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
Renee Good’s wife claimed Minneapolis shooting was ‘my fault’ in video amid anti-ICE fury

Shocking Confession: Wife Takes Blame in Viral Video for Minneapolis Shooting Amidst Anti-ICE Protests

MINNEAPOLIS – In a stark and controversial assessment, Department of Homeland Security…
Chicago-area car owner unable to get extended warranty from Hyundai for peeling paint problem

Hyundai’s Peeling Paint Problem: Why Chicago Car Owners Can’t Secure Extended Warranties

CHICAGO (WLS) — Numerous car owners have reported issues with their vehicle’s…
Kate Middleton marks 44th birthday with healing message after 'darkest season'

How Kate Middleton’s 44th Birthday Message Inspires Hope After Life’s Toughest Challenges

On her 44th birthday, Kate Middleton paid tribute to Mother Nature. In…
Revealed: ICE shooter has an IMMIGRANT Filipina wife and is an Iraq veteran as father comes to his defense

ICE Shooter’s Immigrant Wife and Supportive Father Add Complexity to Ongoing Investigation

The Daily Mail has revealed the identity of the ICE agent involved…
Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat game at United Center postponed due to condensation on the court

Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat Match Delayed: United Center Court Condensation Causes Postponement

The much-anticipated showdown between the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls at…
Seattle addicts hail new mayor 'who'll let them shoot up in streets'

Seattle’s Controversial Policy: New Mayor’s Stance on Public Drug Use Sparks Debate

In Seattle, individuals grappling with drug addiction have expressed approval for the…
Police seek suspect after dentist and wife found shot dead at home while 2 young children are unharmed

Ohio Dentist Murder Investigation: Surveillance Footage and Lack of Forced Entry Point to Possible Insider Involvement, Experts Suggest

Surveillance footage and new insights from the scene where an Ohio dentist…
Mother who killed her 3 kids 'needs ambulance to attend murder trial'

Mother Accused of Killing Her Three Children Requires Medical Assistance at Trial

A mother accused of killing her three children and then leaping from…