Trial Delay Requested for Idaho Student Murder Suspect

The attorney representing the man charged with the murder of four University of Idaho students has requested a postponement of his trial. The request comes in light of a recent NBC “Dateline” special, which the lawyer claims exhibits bias against Brian Kohberger, and they believe more time is necessary to prepare a solid defense.

This formal request, submitted on Tuesday, argues that proceeding with the trial in August would infringe on Kohberger’s constitutional rights.

The attorney emphasized the need for extra time to thoroughly review evidence, complete investigations, and ready their arguments for the trial.

A ruling on this request has not yet been issued, coinciding with Judge Stephen Hippler overseeing the case.

Last week, the judge instructed both prosecutors and defense teams to compile a list of individuals who might have had access to undisclosed details about Kohberger’s online activity and other information covered in the recent “Dateline” episode that aired on May 9.

Kohberger’s legal team has also expressed concerns regarding upcoming books about the case expected to be released around mid-July.

In their filing, they suggested the promotion of one of these books raises issues about breaches related to the court’s non-occurrence order. “The apparent data leak hints that this was not the only violation,” they noted.

Continuing the trial is deemed crucial to investigate these leaks thoroughly and to counteract the potential negative impact of what they term as pre-trial propaganda, particularly so close to the trial date.

Kohberger, 30, who was a graduate student in criminal justice at Washington State University, faces charges for the stabbings of Ethan Chapin, Zana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. They were discovered in a rental home near the university on November 13, 2022.

A plea of not guilty was entered for Kohberger, while prosecutors have indicated they plan to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.