In a series of key pre-trial rulings, Judge Steven Hippler is working to ensure a fair trial for Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of the November 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. With the trial scheduled to begin in August 2025, the court is currently reviewing the admissibility of certain evidence and legal terminology that may unduly influence the jury.
Judge Hippler rules that terms like “psychopath,” “sociopath,” and “murderer” will be barred from use during trial proceedings to prevent prejudicing the jury. However, “murderer” may be allowed in closing arguments where attorneys summarize their case. The decision stems from concerns that emotional language could violate Kohberger’s right to a fair trial and potentially lead to a mistrial if misused.
Prosecutors and the defense are also sparring over whether specific pieces of evidence can be introduced. One disputed item is a selfie taken by Kohberger just hours after the murders. The photo, which shows his prominent bushy eyebrows, is being linked to the surviving roommate’s statement that she saw a masked man with similarly described features the night of the killings. The defense argues that including this image unfairly suggests a match based on a subjective physical trait.
Another major point of contention involves online records allegedly showing Kohberger’s purchase of a Ka-Bar knife and sheath, which prosecutors claim matches evidence found at the crime scene. Defense attorney Anne Taylor contends that the purchase records could have been manipulated or accessed by another person, and thus should not be admitted as reliable evidence.
Judge Hippler also addresses the role Kohberger’s autism spectrum disorder diagnosis might play in sentencing. Prosecutors are barred from using the diagnosis as an aggravating factor in seeking the death penalty. The defense, however, may present it as a mitigating factor if Kohberger is convicted.
Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary related to the stabbing deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin at their off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Due to intense pre-trial publicity, the trial has been moved to Boise, where jury selection is expected to begin in late summer.
Victims’ families continue to attend court proceedings, including Steve Goncalves, father of Kaylee, who publicly dismisses defense claims that another suspect may be responsible. His remarks come after the defense suggests new evidence could point to alternative suspects.
The trial is scheduled to begin on August 11, 2025, and is expected to last several weeks. The case continues to draw national attention due to its shocking details and the months-long investigation that led to Kohberger’s arrest in Pennsylvania in late 2022.
Source Links:
https://people.com/bryan-kohberger-court-evidence-hearing-banned-words-11712161
https://nypost.com/2025/04/09/us-news/bryan-kohberger-in-court-for-hearing-on-evidence-he-wants-thrown-out
https://nypost.com/2025/04/09/us-news/prosecutors-cant-use-bryan-kohbergers-autism-against-him-to-argue-for-the-death-penalty-judge
https://www.the-sun.com/news/13832563/bryan-kohbergers-sinister-selfie-smoking-gun-evidence-attorney
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_University_of_Idaho_killings
https://youtu.be/NewcuOJbyiw
https://youtu.be/rfmA6WECTRA
