Bryan Kohberger to face judge in court
Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger refused to enter a plea at his arraignment on four counts of first-degree murder and burglary.
The 28-year-old criminology PhD student’s arraignment was scheduled for 9am PT in Latah County Court in Moscow, Idaho.
Mr Kohberger was expected to enter a plea on the charges but instead his attorney Anne Taylor said that he was “standing silent” on the charges, leaving the judge to enter not guilty pleas on his behalf.
Mr Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, on 13 November in a horror attack that rocked the college town of Moscow and sent shockwaves across America.
The four victims were stabbed to death in an off-campus home that the three women shared with two surviving roommates.
Six weeks later, Mr Kohberger was arrested at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania on 30 December.
Investigators say that Mr Kohberger’s DNA was found on a knife sheath left behind at the crime scene. A white Hyundai Elantra – matching his – was also captured on surveillance footage driving away from the area at the time of the murders.
Key points
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What happens now?
Death penalty or life in prison – the prosecution now has 60 days to formally seek the death penalty in the case.
Trial – the trial has now been set to begin on 2 October 2023.
Rachel Sharp22 May 2023 17:40
Trial date set for October
Judge Judge has set Bryan Kohberger’s trial date for 2 October 2023.
Mr Kohberger’s attorney Anne Taylor asked the judge to set the trial just outside the limits of his right to a speedy trial.
Rachel Sharp22 May 2023 17:33
Bryan Kohberger refuses to enter plea
Bryan Kohberger has refused to enter a plea on the charges.
His attorney said that he was “standing silent” on the charges – so the judge has now entered not guilty pleas on his behalf.
Rachel Sharp22 May 2023 17:22
Bryan Kohberger is told death penalty is possible
Bryan Kohberger is told by the judge that he faces the death penalty or life in prison on the charges.
The suspect confirms that he understands the charges and the penalties.
Rachel Sharp22 May 2023 17:19
Judge reads the charges against Bryan Kohberger
Judge John Judge is reading out the charges against Bryan Kohberger – four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.
The judge names each victim as he reads the charges out.
When he got to Kaylee Goncalves, KREM 2’s Tim Pham said her family members were seen wiping tears from their eyes.
Rachel Sharp22 May 2023 17:16
Bryan Kohberger is read his rights by Judge Judge
Bryan Kohberger is being read his rights by Judge John Judge.
Rachel Sharp22 May 2023 17:14
Bryan Kohberger enters court
Bryan Kohberger has now entered the Latah County Courtroom for his arraignment.
He is dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit with what appears to be protective armour underneath.
Rachel Sharp22 May 2023 17:12
Goncalves and Mogen’s families comfort each other
Inside the courtroom, Law & Crime’s Angenette Levy reported that she saw the mothers of Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen hugging each other.
Goncalves and Mogen had been best friends for years and chose to go to the same college together – and then live together there.
They were stabbed to death when they slept together in the same bed, Goncalves’ family previously revealed.
Meanwhile, NewsNation’s Brian Entin reports that there is no sign of Bryan Kohberger’s own family members inside the courtroom.
Rachel Sharp22 May 2023 17:07
How could Bryan Kohberger plead today and what could happen?
Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty – If he pleads guilty at his arraignment, the judge will order a presentence investigation. This involves an investigator compiling information about the defendant – such as prior criminal record, social history, employment – which will then help the judge decide an appropriate sentence.
Bryan Kohberger pleads not guilty – If he enters a not guilty plea, the judge will move forward with setting a date for his trial to begin. This will also give the prosecution 60 days to confirm whether or not they intend to seek the death penalty in the case.
After the arraignment, a scheduling conference and hearing on a defence motion will also take place.
Rachel Sharp22 May 2023 16:30