A judge may soon set a trial date for Bryan Kohberger, the Pennsylvania man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students. The victims, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, were found stabbed to death in a rental home near the Moscow campus on November 13, 2022.
Kohberger was arrested six weeks after the murders. Investigators connected him to the crime through DNA found on a knife sheath at the scene, as well as surveillance footage and cellphone data.
During a hearing in May 2023, a judge entered a not guilty plea on Kohberger’s behalf. Since then, his defense team and Latah County prosecutors have been disputing the evidence.
Judge John Judge has not yet scheduled a trial date, citing the case’s complexity, particularly because the prosecution seeks the death penalty. However, a hearing on June 27 will discuss the timeline for the trial and potential sentencing dates.
A strict gag order has prevented Kohberger, his lawyers, prosecutors, and law enforcement from making public comments about the case. Recently, the judge permitted Kohberger’s defense team to review sealed DNA records used by law enforcement to identify potential suspects through genealogical databases. The defense cannot contact any relatives identified in these records without court approval.
Prosecutor Bill Thompson argued that the DNA records were irrelevant since they were not used to obtain warrants and would not be presented at trial. However, the judge ruled that the defense needed access to some records to prepare their case.
Kohberger’s lawyers have also requested a change of venue, a decision that remains pending.