The trial for Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing four University of Idaho students, is set for June 2025 and expected to last three months. Kohberger, a 29-year-old criminology PhD student, appeared in court for a scheduling hearing where the judge proposed the summer date.
Both the prosecution and defense agreed to the summer trial date due to school being on break, making logistics easier. However, Kohberger’s defense attorney, Anne Taylor, expressed objection to holding the trial in Latah County and plans to file a motion for a venue change, citing concerns about a fair trial there.
During the hearing, attorneys also discussed deadlines for submitting evidence for the sentencing phase if Kohberger is convicted. Prosecutors previously announced their intent to seek the death penalty against Kohberger.
Kohberger faces charges for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, who were stabbed to death on November 13, 2022, in Moscow, Idaho. Police connected Kohberger to the murders through DNA evidence on a knife sheath, cell phone data, eyewitness accounts, and his white Hyundai Elantra. He was arrested six weeks after the murders.
In May 2023, Kohberger did not enter a plea, leading the judge to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf. Recently, the defense argued that prosecutors have not provided all evidence for review, prompting motions to compel the state to disclose more information. Prosecutors explained delays in sharing evidence due to federal rules and FBI involvement in the investigation.
Kohberger claims he has an alibi for the time of the murders, stating he was driving around looking at stars in Pullman, about eight miles from the crime scene. Earlier this year, his attorneys sought to dismiss the murder charges, alleging biased grand jury proceedings, inadmissible evidence, and prosecutorial misconduct, but the judge denied the motion.