Privacy Please: Idaho College Murder Suspect Bryan Kohberger Wants Camera Ban in Courtroom

The legal team for Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho college murders, has filed a motion in an Idaho court looking to ban cameras from the courtroom for the remainder of the proceedings.

On Aug. 25, Kohberger’s lawyer, Anne Taylor, filed the motion, arguing that camera operators have failed to follow a directive to avoid focusing solely on the quadruple murder suspect, Front Page Detectives has learned.

Taylor contends “camera-wielding courtroom observers have failed to obey” a directive issued by Judge John Judge on June 27.

In the hearing held, the judge made mention of the recent trial involving Chad Daybell. In that trial, cameras were required to leave the courtroom due to their excessive focus on the defendant.

Judge stressed the importance of cameras within the Moscow courtroom capturing a wide view of the courtroom, rather than solely fixating on Kohberger. He stated this guideline must be followed to maintain their authorization for the remainder of the proceedings.

In the motion, Kohberger’s legal team cited Fox News, claiming they continuously failed to comply with the court’s directive. They also pointed out three photos on Reuters and the Associated Press as evidence of the ongoing violation.

Taylor argued the continuous failure of camera operators to adhere to the June 27 directive could taint the jury pool.

Judge is set to make a decision on the motion at a hearing on Sept. 1, but he did sign an order allowing Court TV to act as pool for the hearing, Front Page Detectives has learned.

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In November 2022, Kohberger, 28, was studying for a Ph.D. in criminology at Washington State University when police believe he broke into a home in Moscow, Idaho, and fatally stabbed four students — Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20.

Kohberger was eventually charged with four counts of first-degree murder and pleaded not guilty.

Kohberger is currently behind bars without bail and his trial was scheduled to start on Oct. 2, but he recently waived his right to a speedy trial, which could delay its start.