After two years since the tragic murder of four Idaho students in their residence, a trial date has now been established for the alleged perpetrator.
Bryan Kohberger faces charges for the killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, both 21 years old, and 20-year-olds Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle. The victims were discovered dead in their shared home near the University of Idaho campus in Moscow.
The murders took place on November 13, 2022, in an off-campus residence, leaving behind a crime scene that authorities called the ‘worst they’ve ever seen’.
Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt verified that all four deaths were caused by stabbing, describing them as having been ‘butchered’.
Two other roommates were present in the house during the attack but were unharmed, and they were swiftly excluded as suspects.
Nearly two months passed before law enforcement made an arrest, which turned out to be Kohberger. He was apprehended in Pennsylvania, specifically in the Scranton area.
Judge Steven Hippler has now set the trial to commence with jury selection on July 30, 2025.
The trial is expected to run for three months, with jurors having to consider the death penalty if Kohberger, 29, is found guilty.
Kohberger, who has pleaded not guilty, claims he was driving alone during the time of the murders.
Public defender Anne Taylor noted in a document reviewed by the Washington Post: “Mr. Kohberger has long had a habit of going for drives alone. Often he would go for drives at night,” adding, “He did so late on November 12 and into November 13, 2022.”
By presenting an alibi, his defense will now have the option to call witnesses when the trial begins.
The court documents state: “Corroboration of Bryan Kohberger NOT being at 1122 King may be brought out through cross-examination of the state’s witnesses…
“At this time, Mr. Kohberger cannot be more specific about the possible witnesses and exactly what they will say.”
However, the documents also noted that Kohberger does not specify being at a particular place at a particular time.
The trial will be conducted approximately 300 miles away from Moscow, in the state capital of Boise, which is nearly a six-hour drive.