CRIME BLOTTER

Bryan Kohberger’s lawyers seek to postpone August trial for Idaho murders

May 21, 2025, 5:35 PM

Bryan Kohberger guilty...

Bryan Kohberger, accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, is escorted into court for a hearing in Latah County District Court, Sept. 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. (Photo: Ted S. Warren, The Associated Press)

(Photo: Ted S. Warren, The Associated Press)

Lawyers representing Bryan Kohberger have filed a request to postpone his capital murder trial, which is currently set for August 2025, according to NBC Montana.

The media outlet stated the motion highlights several concerns, such as the large amount of unreviewed evidence, increased media attention, and pending expert analyses.

Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. He faces four counts of first-degree murder for the deadly stabbings at an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. The high-profile case has drawn national attention as prosecutors announced they will pursue the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted.

Bryan Kohberger defense seeks trial delay

In the motion filed by his defense team, Kohberger’s lawyers argue the scheduled trial would violate his constitutional rights to due process, according to NBC Montana.

Defense attorneys cited a recent surge in media coverage, including a Dateline NBC special and an upcoming book, as potentially prejudicial, warning it could compromise the jury pool. 

NBC Montana said the defense also emphasized the complexity of death penalty cases and the higher legal standards, cautioning that proceeding without complete trial preparation could later justify a reversal.

Kohberger will stay in custody as the case moves through the initial phases. 

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Bryan Kohberger’s lawyers seek to postpone August trial for Idaho murders