Bryan Kohberger’s defense is seeking to postpone his August murder trial, claiming a recent “Dateline” episode violated a court gag order and risks tainting the jury pool.
At a Glance
- Kohberger’s lawyers filed a motion to delay his August 11 trial
- NBC’s “Dateline” is accused of broadcasting leaked evidence
- Judge Steven Hippler ordered both sides to identify those with access to the leaks
- The defense says the media exposure could influence jurors and undermine fairness
- Prosecutors continue to pursue the death penalty
Media Exposure Sparks Legal Alarm
Bryan Kohberger, accused of the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students, is at the center of a growing legal controversy. His attorneys filed a 40-page motion seeking to delay the trial, citing a May 9 episode of NBC’s “Dateline” that included details not made public under an existing gag order. According to the defense, the broadcast featured evidence such as search histories and surveillance content that could bias potential jurors. As reported by Newsmax, the team argues that the court cannot proceed until the source of the leaks is identified.
Watch a report: Kohberger’s Team Claims Dateline Jeopardized Fair Trial.
Judge Demands Accountability
In response, Judge Steven Hippler instructed both the prosecution and defense to compile lists of all individuals who had access to the leaked investigative materials. As noted by Fox News, the judge warned he may appoint a special prosecutor to determine if anyone violated the gag order, emphasizing the seriousness of media influence on legal proceedings.
The “Dateline” segment, titled The Killings on King Road, included interviews and graphics pointing to a white Hyundai Elantra and phone records, prompting claims that sensitive data may have been leaked.
Legal Stakes Remain High
Kohberger, a 29-year-old former criminology graduate student, faces four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and say the trial should proceed without delay. However, the defense insists the jury pool in Ada County is now likely compromised due to the national attention generated by the program. As reported by the New York Post, they argue that more time is needed to assess the full impact of the broadcast and complete remaining investigations.
No ruling on the delay request has been made yet, but legal observers warn that if media leaks are confirmed, the implications could reshape how high-profile trials manage press restrictions and public exposure.
