The judge presiding over the trial of Idaho college murderer Bryan Kohberger has removed a gag order that previously prevented attorneys and investigators from discussing the case publicly.
Judge Steven Hippler explained at a Thursday hearing, “The primary purpose of the non-dissemination order, which is to ensure that we can seat an impartial jury, is no longer at play,” as reported by The Associated Press.
A coalition of news organizations asked for the order to be lifted, along with the unsealing of some 240 documents filed in the case.
Earlier this month, Kohberger admitted guilt in the murders of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, which occurred on November 13, 2022. His sentencing is set for July 23.
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Hippler said he would begin the process of reviewing the sealed documents, to determine which ones can ultimately be released to the public, but not until after the sentencing.
Kohberger’s attorneys had argued against lifting the gag order, saying it could bring too much media scrutiny and jeopardize the sentencing. But Hippler disagreed.
“The media frenzy, as it’s been described, will continue regardless,” he said. “Lifting the non-dissemination order does not require the counsel or others previously bound by it to speak.”
So far, attorneys for both the state and defense declined requests for interviews, along with former Moscow, Idaho, Police Chief James Fry.
Kohberger avoided the death penalty with his guilty plea and is expected to be sentenced to four consecutive life terms at his sentencing.
