A judge in Idaho has expressed concern over the frequent use of sealed documents in a high-profile murder case involving the deaths of four University of Idaho students. The case centers around Bryan Kohberger, who is facing charges for the fatal stabbings of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. These students were tragically killed on November 13, 2022, in a rental home near the university’s campus in Moscow, Idaho.
In a recent court order, Judge Steven Hippler criticized both the defense and prosecution for adopting a level of secrecy that is typical rather than exceptional. He emphasized that this conflicts with the public’s First Amendment rights, which allow access to court proceedings. The judge urged the attorneys involved to adopt less restrictive methods to conceal sensitive information, recommending measures like redacting certain sections or using initials instead of full names.
Kohberger previously remained silent when asked to enter a plea last year, leading the judge to enter a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Should Kohberger be found guilty, prosecutors have announced their intention to pursue the death penalty.
Recently, numerous motions have been filed as attorneys prepare for the trial set for August. Among these is a sealed defense motion seeking to remove the possibility of the death penalty, citing Kohberger’s autism spectrum disorder. Other motions currently sealed include discussions on whether labels like “psychopath” or “sociopath” can be acknowledged during proceedings, and considerations regarding the participation of immediate family members in the courtroom. The judge has indicated that some documents may be partially revealed to the public while others will remain entirely sealed.
The trial is scheduled to commence on August 11 and is anticipated to extend over a period exceeding three months. As the legal teams advance towards trial, the balance between transparency and confidentiality remains a critical focus under the court’s supervision.
