Bryan Kohbherger can face death penalty if convicted in trial of slain Idaho college students, judge rules
Bryan Kohberger, man charged The 2022 killings of four University of Idaho studentsThe judge ruled that he could face the death penalty.
Koberg’s defense team had tried to eliminate the death penalty as a possible punishment if he were convicted, but Ada County Judge Steven Shipler rejected They filed the motion in Tuesday’s ruling. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if Koberg is convicted.
Koberg’s attorneys’ arguments include claims that forcing prisoners to wait years on death row and existing methods of executing prisoners in Idaho constitute cruel and unusual punishment. They also argue that Idaho’s death penalty law violates international treaties prohibiting the torture of prisoners.
Koberg Accused of stabbing to death Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kelly Gonsalves on November 13, 2022 Kaylee Goncalves). The four, all students at the University of Idaho, were killed at a house off campus. Koberg is Arrested in Pennsylvania on December 30, 2022 and was extradited back to Idaho in January 2023. He was charged with four counts of first-degree murder.
Last year, Koberg failed to respond when asked to plead guilty in court, so the judge entered a not guilty plea for him. Koberg was booked into the Boise jail in September, where he The trial was moved At the request of the defense.
His trial is scheduled to begin in August 2025.
Gonsalves’ family said in a statement they were “ecstatic” about the decision and criticized the judge who handled the case before moving to Boise for “failing to pronounce the victim’s name correctly in the courtroom.” Laugh at it, or entertain everyone.” The defense may make ridiculous motions or arguments. “
“We finally have a judge who is well prepared, thoughtful and well-versed in the legal process,” they said. “A new seriousness has been missing for too long… Justice is moving forward and we pray that one day, not too far away, In the future, justice will be served.”
