Bryan Kohberger waives his right to a speedy trial, October start date vacated

LATAH COUNTY (KIVI TV) — Bryan Kohberger, charged with four counts of first-degree murder, will no longer go to trial this fall.

In a status hearing Wednesday in Latah County, the defense for Bryan Kohberger formally waived his right to a speedy trial.

The trial was set to start Oct. 2 with a flurry of deadlines for both the prosecution and defense in the coming weeks. No new trial date has been set.

Kohberger is facing first-degree murder charges in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, in their off-campus home in Nov. 2022.

Kohberger had previously requested a stay of proceedings but had not waived his right to a speedy trial.

The prosecution offered no objections Wednesday, and though they prefer a resolution sooner rather than later, they agreed this was the smartest option.

At this time, the defense said they were not prepared to set a new trial date.

A hearing will still be held on Sept. 1, as the defense is prepared to file challenges against the grand jury indictment, as well as motions regarding cameras in the courtroom and witness instructions.

A new trial date will be discussed after the Sept. 1 hearing. Kohberger faces the death penalty if convicted.