Idaho College Murders: Judge Reaches Decision on Bryan Kohberger Murder Indictment

An Idaho judge has rejected another attempt by the lawyers for Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho college murders, to toss a grand jury indictment.

As Front Page Detectives previously reported, two previous motions by Kohberger’s defense team to dismiss the indictment against him were denied by Latha County Judge John Judge.

Following the denial, Kohberger’s defense filed a new motion to reconsider the denied motions. A two-part hearing was held at the end of last month about this motion, which was denied.

In his ruling, the judge also denied Kohberger’s request to appeal the issue to a higher court.

"The Court does not find error with any factual findings or application of well-settled law to the facts as found," the judge wrote, KIVI-TV reported. "In reaching its decision, the Court spent a significant amount of time reviewing the grand jury proceedings and researching the issues presented by Defendant. Reconsideration does not change the Court’s decisions."

In November 2022, Kohberger, 29, was studying for a Ph.D. in criminology at Washington State University when police believe he broke into a home in Moscow, Idaho, and allegedly fatally stabbed four students — Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20.

Kohberger was eventually identified as a suspect and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty in the case.

Kohberger is currently behind bars without bail, and he recently waived his right to a speedy trial, delaying the start of his trial.

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According to KIVI-TV, the state has requested the trial start this summer. However, Kohberger’s attorneys have pushed back against that, claiming they would not be prepared by then since they have only spoken with less than 10 percent of the 400 possible witnesses.

Kohberger’s defense team said they estimate they could be ready by summer 2025. They also believe the trial could last 12 to 15 weeks.