BOISE, Idaho () A judge ruled Wednesday that Bryan Kohberger’s family members will be allowed to attend his three-month murder trial despite being potential witnesses, citing the defendant’s constitutional rights.
The decision comes after prosecutors expressed concerns about the presence of Kohberger’s parents and sisters, who are expected to testify during proceedings. Kohberger faces charges in the November 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students.
Kohberger, who has been held in maximum security isolation for approximately two and a half years, will now have family support in the courtroom throughout the trial.
The ruling creates potential tension in the courtroom layout, which typically separates victims’ supporters and those supporting the defendant. Victims’ family members are also expected to attend the proceedings.
In a separate closed-door hearing earlier this week, the judge granted prosecutors’ requests to conduct their own mental health evaluation of Kohberger. The defense has previously had experts assess his mental health and conditions.
Authorities have not specified what prosecutors believe the family members might testify about, but speculation includes questions about a knife allegedly purchased through a family Amazon account.
Kohberger’s trial in the quadruple homicide case is scheduled to last approximately three months.
