MOSCOW, Idaho – Bryan Kohberger was in court again – this time to set a trial start date, but after arguments from both sides Judge John Judge decided to not make a decision Friday.
A month ago Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a motion stating their desire for a trial this summer. Thompson reaffirmed that goal Friday, saying quote “I understand this is a complex case with a lot of work required to get it right.”
Kohberger’s defense attorney Ann Taylor understood the prosecution’s concerns but said this summer is quote ” impossible for them to do.” Taylor added that the earliest her and her team could do would be spring or summer of 2025. She claimed this to be a complicated case and though she is not trying to push the case too far out, Taylor said the time is necessary to get it right.
“that’s not us saying we’re trying to drag our feet or we don’t want to get to trial, but that’s us saying there’s so much for us to get to that we just
don’t have. there’s no possible way that I can possibly be effective in my investigation/presentation to a jury if I can’t go through everything and not have a report available for my experts… there’s no way I can be effective counsel.”
Prosecutor Thompson said the defense isn’t understating the amount of work. He also said if a trial can’t be held this summer than next summer would be best. Thompson claimed the summer is best to avoid community disruption, but remains extremely concerned about the victims and their families because they have already waited so long. However, Thompson is aware and stands by the court’s desire to get it right the first time.
Judge Judge said he would not set a date Friday, and that it is difficult for him to consider pushing the date as far out as 2025; even though he admitted that may be the reality. Judge said he is going to take time to contemplate the decision because he wants to the right thing. Judge then addressed the victims and their families directly saying:
“my heart goes out to the victims, because I can’t even imagine the pain, the grief… because I know that you can’t move forward with the grief hanging
over your head. I’m sorry.”
The Goncalves family was in attendance Friday and was noticeably emotional as they left the courtroom. The family’s attorney Shannon Gray said if they have a statement about Friday’s proceedings it will come later in the evening.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Check back for updates.
