Idaho Judge Upholds Murder Trial Schedule for Bryan Kohberger

An Idaho judge has decided not to delay the murder trial of Bryan Kohberger, a 29-year-old accused of killing four students from the University of Idaho. He also dismissed the defense’s plea to introduce evidence that could point to “alternate perpetrators.”

On Thursday, Fourth District Judge Steven Hippler announced that jury selection is set to start in August, with opening statements expected around August 18.

The judge denied a request from Kohberger’s legal team to showcase theories involving four different potential suspects, labeling the evidence as “entirely irrelevant.”

“Nothing links these individuals to the homicides or otherwise gives rise to a reasonable inference that they committed the crime; indeed, it would take nothing short of rank speculation by the jury to make such a finding,” Hippler stated in his order.

Defense attorney Anne Taylor had argued for a postponement, claiming that beginning the trial this summer would compromise Kohberger’s right to a fair trial. She highlighted challenges in evaluating evidence and securing witness testimonies.

Taylor also expressed concerns over extensive media coverage potentially affecting the jury’s impartiality, suggesting that a cooling-off period might help. However, Judge Hippler noted that interest in the case had only intensified, and that previous delays had given the media more opportunity to cover the story and satisfy public curiosity.

Kohberger is facing multiple counts of first-degree murder and a felony burglary charge in connection with the deaths of four students, all of whom were killed in the same residence. The victims were identified as 21-year-olds Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, and 20-year-olds Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.

According to the probable cause affidavit, DNA evidence from a knife sheath left at the crime scene linked him to the murders. Investigators also tracked his phone location and found that, prior to the killings on November 13, 2022, his cell phone had pinged in the vicinity of the King Road home where the victims were discovered.

Kohberger has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His trial was initially set for October 2, 2024, but has been postponed due to his waiver of the right to a speedy trial.