ADA COUNTY, Idaho — Bryan Kohberger appeared for the first time in an Ada County courtroom Thursday afternoon for a status conference as the case moves forward after a change of venue. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022.
The hearing lasted about 30 minutes, where most of the discussion centered around a timeline for the trial which was previously slated to start in June 2025 in Latah County.
Judge Steven Hippler will issue a written ruling on a new trial date, after proposing they start in either early May or early September. Hippler cited concerns about pulling a jury away from family for the entire summer if they moved forward with the June timeline.
“I understand the stakes in this case are as high as they possibly can be,” Judge Hippler said at the start of the hearing. He urged the defense and prosecution to remain respectful and “not engage in theatrics” during proceedings.
The trial is expected to last several months in Ada County. On Thursday, the prosecution explained they believe it will take them about a month and a half to present their case. The defense will need an additional four weeks. If Kohberger is found guilty, the penalty phase of the trial could take an additional three weeks, with the jury selection likely to take one to weeks as well.
Bryan Kohberger was wearing a suit and tie for the hearing and arrived in the courtroom wearing handcuffs.
Judge Hippler said he approved the defense’s motion to allow their defendant to appear in “civilian clothes” for this hearing but will address the topic ahead of each future hearing.
The defendant's clothing in court will be discussed at a future closed hearing where they will also discuss security measures at the courthouse for the high-profile case.
Kohberger is charged with first-degree murder for the fatal stabbings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalvez, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. He's accused of breaking into their off-campus home to commit the murders in the middle of the night November 13, 2022. Kohberger was arrested at his family's Pennsylvania home six weeks later and extradited to Idaho.
He faces the death penalty if found guilty, although his lawyers told Judge Hippler on Thursday they plan to file many motions in the coming months including discussions related to the death penalty.
The home where the crimes occurred was demolished in December 2023.
The next public hearing in the case is currently scheduled for November 7.
Judge Hippler implied a decision on the trial date would be made quickly.
