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As of Thursday, the jury could debate until late into the evening if they want to, or could call it a night at the close of the building, at 5 p.m. They could also deliberate into the weekend, but that must be a unanimous decision from the jury themselves. They are monitored by two bailiffs from the courthouse, who are not allowed to instruct the jury on anything or feed them any information.
If the jury has a question, they must pass a note to the bailiff, who will then pass it along to the judge. If the judge can answer it, he will respond. If it requires response from the prosecution or the defense, the judge will hold a hearing on the record.
The jury can find Lori Vallow guilty of any or all charges, if that is what they decide. On the conspiracy charge alone, it could carry a sentence of up to life in prison.
The jury also does not have to find that Lori Vallow was present for the murder to find her guilty of murder in the first degree -- they only have to conclude that she, in some way, encouraged the killings or commanded someone to kill either or all Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell.
The court administration has agreed to send out a mass email when a verdict has been reached. From there, people will have one hour to make it back to the courtroom and get a seat on a first come, first-serve basis.
After four years, this case is nearing its end.
Some reporters in the courtroom who have covered larger murder trials guessed three hours. Others, like members from the public, said at least two days.
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