University of Idaho murder trial pushed back, new dates announced

The trial of Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in a brutal stabbing attack, has been rescheduled by one week, as per an amended scheduling order filed in Idaho’s Fourth Judicial District Court.

The new order states that public jury selection will now commence on August 4, with opening statements expected on August 18, a week later than the previously planned start date of August 11. The initial August 4 date for jury selection has been replaced by sealed proceedings involving the court and attorneys from July 28 through August 1.

Nate Poppino, a spokesperson for the Idaho court, shared on Thursday that the updated timeline was not due to any defense strategy but was an internal scheduling adjustment by the court. The decision to allow more time for jury selection was made to ensure a fair and thorough selection process.

Since Kohberger’s arrest in December 2022, the highly anticipated murder trial has faced delays. He waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing, pushing the process to June 2023. Moreover, the prosecution’s decision to seek the death penalty added complexity to the case. The defense has filed multiple pretrial motions, including a request to move the trial due to publicity.

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the November 2022 slayings of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. He has pleaded not guilty and could face the death penalty if convicted.

The court has not provided an estimated duration for the trial, only stating that proceedings will continue “until completed.”

Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a U.S. Writer at Fox News Digital since 2021, covering high-stakes criminal justice, including the Menendez brothers’ resentencing and assassination attempts on President Donald Trump’s life. She also reports on crime, politics, business, lifestyle, world news, and more. You can follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn for more updates.

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