A judge agrees to move the trial of a man charged with killing 4 University of Idaho students
A judge has agreed to move the trial of a man charged in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students out of the city where the crimes occurred
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The judge overseeing the trial of the man charged in the fatal stabbings of four University of Idaho students has agreed to move it out of the small city where the shocking crimes occurred, citing concerns about finding impartial jurors and whether the courthouse could accommodate the proceedings.
In an order dated Friday, Idaho Second District Judge John C. Judge said extensive media coverage of the case, the spreading of misinformation on social media and statements by public officials suggesting defendant Bryan Kohberger’s guilt made it doubtful he could receive a fair trial in Moscow, a university town of about 26,000 in northern Idaho.
He did not specify where the trial would be moved. Instead, the Idaho Supreme Court will assign the venue — and possibly a new judge as well.
The trial is set for June 2025 and is expected to last three months. Kohberger faces four counts of murder in the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, and prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if he is in convicted.
