In Boise, Idaho, legal representatives for Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of the murder of four University of Idaho students, have requested a delay in his trial. This request, filed on Tuesday, is partially due to concerns over a recent NBC “Dateline” special, which they claim portrayed Kohberger unfavorably and could bias potential jurors. Additionally, his defense team argues for more time to adequately prepare, citing the need for thorough examination of the evidence, finalizing investigations, and trial preparations, suggesting that proceeding in August may violate Kohberger’s constitutional rights.
The judicial system has not yet delivered a verdict on the postponement request. This development follows Fourth District Judge Steven Hippler’s recent initiative to ascertain whether a gag order was breached by leaking investigation details to the media or other unauthorized parties. Just last week, Judge Hippler instructed both prosecutors and defense lawyers to compile a list of individuals who possibly had access to sensitive information that was divulged in the “Dateline” broadcast on May 9.
Kohberger’s legal team expressed their unease regarding both the television special and a book about the case due mid-July. They argued that the book’s promotional material implies that the Dateline leak might not be the only breach of the court’s non-dissemination directive.
“The continuation of this trial is crucial to properly investigate these leaks and alleviate the adverse impact of such provocative pretrial public exposure, especially given its proximity to the scheduled trial date,” the attorneys stated in their filing.
Bryan Kohberger, aged 30, was formerly engaged in graduate studies in criminal justice at Washington State University. He is facing accusations related to the fatal stabbings of University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, whose bodies were discovered on November 13, 2022, in a rented residence close to the University of Idaho campus in Moscow, Idaho.
A not-guilty plea was submitted on Kohberger’s behalf in court. The prosecution has indicated their intention to pursue the death penalty should Kohberger be found guilty of the charges against him.