Second District Judge John Judge in Moscow, Idaho, has issued a ruling barring members of the media and the public from using cameras and audio recording devices inside the courtroom during the trial of Bryan Kohberger, who stands accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death in late 2022. The judge’s decision is rooted in concerns that such coverage may compromise the defendant’s right to a fair trial. However, he has ensured transparency by allowing a live stream of the proceedings on the court’s YouTube channel, enabling public access.
Bryan Kohberger faces four counts of murder related to the tragic deaths that occurred at a rental house near the university campus in Moscow last November. Earlier this year, a judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson has expressed his intent to seek the death penalty in this case, with the trial scheduled for the coming fall, although it may be subject to postponement.
Judge had initially permitted news cameras inside the courtroom during hearings but granted a request by Kohberger’s legal team to prohibit them. The judge cited instances where photographic and video coverage had focused excessively on the defendant, contrary to his instructions to capture the entire courtroom. Some shots also depicted Kohberger entering or exiting the courtroom, despite orders that images should only be taken when court is in session.
The judge’s written ruling emphasized the intense focus on Kohberger and its potential adverse impact, including unfavorable headlines and news articles, as reasons for the ban on media photography and video coverage inside the courtroom.
Wendy Olson, an attorney representing a coalition of media organizations, including The Associated Press, which had sought to retain their ability to capture photos and videos during hearings, did not provide immediate comment.
The tragic incident involving the deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin occurred on November 13, 2022, at a residence near the University of Idaho campus. Investigators relied on DNA evidence, cellphone data, and surveillance footage to establish connections between Kohberger and the slayings.
According to an affidavit, Kohberger’s cellphone records indicated multiple pings in the vicinity of the house prior to the murders. Steve Goncalves, Kaylee’s father, revealed that investigators believed Kohberger had been scouting the house to monitor its occupants’ movements.
Kohberger, a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University, situated not far from the crime scene across the state border, was apprehended at his parents’ residence in Pennsylvania. The unique details of the case have attracted considerable public interest.
Judge clarified that his unappealable order aimed to strike a balance between the public’s interest, Kohberger’s right to a fair trial, and the effective administration of justice. It also sought to relieve the court from the task of monitoring unauthorized image recording.
The court-operated video system, he explained, would enhance control over video content, reduce the burden on bailiffs, address counsels’ concerns, and provide the media and the public with access to video footage of the proceedings.
In a prior ruling last month, the judge rejected a motion to dismiss Kohberger’s indictment. The defense had contended that errors in grand jury instructions warranted the indictment’s dismissal, primarily due to the burden of proof being established as “probable cause” instead of “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
