Judge Cites Major Violation Jeopardizing Bryan Kohberger August Trial

The trial of Bryan Kohberger, accused of the 2022 quadruple murder of University of Idaho students, is set to begin on August 11 and is expected to last three months under the supervision of Judge Steven Hippler. The judge has established strict ground rules, including jury selection logistics, courtroom conduct, and evidence use, while expressing concern over media leaks of sensitive case details that may jeopardize an impartial jury. Due to the leak, the number of alternate jurors has been increased, and an investigation into the breach is underway, with the possibility of appointing a special prosecutor. Trial proceedings will be livestreamed with restrictions, particularly to protect the privacy of surviving roommates who may testify, and the use of terms like "touch DNA" will be clarified to avoid jury misinterpretation. Both prosecution and defense teams are preparing to finalize evidentiary submissions, with prosecutors seeking to admit extensive records and Kohberger’s defense expected to present a possible alternative perpetrator argument. Jury sequestration is not initially planned but remains a possibility depending on trial developments.