The trial for Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger has been moved to a new judge and location.
University of Idaho student murders trial to be presided over by Ada County District Judge Steven Hippler.
The Supreme Court of Idaho has relocated Bryan Kohberger's upcoming trial for the murder of four college students from rural Latah County to Ada County, following a successful request for a change of venue by his defense team.
The case was assigned to District Judge Steven Hippler by Idaho's Chief Justice Richard Bevan, as indicated on a one-page order.
Last week, Judge John of Latah County District Court granted the defense's request for a change of venue, stating that several factors collectively supported moving the trial to a larger courthouse, which was further removed from the crime scene.
The court ordered Kohberger's transfer from the jail in Moscow, Idaho, where he has been held since January 2023, into the custody of the Ada County Sheriff's Office.
A larger courthouse in Ada County will accommodate more people and journalists, who are expected to be present.
The trial of 29-year-old Kohberger, who has been held in jail in Moscow since his arrest in Pennsylvania, was sought to be held at the courthouse in Moscow.
The lawyers for Kohberger contended that the quadruple murder suspect is unable to receive a fair trial in Latah County because of "extensive, inflammatory media coverage."
Read the Supreme Court order
Judge made his decision based on all factors, including legal and logistical concerns, expert testimony, and the opinions of lawyers on both sides. However, he decided to leave the final decision to the state Supreme Court.
On that date, Kohberger was accused of entering an off-campus rental home at 4 a.m. and fatally stabbing Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, all of whom were 20 or 21 years old.
At Washington State University, he was a criminology Ph.D. student. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
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