Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the University of Idaho murders, is seeking to have his trial moved out of Latah County, arguing that extensive media coverage has saturated the area and created a bias against him.
Moscow, Idaho - Bryan Kohberger, the suspect accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022, has filed a motion requesting that his trial be moved out of Latah County. Kohberger's legal team argues that the extensive media coverage of the case has saturated the area, creating a biased environment that could prevent him from receiving a fair trial.
In a change-of-venue motion, Kohberger's public defender, Anne Taylor, stated that the media coverage in Latah County "is not a mere passing story" but is "inflammatory, emotion evoking, and often misleading, false, and poorly sourced." She added that this coverage has "become too saturated" and that there is "no reasonable belief that media coverage will slow, regardless of how long the case takes to prepare for trial."
Idaho Murder Suspect Requests Trial Be Moved Due to Biased Media Coverage
Taylor noted that Latah County is a "small, tightly knit community" and that a recent survey showed "a community with a prejudgment for conviction and death sentence." She also pointed out that some of the major employers in the community have connections to law enforcement or the University of Idaho, which could further influence the jury pool.
The media coverage of the case has been extensive, with numerous articles, television segments, and social media posts dedicated to the details of the crime and the investigation. This coverage has included speculation about Kohberger's guilt and the motives behind the murders.
Idaho Murder Suspect Requests Trial Be Moved Due to Biased Media Coverage
Prosecutors have opposed Kohberger's request for a change of venue, arguing that the jury pool in Latah County can still be impartial. They have cited the fact that the trial is not scheduled to begin until June 2024, which will provide ample time for the pre-trial publicity to subside.
However, Kohberger's legal team maintains that the media coverage has irreparably tainted the jury pool in Latah County and that it is impossible to guarantee a fair and impartial trial there.
Idaho Murder Suspect Requests Trial Be Moved Due to Biased Media Coverage
Kohberger faces four charges of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. His next court hearing, where the judge will consider his request for a change of venue, is scheduled for August 11th.
The University of Idaho murders shocked the community and drew national attention. The victims, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, were all students who were found dead in an off-campus house. Kohberger was arrested in December 2022 after an extensive investigation.
Idaho Murder Suspect Requests Trial Be Moved Due to Biased Media Coverage
