he and Melanie Gibb would’ve never fallen out of favor!

[@sandrahill-qn6hb]

Chud the slug barely had energy for 1 wife 😂

[@Cassie-pt7mt]

Watching from Southern California. When I was 12, my 20-year-old cousin was killed by a drunk driver. It's nice to hear that she turned a devastating tragedy in to something good.

[@tchili1]

So very sorry for your loss.❤

[@Cassie-pt7mt]

​@@tchili1Thank you. He was a beautiful boy, inside and out. He would have been 60 in 4 days. That's crazy. Now, he's forever frozen as a laughing, kind, young man who looked just like Troy Donahue. Such a waste. Thank you for your kind words.

[@ralphmajor1947]

Thanks Nate you're on it with the facts and informational topics ❤!!!

[@sineadfitzgerald8021]

Thank you Rachel for all you did. Nate another super interview. thank you

[@bomeister335]

What a great informative interview, thank you Nate and Rachel.

[@canukqueen]

Excellent interview, well done!

[@justmeonly986]

Such a great interview. Really great

[@marvelwise]

Watching fom Connecticut 😊

[@saimaleon7115]

When people throughout the country and the world have worried about these kids, tried to keep an eye out for them, the legal system owes it to them too to see the trial. They need to see the faces of the people involved. Just like in the Murdaugh trial. There was no good reason to blur everything the way this judge decided.

[@amberchase7959]

Emma and Garth sure lied on the stand

[@janp7943]

Great interview Nate! Very interesting! Thank You!

[@justicejane2429]

Thanks Nate_Line

[@brendastanley4546]

Thank you so much 🙏👍 God Bless you and your family 🙏

[@marjoriejohnston3038]

My feeling is Alex was encouraged to kill himself. That Chad and Lori told him he'd be helpful on the other side of the veil. Like Lori wasn't surprised Chad was supposedly texting Alex when he was dead.

[@ETBlair]

Good interview!! Thank you!

[@susanfriesen3625]

If you ever get to interview Pryor, please ask him if he realized that he asked the witness if they were present at the murder.

[@tjkasgl]

Hahahaha! 🤣

[@nataliecassidy4298]

Thanks NATE for doing this interview with Mrs .Smith! I want to thank you Mrs. Smith for your hard work in this case nd the rest of the prosecutors team you all did a fantastic job! Love from ❤❤❤AKRON, OHIO 😊😊😊

[@serena1261]

Fantastic interview this evening! Thanks Nate!

[@flyoverurbangarden4315]

Excellent interview, both of you.

[@PamelaTaylor]

THANKS TO THE GRANDFATHER THAT KEEP ON GOING ON THIS CASE

[@RDnAC]

Such a great interview. Nate asked so many good questions.

[@karenhurd9792]

Excellent interview👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@conniepelton9275]

Watching from Al.Excellent interview thanks Nate, Rachel

[@DorothyJanetoo]

That was SUCH a good interview! I love the Scamanda podcast!

[@jeannemarie5908]

43:45 Amen!! She just needs to go away and stay away. Agreed.

[@nickinurse6433]

I'm from AZ & I'm still so angry with Chandler police! They had Charles on police body cam video telling the police that he feared for his life & the life of the children & then when he gets set up & shot by Loris brother WHO HAD ALREADY DONE TIME OR ATTACKING ANOTHER OF LORIS HUSBANDS... they do NOTHING??? Resulting in Charles & kids being murdered???!!! Inexcusable.

[@lisarico469]

Wow this was awesome! Thank you Nate for all your hard work and bringing this information to us ❤

[@GaliSinatra]

Fantastic interview! Looking forward to the interviews coming up. I listened to Scamanda as well. Great podcast.

[@monicalm2283]

10/10 🙌

[@mamabear7132]

Wish I could fly, I have your cough. 😷😂 Off the wall question did Law enforcement give up on DeOrr Kunz Jr?

[@lesare6509]

Yes! I’m one of the 10 people that has never heard of Scamanda! Rachael is an awesome prosecutor, she is great because she has it all, dedication, sincerity, honest, faith & love in the Lord & very much education & knowledge. I would NOT want to see her in court if I had my picture on East Idaho News & the defendant!! 😊. Nate, your special, you have those same qualities Rachael has. I saw your presentation of the award to that lady on good people Friday (was that the title?) that lady was so good & sweet, you handled that so well. See u tomorrow! 🙏❤️🤗

[@denysemcalister3390]

Nate, I'm so grateful for these amazing and insightful interviews. You're so good at your job.

[@Nicolle727]

This has been one of the best interviews of the Vallow/Daybell case. I enjoyed listening to her stories and explanations of how the prosecution worked. She is a very smart lady. Looking forward to Ms. Blake's interview.

[@ValorWarrior5258]

I dont normally have good things to say about Lawyers. Prosecutors and law enforcement especially ( personal reasons). The justice system is so UNJUST in so many ways. Having said that, I followed Nate, and EIN through this whole case, from the children missing, to the day Chad Daybell was sentenced.Thank you all for your dedication to the truth, the law and by doing it in as graceful manner possible given the evidence. This was a hard one. Those poor babies deserved everything you all did for them, Tammy also. Thank you, Rachel. Thank you Nate for another wonderful interview, that allowed us to hear the interviewee’s thoughts and feelings about this. Sadly, Lori didnt get the death penalty, but, she has the rest of her life to realize why she is there locked behind those walls.

[@sandykolb6644]

Listening from Woodbridge, VA...thanks to you both for being so interesting!!

[@cvilla5668]

Thank you Nate and team

[@reneeolson4881]

Excellent interview of a wonderful woman Nate. Thank you.