Defense Team Requests Trial Delay For Bryan Kohberger Amid Concerns Over Prejudicial Media Coverage

 

Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022, is asking for a delay in his upcoming death penalty trial, originally set to begin with jury selection on July 30, 2025. His defense team filed a motion citing recent media coverage that included details not meant to be publicly disclosed until trial, raising concerns about the ability to secure an impartial jury.

Kohberger, a 29-year-old former criminology graduate student at Washington State University, was arrested in December 2022 and charged with four counts of murder in connection with the brutal stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle at an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho. Since then, the case has progressed slowly, complicated by a series of legal motions, evidence disputes, and constitutional challenges.

Timeline of Key Developments in the Case

Preliminary Hearings and Motions (2023–2024):
Defense attorneys have raised several issues over access to evidence, notably the use of investigative genetic genealogy to identify Kohberger as a suspect. They have also questioned the handling of DNA evidence and challenged the fairness of proceedings through motions to dismiss the indictment and suppress evidence.

Change of Venue Granted:
Due to extensive and inflammatory publicity, the defense successfully petitioned to move the trial out of Latah County. The Idaho Supreme Court ordered the trial be relocated to Ada County, home to the state capital, Boise. Ada County District Judge Steve Hippler now presides over the case.

Death Penalty Challenges:
The defense filed numerous motions aiming to strike the death penalty from the case. These included arguments that Idaho's execution methods are unconstitutional and that Kohberger's autism spectrum disorder (ASD) renders execution cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. Judge Hippler denied these motions, allowing the prosecution to continue pursuing the death penalty.

Suppression Efforts and Mental Health Claims:
In early 2025, the defense moved to suppress evidence obtained through genetic genealogy and digital data warrants. They also claimed that Kohberger’s ASD impairs his understanding of the case, and they presented examples of behavior they say indicate a lack of awareness of the gravity of the situation. These motions were largely denied, with the judge ruling that constitutional standards for exclusion were not met.

Evidence Disputes and Leaks:
Recent unsealed court filings revealed new pieces of evidence, such as a Ka-Bar knife purchase and a black balaclava allegedly linked to Kohberger. Other evidence includes text messages from surviving roommates, academic writings by Kohberger, and a selfie taken hours after the killings. A leak of sensitive information to a television news program prompted the judge to order both legal teams to preserve all related records and help identify the source of the breach.

Most Recent Development – May 21, 2025:
Citing prejudicial media coverage, the defense filed a motion to delay the trial. The coverage reportedly included material not intended for public consumption before trial, raising concerns that it could bias potential jurors and impact Kohberger’s right to a fair trial.

The court has not yet ruled on the delay request. The current trial date is set for August 11, 2025, with jury selection beginning two weeks prior.

As the legal teams prepare for trial, the case continues to draw national attention, particularly for its unprecedented use of investigative genetic genealogy and the extensive legal challenges from the defense.