Bryan Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student accused of killing four University of Idaho students, is moving closer to his trial. A scheduling hearing was held recently, more than a year after the 2022 massacre and 13 months after Kohberger’s arraignment. Attorneys are getting ready to address various scheduling issues, including setting a time for the defense to challenge the death penalty and establish pre-trial deadlines. During the hearing, Kohberger appeared in a suit and tie but did not speak, and the proceedings lasted less than 20 minutes. Judge John Judge expressed a desire to move things along, stating, “We’re getting to a point of diminishing returns.”
The trial date has been set for June 2, 2025, with both sides agreeing to a summer trial when the local high school is out of session. Kohberger, who was studying at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, at the time of the murders, is accused of a 4 a.m. home invasion stabbing that resulted in the deaths of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. Police found a knife sheath with Kohberger’s DNA under one of the victim’s bodies, linking him to the crime scene.
Court documents reveal that Kohberger’s Hyundai Elantra was tracked in the vicinity of the crime scene on the night of the murders. Despite evidence pointing to his involvement, defense attorneys have argued that Kohberger was not at the location of the killings but instead driving on mountain roads to admire the night sky. If convicted, Kohberger could face the death penalty, and his defense team is seeking a change of venue for the trial.
The trial has faced delays due to disagreements over evidence disclosure, with the defense accusing the prosecution of slowing down the process. Kohberger is expected back in court in August for a hearing related to changing the trial’s location. Fox News’ Louis Casiano provided additional reporting on this case.