Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Kohberger trial will be moved out of Latah county
MOSCOW — An Idaho judge has agreed to relocate the trial of Bryan Kohberger, 29, who faces charges in the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students.
On Monday, Sept. 9, Judge John Judge granted a motion from Kohberger’s defense team, which argued that a local jury could be too biased to ensure a fair trial due to extensive pre-trial media coverage.
The judge ruled the courthouse lacked the resources for such a high-profile case and noted that the media coverage had been both extensive and prejudicial.
The trial, originally set for June 2025, will be held in a new location, which has not yet been determined.
Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen at their off-campus residence days before Thanksgiving 2022.
Kohberger, a criminology graduate student from Washington State University, was arrested in December 2022 in Pennsylvania.
Kohberger maintains his innocence through his legal representation.
Prosecutors opposed the venue change, suggesting that potential juror bias could be managed through a more extensive jury selection process.
They argue that DNA evidence links Kohberger to the crime scene. Investigators also seized various items from Kohberger’s home, including a knife, Glock pistol, black gloves, a hat, and a face mask, as well as a white 2015 Hyundai Elantra.
If convicted, Kohberger faces the possibility of the death penalty.
In April 2024, Judge John Judge reviewed Kohberger’s submitted alibi stating he was out driving on the night of the murders.
The court document supporting this alibi defense was filed on Wednesday, April 17, revealing details about Kohberger’s alleged routine of driving to areas near Moscow for hiking, running or stargazing.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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