A 22-page motion with intent of disqualifying judge Steven Hippler from Bryan Kohberger’s June 17, 2027, evidentiary hearing will be heard by the court on Oct. 15.
According to Kohberger’s attorneys, the motion to disqualify Hippler argues that the comments made during Kohberger’s trial show bias, and well as question Hippler’s ability to stay impartial for the upcoming proceedings.
According to an article from the Idaho Statesman, the motion presented by Kohberger’s attorneys stated that Kohberger is seeking an “unquestionably neutral forum” to review his petition for post-conviction relief, and that the statements made by Hippler were, “forward looking judgments about his credibility. And credibility may now be at the center of this hearing.”
In response to the initial hearing, according to Hippler, the investigation, “already appeared to be professionally adequate.”
Kohberger pleaded guilty in July 2025, to killing four University of Idaho students on Nov. 13, 2022, he was sentenced to four consecutive terms of life in prison without parole. In July 2026, Kohberger filed a petition for post-conviction relief to withdraw his guilty plea after confessing to the homicides. This re-opens the potential for the death penalty, due to the removal of the plea deal.
In an interview with the New York Times, Kohberger claims the plea was “hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation.”
Josie Adjanohoun can be reached at [email protected]