Ada County Judge Steven Hippler heard arguments from the defense and prosecution related to the defense’s request for a continuance on June 18.
The defense requested to delay the upcoming jury trial of Bryan Kohberger, currently scheduled for Aug. 11. Attorney Anne Taylor cited multiple issues related to discovery of evidence, media coverage and the change in venue.
“We are not prepared to go to trial in this case. The discovery is vast and we have not had a chance to review it all,” Taylor said. “We cannot present what we are not aware of.”
The defense team claimed that they received some discovery only this week, and that some witnesses have refused to speak with them.
Taylor also raised concerns about the heightened media coverage of this case, specifically mentioning the NBC Dateline episode on the case. The defense believes that the case’s publicity will make jury selection difficult.
“The Dateline episode wasn’t just a one-time deal back in May — that continues to be talked about. Everything that happens in this case continues to be talked about,” Taylor said. “This court has a duty, a responsibility to make sure that Mr. Kohberger receives a fair trial.”
A book about the murders by James Patterson is scheduled to be released in July, as well as a docu-series on Amazon Prime. In response, Latah County prosecutor William Thompson Jr. asked, “Every time there’s a new book or a new documentary, are we going to continue the trial indefinitely?”
According to Thompson, the defense has 56 witnesses and 132 evidence exhibits prepared for the trial. “The defense has amassed significant materials,” he said.
The defense team reiterated the importance of ensuring a fair trial, especially when the death penalty is on the line.
“[Kohberger’s] right to a fair trial, his right to confront witnesses and evidence against him, his right to present a full defense and his right to effective assistance of counsel, are implicated and laid out in our motion to continue,” Taylor said.
All parties then went into a private meeting to discuss the defense’s motion regarding possible alternate perpetrators. Hippler plans to publish his decision on the two motions soon.
“As of now, I would tell you that its likely you’re going to trial on the date indicated,” Hippler said.
Kohberger is being prosecuted for the murders of University of Idaho students Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. He faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.
Dakota Steffen can be reached at [email protected].