Bryan Kohberger attorneys seek Idaho murders trial delay after Dateline special
Attorneys representing Bryan Kohberger, the defendant accused of killing four University of Idaho students, have filed a motion requesting a delay in his trial. The defense team cites the recent airing of an NBC “Dateline” special as a source of prejudice against Kohberger, necessitating additional time for preparation. They argue that proceeding with the trial as scheduled would infringe upon Kohberger’s constitutional rights.
The motion states, “Motion to Continue due to the substantial amount of trial investigation and preparation still outstanding, as well as recent and forthcoming publicity that is highly prejudicial to the defense.” It further emphasizes that any conviction resulting from a trial starting in August 2025 would be vulnerable to reversal on review due to being unconstitutionally imposed.
New information regarding the murders was revealed during the NBC “Dateline” program, which included surveillance footage showing a vehicle similar to Kohberger’s frequenting the area where the students were killed. The defense team highlights concerns over potential leaks of nonpublic information to the show, obtained from sources close to the investigation.
Additionally, Kohberger’s attorneys raise issues regarding an upcoming book on the case, suggesting that the promotional material implies further undisclosed information beyond what was shared with the “Dateline” crew. They argue that a delay is necessary to investigate and address these leaks to mitigate the prejudicial impact of inflammatory pretrial publicity.
Forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan expressed concerns about the potential impact of the “Dateline” episode on the jury pool, emphasizing the risk of tainted perceptions influencing the trial proceedings. With limited potential jurors in Ada County, Idaho, where the trial is set to take place, the defense seeks to ensure a fair and impartial process.
In conclusion, the defense’s motion for a trial delay underscores the importance of upholding Kohberger’s constitutional rights and addressing concerns surrounding prejudicial publicity. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains crucial to uphold the principles of justice and fair trial for all parties involved.
