LATAH COUNTY, Idaho (Court TV) — On Wednesday, a judge will hear arguments regarding cameras in the courtroom in the case against Bryan Kohberger.
Last month, attorneys for the accused quadruple murderer filed a motion to remove cameras from proceedings arguing current coverage is hurting their client’s right to a fair trial.
Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, standing, addresses the court during a hearing for Bryan Kohberger, left, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, in Latah County District Court, in Moscow, Idaho. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, Pool)
In their motion, Kohberger’s attorneys include images taken during previous proceedings that focus solely on the defendant. The motion also cites “sensationalistic and prejudicial headlines and content.” The motion states the content “gradually poisons the potential jury pool prior to trial even occurring, winnowing the number of jurors able to render a just, unbiased verdict.”
Last week, prosecutors filed a motion in agreement with the defense. The State believes cameras in the courtroom “will have a substantial chilling effect on the ability of witnesses to openly, fully and candidly testify about some horrible occurrences.” In their motion, they also cite ensuring a fair trial and jurors accessing the content.
Kohberger is facing four first-degree murder charges and a felony burglary charge in the deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death in a home near campus on Nov. 13, 2022.
Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty at trial, which was initially scheduled for October. In August, Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial. A new trial date has not been set.
