Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students, was transferred by plane from Latah County, where the killings occurred, to Ada County for trial. The move came after the state Supreme Court ordered a change of venue due to concerns about biased jurors in Latah County. The trial is tentatively scheduled for June in Boise.
Latah County District Judge John Judge ruled in favor of moving the trial, citing intense pretrial publicity and the small population of Latah County as factors that could lead to jury bias. The new judge, Steven Hippler, will preside over the trial, where prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Kohberger’s defense argues that capital punishment would violate the U.S. Constitution.
Kohberger was arrested over a month after the four students were fatally stabbed at an apartment near the University of Idaho campus. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf in May 2023. The prosecution plans to present DNA evidence, cellphone data, and security videos linking Kohberger to the crime.
Some of the victims’ families expressed frustration over the trial’s delay and had hoped for the case to remain in Latah County. The Goncalves family, however, remains optimistic about the trial moving forward in Ada County. Kohberger’s defense has suggested an alibi based on late-night drives and cellphone tower data.
Overall, the case has generated significant media attention and is a focal point of discussion on racial injustice and social inequality.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
