'What is really happening?' Internet weighs in as Idaho prosecutors seek to seal Bryan Kohberger's next court appearance amid fair trial concerns

Bryan Kohberger faces murder charges for the November 2022 stabbing deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin
UPDATED APR 27, 2024
Prosecutors in Bryan Kohberger's case filed a new motion (Monroe County Correctional Facility via Getty Images)
Prosecutors in Bryan Kohberger's case filed a new motion (Monroe County Correctional Facility via Getty Images)

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

MOSCOW, IDAHO - MAY 22: Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for his arraignment hearing in Latah County District Court, May 22, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022.
(Photo by Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Images)
Bryan Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022 (Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Images)

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?

The University of Idaho to hold vigil for Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves (Instagram)
Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves were brutally killed in November 2022 (Instagram)

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."

MOSCOW, IDAHO - JUNE 09: Defendant Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order in Latah County District Court on June 9, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. (Photo by Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Images)
Bryan Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder (Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Images)

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."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online

MORE STORIES

Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby said that the conditions during Tyler Robinson's arrest were relaxed and comfortable
Sep 18, 2025
DeCarlos Brown Jr, who is accused of fatally stabbing Iryna Zarutska, confessed the reason for the attack in a phone call from jail to his sister
Sep 11, 2025
The former Centerville Mayor is facing three class A felony murder charges, each carrying a minimum sentence of death or life imprisonment
Jun 1, 2024
In a recent interview, Oregon murder suspect Jesse Lee Calhoun's ex-girlfriend, Krista Sinor, recalled his fits of rage
May 19, 2024
Michael Francis described John-Paul Miller as someone who tried to buy love and expected something in return for his favors
May 19, 2024
Ryan Babcock has been indicted on charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, three counts of reckless endangerment, and vandalism
May 19, 2024
A student at Kennesaw State University in Georgia was fatally shot by an armed intruder on May 18
May 19, 2024
Jaylin Brazier admitted he panicked and disposed of Zion Foster's body in a dumpster after she died suddenly while they were smoking marijuana
May 19, 2024
Devin Montgomery drew a firearm and discharged it several times at officers who were trying to engage him on May 16 at an apartment complex
May 19, 2024