BOISE, Idaho — An Idaho judge has established the timeline for Bryan Kohberger’s attempt to retract his guilty plea related to the murders of four University of Idaho students. He cautioned attorneys involved that any new evidence will be rigorously examined under legal standards.
Fourth District Judge Steven Hippler, who sentenced Kohberger to life imprisonment without parole following a guilty plea last year, outlined the procedures in a written order issued Wednesday morning.
The judge did not approve a hearing for Kohberger’s claims about withdrawing his guilty plea. Instead, Hippler set a date for next June, reserving judgment on whether an evidentiary hearing is necessary.
Kohberger, 31, is serving four consecutive life sentences for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen in a rental home near the Moscow, Idaho campus in 2022. Prosecutors agreed not to pursue the death penalty in exchange for his guilty plea.
Last month, Kohberger submitted a handwritten petition requesting to retract his plea, alleging his attorneys coerced him by promising better prison conditions and alarming him about life on death row. Kohberger claimed insufficient disclosure or review of evidence potentially beneficial to his case during plea discussions.
After obtaining new representation, lawyer Greg Rauch stated he could not immediately comment on the case.
In Wednesday’s directive, Hippler mandated that both prosecutors and Kohberger’s attorney must “strictly adhere” to the Idaho Rules of Court Procedure, particularly regarding admissible evidence. He specified methods for both sides to contest inadmissible evidence.
Non-compliance with the court’s orders may result in sanctions, Hippler warned.
Hippler instructed both sides to disclose any prospective witnesses, including experts, by the beginning of February. Additionally, he scheduled a status conference for the following June.