BOISE, Idaho – The judge in the case against convicted killer Bryan Kohberger freed those involved in the case to speak publicly about the case, lifting the non-dissemination order that’s been in place for more than two years.
Judge Steven Hippler said that because Kohberger pleaded guilty, there’s no concerns about publicity preventing his right to a fair trial.
Kohberger pleaded guilty earlier this month to killing Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle.
With that plea, he’s no longer eligible for the death penalty and has agreed to serve four consecutive life sentences in prison with no possibility of parole.
A non-dissemination order in the case has been in place since Kohberger’s arrest.
Latah County Judge John Judge put the order in place, prohibiting anyone directly involved from releasing information outside of the courtroom and court filings, reasoning that too much information could preclude Kohberger’s right to a fair trial.
The plea deal means Kohberger waives his right to a trial. Initially, the judge said the order would stay in place through Kohberger’s sentencing next week.
Prosecutors and a media coalition argued that the order no longer needs to be in place.
Kohberger’s defense team opposed the lifting of the order.
In a motion filed before Thursday’s hearing, defense attorneys argued the ongoing publicity threatens Kohberger’s safety.
“Further release would only serve to gin up the anger and violent rhetoric already at a fever pitch,” attorneys wrote.
In the hearing Thursday, defense attorney Bicka Barlow said, “things happen in sentencing hearings,” and to maintain the integrity of the hearing, the order should not be lift.
Wendy Olson, representing the media coalition said that while she understands concerns about Kohberger’s safety, she did believe the media should be allowed to reach out to those who know the most about the case for comments.
Judge Hippler said in court he didn’t believe the purpose of the non-dissemination order are still at play.
“The media frenzy, as it’s been described, will continue regardless,” Judge Hippler said. “Lifting the non-dissemination order does not require the counsel or others previously bound by it to speak.”
Hippler pointed out that this does not unseal any documents previously sealed in the case, saying it’s “premature.”
He said after sentencing, the court will start to review sealed documents to determine what can be unsealed.
Attorneys will be allowed to argue against that and also weigh in on whether documents would be released and redacted.
Hippler said he intends to go in order from newest to oldest when reviewing those documents.
Kohberger will be sentenced July 23rd in Boise.
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