Bryan Kohberger Trial Update as Judge Lays Out Guidelines

District Judge Steven Hippler laid out new details Thursday for the August trial of Bryan Kohberger, the suspect charged in the University of Idaho student killings.

Newsweek reached out to Kohberger’s lawyers via email for comment Thursday.

Why It Matters

Kohberger, 30, is charged in the November 13, 2022, killings of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20, in their off-campus home.

The deaths sparked outrage and consumed social media for months as the case unfolded.

Kohberger has pleaded not guilty.

What To Know

Hippler said that the trial is set to begin on August 11 and is expected to take three months, according to News Nation correspondent Brian Entin on X, formerly Twitter.

The judge also laid out times and dates for the trial, saying they will go Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. local time.

Possibly jury sequestering was brought up throughout the hearing, Entin noted, saying, “Kohberger judge says the intent is not to sequester the jury — but that could change during the trial.”

Sequestering a jury refers to the practice of isolating them, typically in hotels, so they aren’t exposed to outside influence that could lead to a potential mistrial. Usually, jury sequestration like in the trial of O.J. Simpson in 1995, happens in high-profile trials or cases with heightened media attention.

Hippler also said he intends to have the trial livestreamed but will not allow closeups and the video will be “shut down” when the surviving roommates testify, allowing only audio, Entin said.

The defense’s filing about the possibility of “alternate perpetrators” was also discussed, Entin said. The judge set a hearing date in June to discuss.

What People Are Saying

Judge Steven Hippler in a Wednesday court document in part regarding phones in the courtroom: “Cell phones, tablets, laptops or any other electronic device shall be turned off or be in ‘silent mode’ and shall not make any sound or create any distraction. Devices SHALL NOT be used to record, photograph or transmit any sounds, images or video from the courtrooms used during the proceedings.

“Phones or other handheld devices capable of recording shall not be used or held out of pockets/purses while the court is in session. Laptops or tablets used for notetaking must have any recording capabilities disabled and are subject to inspection to ensure that such features have been deactivated or to determine if recordings of audio or images have been taken in violation of this Order. If the use of such electronic devices, such as keyboards, are distracting, persons using keyboards may be reseated and/or such use may be prohibited by the court.”

What Happens Next

The hearing to discuss the defense’s filing on potential alternate perpetrators is scheduled for June 18.