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Bryan Kohberger Live Hearing: Idaho murder suspect fights to delay trial because he fears 'mob mentality'

Related video: Police bodycam footage shows Bryan Kohberger being stopped in his Hyundai Elantra

Defense attorneys for Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students, will fight at a hearing today to move his murder trial elsewhere, arguing that a “mob mentality” has developed against him in Latah County.

Kohberger is charged with the murder of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, who were stabbed to death in an off-campus dormitory in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022.

Police said they were able to link Kohberger to the college town killings by finding DNA evidence in a knife sheath, cellphone data, an eyewitness account and his white Hyundai Elantra.

In a motion filed last week, Kohberger's attorneys questioned potential jurors in Latah County who said there could be violence in the area if he is found not guilty.

Potential jurors said there would “probably be a riot” and “they would burn down the courthouse.” Prosecutors accused Kohberger's team of using faulty polling data in their requests to move the trial, arguing that victims' families would be affected by a move.

Judge John Judge is scheduled to preside over the hearing this morning.

Kohberger is scheduled to go on trial in June 2025.

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What to expect from today’s hearing

Bryan Kohberger's lawyers will fight today to have his trial moved from Moscow in Latah County to the state capital of Boise or another major Idaho city.

They claim that a “mob mentality” developed against him in Latah County after questioning potential jurors and claim that he will not receive a fair trial.

In a motion filed last week, Kohberger's lawyers said their investigation found there could be violence in the area if he is found not guilty.

Potential jurors said there would “probably be a riot” and “they would burn down the courthouse.”

Andrea Cavallier has the details.

Rhian Lubin29 August 2024 10:59

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Rhian Lubin29.08.2024 10:51