Bryan Kohberger Appears in Idaho Court

Bryan Kohberger, the 29-year-old criminology Ph.D. student accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022, is scheduled for his first court appearance in Ada County following a successful venue change. The hearing, expected to be brief, is set for September 26 and will introduce the new judge, Steven Hippler, who will oversee the case going forward. Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and a felony burglary charge, with the possibility of the death penalty looming if convicted. Experts predict no surprises at this hearing but anticipate the new judge will assert his authority and clarify expectations for the proceedings. A separate hearing regarding the death penalty is scheduled for November 7. Kohberger's defense has argued he was not present at the crime scene during the murders, which occurred at an off-campus residence.