Bryan Kohberger has trial delayed in slayings of Idaho college students – and proceedings set to last months

The trial of quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger in the deaths of four University of Idaho students has been postponed.

The 29-year-old former criminology teacher will now be charged with murder for the November 2023 slayings of Ethan Chapin, where the murder took place. the process was originally going to begin, according to the Tri-City Herald.

Jury selection will begin on July 30 and the criminal trial will begin on August 11. The procedure is then expected to last until November 7.

The revised trial date appears to be a compromise between the two options Judge Stephen Hippler presented at a hearing last month: May 2025, which was preferred by prosecutors, and September 2025, which was preferred by the defense. reports the Idaho Statesman.

The judge had to change the date for the high-profile trial after the Supreme Court agreed to move it 300 miles from the small town of Moscow, Idaho, where the brutal murder took place, to the state capital of Boise.

He is accused of killing Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves in their off-campus home in November 2023

Kohberger’s attorneys had argued that extensive media coverage and strong emotions in the college town would make it difficult to find an impartial jury as prosecutors seek the death penalty.

However, prosecutors argued that they could find impartial jurors in Moscow by using a large pool to choose from. They also said the move will cause inconvenience to the victims’ relatives, lawyers and witnesses.

They claim Kohberger’s DNA was found on a Ka-Bar knife sheath found at the victim’s off-campus home, although a murder weapon was never found.

Officials also said cell phone data and surveillance placed Kohberger’s car at the crime scene, although the defense has disputed those claims.

Instead, the defense claimed that Kohberger was miles away from the off-campus house where the students were murdered, and in an official official alibi in May 2024, they claimed that Kohberger “drove alone” on the night of the murders “to get to to look’. the moon and the stars.’

Kohberger has maintained his innocence since his arrest in December 2023

Kohberger — who has maintained his innocence since his arrest in December 2022 — made his first court appearance in Boise two weeks ago.

During the hearing, Hippler said he was “pleased to be here,” but added, “I expect you to remain civil to each other at all times, not to engage in personal attacks, ad hominem attacks, to no preoccupation with theatrics, no misrepresentation of facts or law in court.”

The stakes in this case are “as high as they possibly can be,” Hippler added.

Kohberger is now due back in court on November 7.