Judge removes gag order after Idaho killer’s confession by Bryan Kohberger

Idaho Judge Lifts Gag Order in Coberger Murder Case

During a hearing on Thursday, Idaho State Judge Stephen Hippler lifted a gag order related to the quadruple murder case against Brian Coberger.

Latah County prosecutors informed the court of their opposition to claims from various media organizations, including Fox News, and indicated plans to advocate for Coberger’s guilty plea across all charges.

The original purpose of the gag order was to safeguard Coberger’s right to a fair trial, as noted in court documents. Now, he has admitted to the murders of Madison Morgen, Kaylee Goncalves, Zana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Media attorneys argued that the gag order was unnecessary.

Judge Hippler concurred with those sentiments; however, he mentioned that removing the order won’t automatically seal court documents, which will be released in stages after judicial review.

He stated he was well-acquainted with the case, tracing its timeline in reverse chronological order. The case was only assigned to him after another judge authorized a change of venue in September.

In a twist, Hippler stipulated that Coberger’s plea agreement must include a waiver of the right to appeal. Nonetheless, he clarified that this doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility of an appeal based on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

“While the judicial agreement includes a waiver of the right to appeal,” he explained, “the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Garza v. Idaho indicates that waiving this right doesn’t mean a defendant loses all ability to appeal, which could impact the case and associated judicial agreement.”

Initially, prosecutors sought to maintain the gag order until Coberger’s official ruling next week, but later revised their position, suggesting a “further reflection” process. The defense was against lifting the order prematurely.

The prosecution indicated that, given Coberger’s guilty plea to all charges, his right to a fair trial is no longer a concern. However, they’re withholding public statements about the case until the ruling is finalized, prioritizing the integrity of the judicial process and the privacy of the victims and their families.

A motion hearing is set for 12:30 PM ET/10:30 AM in Boise, Idaho, with a ruling scheduled for July 23rd. Coberger is likely to face significant penalties based on terms of the plea agreement, potentially serving four consecutive prison terms without parole.

Additionally, he has waived his right to appeal or seek a reduced sentence.

Prosecutors detailed that Coberger entered the off-campus residence at 1122 King Road around 4 AM on November 13, 2022, and fatally attacked all four students with a KA-Bark knife. He began with Morgen and Goncalves on the second floor, then moved to Kernodle, who was awake on the main floor, and finally, Chapin, who was in her bedroom.