A judge overseeing the trial of Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, has agreed to move the proceedings out of the small city of Moscow, Idaho. The decision comes in response to concerns over finding impartial jurors and the limited capacity of the local courthouse.
Reasons for Trial Relocation
In an order issued Friday, Idaho Second District Judge John C. Judge cited extensive media coverage, misinformation on social media, and statements made by public officials suggesting Kohberger’s guilt as reasons for relocating the trial. He expressed doubts that a fair trial could be held in Moscow, a small university town with a population of about 26,000 people.
“It is undisputed that there has been significant media coverage in this case throughout the State and nationally,” Judge wrote. “While some of the coverage has been neutral reporting of the Court proceedings, much of the coverage has been sensationalized and prejudicial to Kohberger.”
Beyond concerns about impartiality, the judge highlighted logistical issues at the Latah County courthouse, noting that the small facility would struggle to accommodate the trial. It lacks sufficient space for lawyers and does not have enough clerks to oversee jury selection from an expanded pool of about 6,000 residents. Additionally, the courthouse’s limited security infrastructure raised concerns about protecting witnesses and other participants.
Defense Push for Change of Venue
Kohberger’s defense team requested the change of venue, arguing that the high emotions in the tight-knit community of Moscow and the constant media attention would make it impossible to find unbiased jurors. The defense also pointed out that the courthouse’s limited size would hinder the complex legal proceedings required for a trial of this magnitude.
Prosecution’s Argument Against Moving the Trial
Prosecutors opposed moving the trial, suggesting that a larger pool of potential jurors and careful questioning could address concerns about bias. They also emphasized the logistical challenges and costs involved in moving the trial, including the inconvenience to attorneys, witnesses, and others who would be forced to travel to a different location.
Details of the Case
Bryan Kohberger, a former criminal justice student at Washington State University in nearby Pullman, Washington, faces four counts of murder for the killings of University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. The students were found stabbed to death in a rental house near the university campus on November 13, 2022.
Investigators have said that cellphone data and surveillance footage indicate Kohberger had visited the victims’ neighborhood at least 12 times before the killings. Authorities also claim that his DNA was found at the crime scene and that he traveled through the region on the night of the murders before returning to Pullman.
Kohberger’s defense attorneys maintain that he was simply out for a drive that night, as he often did to hike or stargaze.
