Idaho College Murders: Bryan Kohberger Trial Could Be Delayed After He Makes Bombshell Claim
The judge in the Bryan Kohberger trial has ruled to change the venue of the trial, leading to a new venue and new judge for the quadruple murder case.
July 13 2023, Published 12:05 p.m. ET
A 37-day stay has been issued in the trial of Bryan Kohberger, the suspect accused of the murders of four University of Idaho students last fall, according to officials.
A grand jury indicted Kohberger in May, but Kohberger requested an indefinite stay in his case, claiming there were fundamental failures in the grand jury selection process, according to KREM.
On July 10, Latah County Judge John Judge said Kohberger’s latest request was “premature” since Kohberger hasn’t had the chance to review grand jury transcripts, the station reported.
Instead of an indefinite stay, the judge issued a 37-day stay as those transcripts are expected to be finished on July 21. The judge acknowledged Kohberger’s right to a speedy trial when announcing this decision.
While Kohberger’s trial is scheduled to start on October 2, proceedings could be delayed if his legal team needs all 37 days to review the transcript, KREM reported.
The judge also dismissed Kohberger’s motion filed in June to delay proceedings for his lawyers to review the grand jury transcript. The motion was dismissed without prejudice, which means they could refile it at a later date after receiving those documents, according to KTVB.
If another stay is issued, that could push back the start date even further. However, there are no plans currently to reschedule Kohberger’s trial, officials said.
As Front Page Detectives previously reported, 28-year-old Kohberger 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.
Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.
Kohberger was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary. Prosecutors have announced their intent to pursue the death penalty, as Front Page Detectives previously reported.
Kohberger remains jailed without bail and is due back in court on August 18.
Become a Front Page Detective
Sign up to receive breaking
Front Page Detectives
news and exclusive investigations.