Idaho Judge Steven Hippler has lifted the gag order on the Bryan Kohberger quadruple murder case, following the killer’s guilty pleas to all charges. The order, which had been in place since early 2023, was initially imposed to protect Kohberger’s right to a fair trial. However, the court has determined that the gag order is no longer necessary as Kohberger has admitted to the murders of four college students: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
Kohberger, who has pleaded guilty to all charges, faces sentencing on July 23, where prosecutors are expected to seek the maximum penalty under the plea deal. This includes four consecutive life sentences without parole, plus an additional 10 years. The judge has emphasized that while the gag order is lifted, court documents will still be released in batches, starting with the most recent ones. This phased release is to ensure that the integrity of the judicial process is maintained.
The decision to lift the gag order comes after a motion by a coalition of media organizations, including FOX News, was approved. The prosecution initially opposed lifting the order until after sentencing, but later reversed its stance, stating that they would not make public statements until after the sentencing concludes. This is to respect the privacy of the victims’ families as they prepare to provide victim impact statements.
Although the plea deal waives Kohberger’s right to appeal, the judge noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has indicated that a defendant’s waiver of the right to appeal does not necessarily mean they cannot seek one. This could potentially impact the outcome of the appeal, if it proceeds. Legal experts are currently analyzing how the Garza v. Idaho ruling may influence this case, especially with the possibility of an appeal.
The case has drawn significant media attention since it was first reported in November 2022, when Kohberger was seen on campus after the murders. The incident has also sparked discussions about campus safety, mental health, and the justice system’s handling of such cases. As the court prepares for sentencing, the focus remains on the legal implications of the decision to lift the gag order and how it may affect the ongoing proceedings.