Kohberger’s lawyers seek trial delay citing potential prejudice from recent Dateline special.

Attorneys representing Bryan Kohberger, the individual accused of the November 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, have requested a delay in his scheduled trial, citing concerns over “highly inflammatory publicity” stemming from a recent NBC “Dateline” special. Kohberger, now 30 years old, faces charges related to the fatal stabbings of Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, along with their housemate, Xana Kernodle, and her boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, both 20. The tragic incident occurred on November 13, 2022, in their off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho.

Kohberger was arrested in late December 2022 at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania before being extradited to Idaho in January 2023. Following his return, he was formally charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. In May 2023, a judge entered a not-guilty plea on Kohberger’s behalf. Prosecutors have indicated they will pursue the death penalty should he be convicted.

In a motion filed this week, Kohberger’s legal team sought to postpone the trial, currently scheduled for August 2025. They argued that the “recent and forthcoming publicity” surrounding the case, particularly from a May 5 “Dateline” episode titled “The Terrible Night on King Road,” could adversely affect the fairness of the proceedings. The episode includes video footage, cellphone records, and documents acquired by the investigative team from unnamed sources, raising concerns about the potential bias this information could introduce.

Kohberger’s attorneys claimed that the leaked material appeared to be tailored to foster a narrative of guilt and suggested that it was presented out of context. They asserted that much of it would not be admissible as evidence due to its lack of reliability. Additionally, the defense pointed out the necessity for more time to examine discovery materials, conduct further investigations, and adequately prepare for a trial, particularly given the stringent requirements associated with death penalty cases.

The legal team emphasized that proceeding with the trial as scheduled would violate Kohberger’s constitutional rights. The motion is pending review by Ada County District Judge Steven Hippler, who previously ruled that Kohberger’s immediate family would be permitted to attend the trial, despite being potential witnesses. The outcome of the motion, and the implications for the case, remain to be seen as the judicial process unfolds.

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