In December 2022, authorities charged Bryan Kohberger for the brutal slayings of four University of Idaho students. Although Kohberger is the prime suspect in the case, the court has once again failed to set a trial date for the gruesome killings. During Wednesday’s hearing, the judge heard both sides before saying another hearing would occur in May. Reports suggest that the upcoming heat will determine whether the trial should move out of Latah County.
According to Idaho Statesman, the judge and the prosecution team wanted the trial to start in March 2025. However, the defense team indicated that starting the trial in 2025 might be too early for them. As a result, the lead public defender suggested that the trial should begin in June 2025. The lead public defender also noted that she and her team have a “huge volume of information” with them and need to figure out how to put them together. She added, “Not only do we have a huge volume of information, the way I’m getting it is completely disorganized.”
The public lead defender also slammed the prosecution team for not providing them with the information they had requested. As per the outlet, the defense team asked for several reports referred to as X-rays taken. However, when the defense asked for such reports, the prosecutors denied their existence. According to the law, it’s mandatory for both sides to share evidence or relevant information with each other that could be used during the trial through discovery.
After hearing both sides, the judge agreed with the defense team and decided not to set a trial date for Bryan Kohberger. In May, the court will determine whether the trial will be moving out of Latah County.
Why is Kohberger trying to get the Idaho murders trial moved?
As mentioned above, another hearing will take place to decide whether or not to take the trial out of Latah County. According to Idaho Statesman, the judge will set a trial date after delivering a verdict in the above-mentioned matter. Earlier this year, the defense team filed a motion to move the proceedings out of Latah County to ensure a fair and impartial trial.
At the time, Kohberger’s attorneys noted that the “extensive, inflammatory pretrial publicity” and the severity of the charges made it impossible to find an impartial jury in Latah County. Citing their statement, The Independent noted that the small population size contributes to the inability to avoid bias. Meanwhile, the prosecutors called this move “premature.”
In November 2022, police discovered the bodies of four students near their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. CBS News reported that the killer used an “edged weapon” for the slayings. As the investigations progressed, authorities arrested Bryan Kohberger in the murder case. The police charged him with burglary and four counts of first-degree murder. Subsequently, the accused didn’t answer when the court asked him if he pleaded guilty to all the charges. So, the court entered a “not guilty” plea on Bryan Kohberger’s behalf.
Kohberger is currently residing at Latah County Jail
The prosecution team is going for the death penalty in the case. Meanwhile, the defense tried to dismiss the indictment by filing an appeal. However, the judge denied the request. Currently, Bryan Kohberger is located at the Latah County Jail.
The case has garnered attention in pop culture, and there’s much anticipation for the verdict. There have been several documentaries based on Bryan Kohberger. Titles such as The Idaho College Murders and Cybersleuths give different perspectives about the case. The Idaho College Murders is available for streaming on Discovery+, while Cybersleuths is currently streaming on Paramount+.
