Kohberger attorney calls to delay trial in murder of Idaho college students in bombshell last-minute request

By MELISSA KOENIG FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 23:09 BST, 21 May 2025 | Updated: 23:49 BST, 21 May 2025

Defense attorneys representing quadruple homicide suspect Bryan Kohberger have filed a bombshell last-minute request to delay his upcoming trial.

Kohberger, 30, was set to face a capital murder trial in August for the November 2022 murders of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20.

But in a new filing, his attorneys argue that an episode of NBC’s Dateline that aired earlier this month violates a gag order that has been in place since 2023.

The episode had revealed new details about the killings, including the suspected killer’s phone records, porn choices and online searches for Ted Bundy.

It also aired never-before-seen surveillance footage of a suspect vehicle fleeing the horrific crime scene on November 13, 2022.

‘The show repeatedly emphasizes the nonpublic nature of this information, stating it was obtained from unnamed sources wo are close to the investigation and that the materials were obtained exclusively by Dateline,’ reads the 40-page motion.

‘Much of the “investigative” materials presented by Dateline was taken out of context and will not be admissible at trial because it lacks reliability,’ Kohberger’s attorneys argued.

‘Moving forward with a capital murder trial in August will infringe upon Mr. Kohberger’s constitutional rights, as counsel requires more time to review discovery, complete investigations and prepare for trial.’

Quadruple homicide suspect Bryan Kohberger was due to face a capital murder trial in August

Kohberger is accused of murdering University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20

The defense’s motion comes just one week after Judge Steven Hippler said the Dateline special proved there had been a leak by someone close to the investigation.

He then ordered prosecutors and defense attorneys to give him a full list of everyone – from staffers to law enforcement officials and defense consultants – who may have had access to the information presented in the show.

Hippler then warned that the show could make it more difficult to seat an impartial jury when Kohberger goes on trial this August. 

Defense attorneys then made the same argument in their motion, filed on Tuesday.

They argued that the show ‘carries a heightened aura of credibility and secrecy that can deeply influence public perception.

‘When viewers are presented with a cohesive, visually reinforced sequence of events – especially when paired with commentary from individuals styled as experts – the overall presentation fosters a sense of authenticity and truthfulness that is difficult for viewers to disregard,’ the motion says.

‘An occasional, passing verbal disclaimer functions more as a legal formality than a meaningful check on prejudicial perception, and most viewers will leave with the impression that they have seen a reliable reconstruction of events,’ it continues.

Kohberger’s attorneys argue the news program may make it difficult to find an impartial jury

The defense also says the leak raises ‘urgent and serious questions about the objectivity, judgment and credibility of the individuals tasked with investigating and presenting the State’s evidence – particularly those who may be called as witnesses.

‘The identity of those involved, their motives and any effort to conceal their conduct go directly to the heart of witness credibility and the integrity of the State’s case,’ the motion says.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated. 

:
Kohberger attorney calls to delay trial in murder of Idaho college students in bombshell last-minute request

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk