Bryan Kohberger in Court as Victim’s Family Fights Gag Order

A man suspected of killing four University of Idaho last year appeared in court on Friday as a judge decides whether a gag order will remain in place regarding the high-profile case.

Shanon Gray, an attorney for Kaylee Goncalves’ family, pushed for the order to be lifted as he said that various officials have been allowed to speak about the case but not them. Though Gray also accused prosecutors of not keeping Gonclaves’ family updated about the ongoing case, Latah County District Judge John C. Judge said he would not rule on the gag order at this time, according to KTVB.

The gag order was implemented in January. KTVB reported that Gray has been speaking with the media despite the order.

“This is an attempt by the prosecution to shut them [Gonclaves’ family] up and shut me up,” Gray commented. “I have not seen a poorer line of communication in my 22 years than with the prosecution and the Goncalves family.”

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson went on to accuse Gray of making misleading comments. The prosecution and Kohberger’s legal team are both in favor of keeping the gag order in place, KTVB reported.

Kohberger, a Ph.D. criminal justice student at Washington State University, was arrested in December in Pennsylvania for murdering Maddie Mogen, Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle at the women’s off-campus home. He is believed to have turned off his phone during the November 13 murders. However, police claim he visited the area 12 times before the slayings.

Kohberger was arrested after a cross-country trip with his father from Idaho to Pennsylvania. During their trip, Indiana police pulled over the pair twice. Sources claimed the FBI requested the traffic stops to view possible injuries on Kohberger’s hands.

Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary. He remains jailed without bail. His trial is scheduled to begin on October 2.