A judge has granted a request from Bryan Kohberger's defense team to relocate the murder trial due to the extensive pretrial publicity and its potential impact on the jury pool in Latah County.
An Idaho judge has ordered Bryan Kohberger's murder trial to be moved out of Latah County, where he is accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students. The decision was prompted by concerns raised by Kohberger's defense team that the local jury pool has been influenced by the intense media coverage of the case.
Presiding Judge John Judge's order, which was unsealed on Monday, cited the "totality" of factors in reaching the decision, including legal and logistical concerns, expert testimony, and the perspectives of attorneys on both sides.
Idaho Murder Case: Trial Moved Out of Latah County Amid Concerns of Biased Jury Pool
Kohberger's defense team had argued that their client could not receive a fair trial in Latah County due to "extensive, inflammatory pretrial publicity" that had permeated the community. They cited local and national news coverage, social media commentary, and public demonstrations that they believed had created a "mob mentality" and biased the jury pool against Kohberger.
Judge acknowledged the concerns raised by the defense and found that "the pervasive nature and inflammatory character of the publicity surrounding this case has made it impossible to impanel a jury in Latah County that would not be tainted by pretrial publicity."
Idaho Murder Case: Trial Moved Out of Latah County Amid Concerns of Biased Jury Pool
The trial will now be moved to an unspecified new location, possibly the larger Ada County, which has a larger courthouse and could accommodate a larger public and media contingent. The specific venue and presiding judge will be assigned by the Idaho Supreme Court.
Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and felony burglary in connection with the November 13, 2022, stabbing deaths of 21-year-olds Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, and 20-year-olds Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. He was arrested in Pennsylvania at his parents' house seven weeks after the slayings.
Idaho Murder Case: Trial Moved Out of Latah County Amid Concerns of Biased Jury Pool
Prosecutors had sought to hold the trial in Moscow, where the murders took place, citing the proximity to the crime scene and the convenience for witnesses. However, Kohberger's defense successfully argued that the widespread publicity had compromised the local jury pool.
The Goncalves family expressed disappointment in the decision to move the trial, stating that they believe a fair and impartial jury could have been found in Latah County and that the move will hinder community healing.
Kohberger remains in custody without bail and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
The trial is expected to be closely watched due to the high-profile nature of the case and the public's interest in seeking justice for the victims. The move to a different county is intended to ensure that Kohberger receives a fair trial with an unbiased jury.
