Idaho College Murders: Judge Bans Cameras for Kohberger Trial, Will Be Livestreamed by Court Instead
Nov. 21 2023, Published 12:04 p.m. ET
The judge presiding over the case involving Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho college murders, said news cameras will be banned in the courtroom during the trial, according to reports.
In the recent ruling, Second Judicial District Court Judge John Judge said instead of news cameras in the courtroom, they will livestream using court equipment onto the court’s YouTube channel after making a final decision on the motion to not allow them in the courtroom, according to WPVI-TV.
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 allegedly fatally stabbed four students — Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20.
Kohberger was eventually identified as a suspect and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty in the case.
This latest ruling by Judge is said to be a win for Kohberger, whose attorneys have argued that cameras during trial would deprive their client his right to due process since the media has focused exclusively on their client, a violation of Judge’s instructions, as Front Page Detectives previously reported.
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This decision cannot be appealed and Judge said the ruling balances the public’s interest as well as Kohberger’s right to a fair trial, KPVI-TV reported.
Kohberger is currently behind bars without bail, and he recently waived his right to a speedy trial, delaying the start of his trial.
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