MOSCOW, Idaho — During Bryan Kohberger’s status hearing today, he waived his right to a speedy trial, delaying the original trial start date.
Kohberger, the suspect in the quadruple murder of four University of Idaho students, is facing the death penalty and was set to start his trial on Oct. 2.
He has pleaded not guilty to stabbing Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin to death at their apartment on King Road.
He was in court on Aug. 18 for two motions that the defense team filed.
The new motions challenged the grand jury selection process, alleging the jury was selected illegitimately. While their second motion asked for more information about the DNA evidence that linked Kohberger to a knife sheath found at the crime scene. The defense wants access to all profiles uploaded to a DNA database as well as communications related to DNA testing.
After this five hour hearing, the Judge did not make a definitive decision regarding the defense getting access to all the DNA profiles and testing. But did not grant the defense’s request to postpone the hearing.
On Aug. 23, Anne Taylor, Kohberger’s attorney, told the judge that she does not believe that his case will be ready by the Oct. 2 date. She claimed that the defense needs more time to review evidence from the state and complete other processes.
Latah County prosecutor, Bill Thompson disagreed and added that the state would like to get the trial started sooner than later.
John Judge has accepted Kohberger’s right to a speedy trial and the original trial date has been vacated.
The judge has suggested that the and new trial date can be scheduled during his Sept. 1 hearing.
Also, Judge John Judge mentioned during the hearing that they are having issues with juror selections. He said that he was asked to be a juror but both the defense and prosecution agreed for him to remain as the judge in the case.
