Bryan Kohberger seeks new trial as judgeship dispute heads to court

Bryan Kohberger, sentenced to four life terms without parole for the 2022 murders of Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves, will return to Ada County Courthouse on Oct. 15. His counsel seeks to disqualify Judge Steven Hippler, arguing that remarks made at sentencing show a lack of impartiality, and to relocate the proceedings to Latah County to avoid media-driven bias. The hearing follows a June 2027 status conference and an evidentiary hearing previously set by the judge.

Prosecutors have filed a motion to dismiss Kohberger’s petition, pointing to his written admission of responsibility and premeditation. If the court grants a new trial, Kohberger could face the death penalty, which was avoided under his original plea deal. The case continues to attract national attention due to its brutal nature and the legal complexities surrounding post-conviction relief.