Idaho judge slams Bryan Kohberger's 'hollow' attempt to dodge death penalty in latest blow to defense
Share and Follow

A judge in Idaho denied a motion from Bryan Kohberger’s defense team asking to remove the death penalty as a potential punishment if he’s found guilty.

Kohberger is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of four students at the University of Idaho, including Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; and Ethan Chapin, 20. The former student at the University of Washington was also charged with one felony count of burglary.

During a hearing on April 9, Kohberger’s defense team presented the motion to strike the death penalty, arguing that discovery produced by prosecutors has been both voluminous and unorganized. Kohberger argued this meant he was unable to meaningfully review and investigate the evidence in preparation for trial, which is currently scheduled to begin in August.

Judge Steven Hippler wrote in his order on Tuesday that Kohberger’s complaints about the amount of discovery produced “ring hollow.”

  • 4:00 AM: Suspect arrives at house
  • Between 4 and 4:17: Time of murders
  • 4:19: Roommate calls 3 victims, no one answers
  • 4:22 to 4:24: Surviving roommates text each other from inside house
  • 4:27: Roommate calls victims again, no one answers
  • 4:32: Roommate texts Goncalves ‘Pls answer’
  • 10:23: Surviving roommate texts victims, no one answers
  • 11:39: Roommate calls her father
  • 12:00 PM.: 911 call placed from roommate’s phone
idaho students final photo

Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and two other housemates in Goncalves’ final Instagram post, shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death. (@kayleegoncalves/Instagram)

Hippler’s decision comes less than a week after he denied a different motion to remove the death penalty. Kohberger’s defense team previously argued that the defendant’s autism diagnosis should preclude him from the death penalty.

Fox News’ Alexandra Koch and Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Wealthy residents at war as city moves to permanently BAN pickleball

City’s Plan to Ban Pickleball Sparks Uproar Among Affluent Locals

In a picturesque corner of California, an unexpected battle has emerged among…
Roblox begins requiring selfies for chat feature, verified with a government ID or AI

Roblox Introduces Selfie Verification for Chat: What You Need to Know About New ID and AI Requirements

Across the globe, approximately 80 million individuals, many of whom are children,…
We're about to enter a blood pact. Trump, think again: DANIEL DAVIS

Daniel Davis Urges Trump to Reconsider as U.S. Approaches Critical Agreement

Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis has a clear message for…
ICE arrests illegal immigrant accused of brutal tire iron attack, sexual assault of Texas woman

ICE Detains Suspect in Violent Tire Iron Assault and Sexual Assault Case in Texas

EXCLUSIVE — In a significant development, federal authorities apprehended an undocumented immigrant…
Beatrice's husband Edo was 'helping Andrew plan Royal Lodge makeover'

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi Reportedly Assists Prince Andrew in Royal Lodge Renovation Plans

What a difference a year can make in the life of a…
Chicago immigration news: Judge denies Donald Trump administration's ask to pause release of over 400 arrested in immigration ops

Chicago Immigration Update: Court Rejects Trump Administration’s Request to Halt Release of Over 400 Detainees from Immigration Operations

A federal judge has rejected the Trump administration’s bid to halt a…
Florida's 'Operation Home for the Holidays' recovers 122 missing children, leading to six arrests

Florida’s ‘Operation Home for the Holidays’ Successfully Locates 122 Missing Children and Results in Six Arrests

In a significant law enforcement initiative, authorities in Florida have successfully located…
Karen Read tells prosecutors 'you lost big time' in first public interview since acquittal

Karen Read Initiates Legal Action Alleging Wrongful Framing in Police Officer Boyfriend’s Death

Karen Read, who was acquitted earlier this year of the murder of…