'Start the trial': Internet weighs in as prosecutors seek to seal Bryan Kohberger's next court appearance

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

MOSCOW, IDAHO: Idaho prosecutors have filed a motion to seal Bryan Kohberger's upcoming court appearance as the defense argues that the former Washington State University criminology student cannot receive a fair trial.

The 29-year-old stands accused of killing Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, at an off-campus residence on November 13, 2022.

In May 2023, a judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Prosecutors in Bryan Kohberger's case filed a new motion

The judge in the case ruled this week that Kohberger's defense team could resume phone surveys of potential jurors, while prosecutors filed a motion to seal his next court appearance, as per Fox News.

The prosecutors requested the court to seal his upcoming hearing, scheduled for May 14, since "discussion or dissemination of information" could be prejudicial. 

In the April 23 court filing, they stated, "There exists a compelling interest at stake to preserve a fair trial, no reasonable alterative exists but to conduct a closed hearing."

What is Ethan Chaplin's family saying about Bryan Kohberger?

Ethan Chapin's family has chosen not to dwell on his suspected killer.

When asked about Kohberger, Stacy Chapin, Ethan's mother stated, "It’s not a place I spend much time, thinking about him. We made a decision to not let it impact our family. We can’t change the outcome. We can’t bring Ethan back." 

She expressed optimism about the community despite the difficult circumstances, saying, "We’ve been, and our kids have been, to hell and back, but we’re definitely on the other side of this thing That university and the town of Moscow, and the kids that go to school there and the police department, we have felt so much love from there and the support."

Internet reacts as Idaho prosecutors file new motion in Bryan Kohberger’s case

One Facebook user asked, "What is really happening?" Another noted, "What was the motive and why did he pick them. I hope we get answers for those questions but I think we never will." 

"Sounds like a very good idea! It would prevent a lot of things," stated a person and someone else stated, "This is hilarious." 

An individual opined, "Sounds about right, defense teams always gonna play the fair trial card, especially in high-profile cases like this."

"The evidence against this guy is staggering. Can we just start the trial already? Going on 2 years with no closure for the affected families smh," expressed another person.  

One more wrote, "His fair trial should be in direct proportion to his criminal behavior. IMHO he is getting a much fairer trial than he deserves," and a netizen echoed, "Start the trial, I’m 100% sure he will be found guilty, then put the monster in prison for life or the death penalty." 

Bryan Kohberger's defense team can continue its surveys without modification

In a recent court order, the judge presiding over Kohberger's trial lifted the suspension on surveys being conducted with potential jurors.

Latah County District Court Judge John Judge ruled that the defense team could resume surveys "without any modification" to the previously posed questions.

The surveys were temporarily paused on March 22 but have now been cleared to proceed.

During hearings on April 4 and April 10, defense attorney Anne C Taylor emphasized the importance of the surveys in seeking a change of venue for the trial, citing the extensive coverage by local media outlets.

"Additionally, one of the questions was not based on admissible or inadmissible ‘evidence’ but instead asked about the feelings of members of Moscow community," explained Judge.

He added, "Therefore, the defense did not violate the Nondissemination Order by asking seven of the nine questions."

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