Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, has a trial date set for June 2, 2025. The defense and prosecution agreed to the date, which will take place after the school year ends to minimize disruption to the community.
Bryan Kohberger, the former criminology Ph.D. student accused of killing four University of Idaho students, will stand trial on June 2, 2025. The trial date was set during a scheduling hearing on Thursday, more than a year after the murders and 13 months after Kohberger's arraignment.
Judge John Judge ordered the trial to start next summer after both sides expressed their willingness to avoid scheduling conflicts with the high school across the street from the courthouse.
Bryan Kohberger Faces Trial in June 2025 for Idaho Student Murders
Kohberger appeared in court wearing a suit and tie, but did not speak during the hearing. Attorneys were instructed to prepare for several scheduling issues, including a time to challenge the death penalty and pre-trial deadlines.
The trial has already been postponed for more than a year due to defense attorneys' accusations that the prosecution has been slow in disclosing evidence. However, Judge John Judge expressed a desire to move forward with the proceedings.
Bryan Kohberger Faces Trial in June 2025 for Idaho Student Murders
Kohberger, who was studying at Washington State University at the time of the murders, faces four charges of first-degree murder and a felony burglary count. He could face the death penalty if convicted.
According to court documents, investigators tracked Kohberger's Hyundai Elantra on a meandering route around the area to and from the crime scene. They also found a Ka-Bar knife sheath under the body of victim Madison Mogen that allegedly had Kohberger's DNA on the snap.
Bryan Kohberger Faces Trial in June 2025 for Idaho Student Murders
Cellphone pings placed Kohberger near the house on the day of the murders, but defense lawyers have argued that he was nowhere near the house where the killings happened and was instead driving around the steep mountain roads in the dark to "see the moon and stars."
Kohberger's parents were called to testify before a Pennsylvania grand jury, but the details of their testimony have remained sealed. His defense team has "firmly believe[s] in his innocence," they said in a statement.
The trial is expected to be closely watched by the community and the nation. The murders of the four students, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, sent shockwaves through the country.
Kohberger is due back in court in August for a hearing on his defense team's motion to change venue. The defense has argued that the extensive media coverage of the case has made it impossible to find an impartial jury in Latah County.
The case has also raised questions about mental health support for students and the safety of college towns. University of Idaho President Scott Green announced plans to create a new mental health center on campus and increase safety measures.
