Idaho Judge Sets Guidelines for Kohberger’s Plea Withdrawal Attempt

In Boise, Idaho, a judge has outlined the procedures for Bryan Kohberger’s attempt to withdraw his guilty plea for the murders of four University of Idaho students. Fourth District Judge Steven Hippler sentenced Kohberger to life in prison without parole last year. Hippler has stressed that any new evidence will be held to a strict legal standard.

Judge Hippler has not granted Kohberger a hearing regarding his guilty plea withdrawal claims. He has, however, scheduled a date for next June to potentially consider an evidentiary hearing. Kohberger, now 31, is serving four consecutive life sentences for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen. The crime occurred at a rental home near the university’s campus in Moscow, Idaho, in 2022. Prosecutors agreed not to pursue the death penalty in exchange for his guilty plea.

Kohberger submitted a handwritten petition last month seeking permission to retract his plea. He claims his legal counsel influenced him to accept the plea under promises of improved prison conditions and fears regarding death row life. Kohberger elaborated minimally, suggesting his attorneys failed to review evidence potentially beneficial to his defense during plea discussions. A new attorney, Greg Rauch, has been appointed to represent Kohberger, but Rauch has yet to comment on the case.

In his recent order, Judge Hippler emphasized the importance of adhering to the Idaho Rules of Court Procedure, focusing on evidence admissibility. He provided clear instructions on how both the prosecution and defense should contest evidence they consider inadmissible. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in sanctions.

Judge Hippler instructed both parties to disclose potential witnesses, including experts, by February. A status conference has been scheduled for next June.