A routine status hearing for Bryan Kohberger, the man charged with the murders of four University of Idaho students, attracted a small crowd on Thursday, with attendees lining up outside the Boise courtroom five hours in advance for a seat.
This was Kohberger’s first hearing since the case was relocated about 300 miles from Moscow, Idaho, where the stabbings took place.
Kohberger faces four counts of murder for the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, who were killed early on November 13, 2022, at a rental house near the university.
Last year, when asked to enter a plea, he remained silent, leading the judge to record a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty if he is found guilty.
Typically, status conferences are uneventful meetings where legal parties update the judge and set deadlines for future proceedings.
However, after the Idaho Supreme Court moved the case to Boise earlier this month, it also appointed 4th District Judge Steven Hippler to oversee the case, replacing 2nd District Judge John Judge.
The venue change followed a successful argument from Kohberger’s defense that the extensive media attention and strong local sentiment would hinder the possibility of an impartial jury.
At the hearing’s start, Judge Hippler remarked, “I’d like to tell you I’m happy to be here, but why start with an untruth,” before outlining his expectations for the attorneys. He emphasized the high stakes of the case and urged the attorneys to maintain civility and avoid personal attacks, theatrics, or misrepresentation of facts.
The judge also reminded everyone to adhere to a gag order issued by the previous judge.
Kohberger’s trial is currently scheduled to begin next June and is anticipated to last three to four months. However, Judge Hippler expressed concerns about the trial’s timing coinciding with summer vacations, suggesting it could be moved to May or postponed until September. After discussions, a closed hearing was arranged for both sides to present their preferences.
Defense attorney Ann Taylor mentioned that their team had been working with a mitigation expert who recently passed away, necessitating the search for a replacement. They have found a new expert, but additional preparation time may be required as they get up to speed. The judge plans to issue a written order once a new trial date is finalized.
