Three Post-Conviction Hearings for Idaho Murder Convict Bryan Kohberger Suddenly Vacated

In a surprising procedural move, the Ada County court nullified three future hearings involving Bryan Kohberger, the convicted killer of four University of Idaho students in November 2022. Kohberger, who accepted a plea bargain to avoid the death penalty, filed a handwritten motion a year later seeking to withdraw the plea, alleging ineffective counsel. His new lawyer, Greg Rauch, also petitioned to have Judge Steven Hippler removed over alleged bias.

Attorney Jason Goldman described the cancellations as the opening phase of a protracted post-conviction relief process. The court’s amended scheduling order is expected to clarify the impact on upcoming deadlines and further hearings. The case continues to draw national attention amid ongoing debates over the plea deal and the victims—Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.