Bryan Kohberger: Court & Public Statement Timeline
On November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students—Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen—were murdered in the early hours at their off-campus residence.
By November 17, 2022, the medical examiner reported that the victims were likely asleep when attacked. Each suffered multiple stab wounds, some had defensive injuries, and there were no signs of sexual assault.
On December 29-30, 2022, police identified a white sedan seen near the house. On December 30, Bryan Kohberger was arrested at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania.
On December 31, 2022, Kohberger’s attorney, Jason LaBar, announced that Kohberger planned to waive his extradition hearing and was “eager to be exonerated.”
On January 3, 2023, Kohberger appeared in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, where he waived extradition and mouthed “I love you” to his family. His attorney reiterated his belief in Kohberger’s exoneration.
On January 4, 2023, Kohberger was flown to Idaho and made his first court appearance in Latah County, charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary.
A status conference took place on January 12, 2023, marking Kohberger’s first formal court appearance in Idaho.
On May 17, 2023, a grand jury indicted Kohberger on four counts of murder and one count of felony burglary.
On June 26, 2023, prosecutors formally stated their intent to pursue the death penalty, citing aggravating factors in the case.
On June 9, 2023, media organizations and victims’ families challenged a gag order. The judge revised the order, limiting what parties could say publicly to avoid prejudicing the case.
In January 2024, the judge allowed the defense access to some sealed evidence, notably genetic genealogy evidence tied to the knife sheath.
On September 9, 2024, the defense successfully moved for a change of venue, arguing that pre-trial publicity in Moscow, Idaho, made a fair trial impossible. The trial was moved to Boise under Judge Steven Hippler.
The trial date was initially set for August 2025, with jury selection scheduled for August 4 and the trial to begin August 11 in Boise. This was later changed due to subsequent developments.