'Utter disgrace': Outrage at Bryan Kohberger trial delay as defense seeks change of venue over public bias

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

LATAH COUNTY, IDAHO: Bryan Kohberger's defense attorney has raised concerns about potential bias against her client in the case involving the tragic killings of four University of Idaho students.

The attorney's move comes after reports emerged of Latah County residents contacting authorities regarding a survey conducted by the defense team.

"The afternoon filing on March 22, 2024 was done with the intention of obtaining an immediate order without a hearing," Kootenai County Public Defender Anne Taylor penned to the court.

"Of note, due to the bias and interconnectivity in Latah County, citizens called police and the prosecutor about the survey."

Bryan Kohberger's quadruple murder

The case involves Kohberger, who, at 29 years old, had been studying violent criminals and pursuing a PhD in criminology at Washington State University.

The tragic incident occurred in Moscow, Idaho, where four University of Idaho students were fatally stabbed during a home invasion on November 13, 2022

The victims of the attack were identified as Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21.

Court documents revealed evidence linking Kohberger to the crime scene, including his DNA found on a knife sheath under one of the victim's bodies, as well as the proximity of his car and cellphone to the scene.

Defense alleges the prosecutor's attempt to undermine due process 

The survey forms part of the defense's strategy to gather evidence ahead of a scheduled change of venue hearing. The defense seeks to relocate the trial to a larger jurisdiction with a more diverse jury pool.

However, Taylor accused Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson of attempting to sidestep due process by seeking to impose restrictions on both sides from contacting potential jurors.

"The ability of a prosecutor to have an order signed by a judge within the same building, within a few hours of the filing, and a specific fear the Defense had articulated to the State during the March 21, 2024 meeting, is evidence of the State’s intention to facilitate a due process violation," Taylor stated, per Fox.

The defense enlisted the services of social psychologist Bryan Edelman to conduct the survey. While acknowledging discrepancies in some of the survey questions, Taylor maintained that none of the queries breached the gag order or provided inadmissible trial information.

Thompson countered by alleging that the defense had violated a sealed court order pertaining to the survey by discussing case specifics and disclosing potentially inadmissible information. Consequently, Judge John Judge imposed a ban on juror contact "until further notice," scheduling a hearing to address the motions comprehensively.

Netizens fury over delay in Bryan Kohblerger trial

A user tweeted, "I guess I don’t understand the system why a year and a half later, there has been no trial set? Utter disgrace! Those poor families suffering all of this time! Beyond tragic & horrific, innocent students enjoying lives together."

Another added, "The defense is actually tainting the jury with these phone calls in attemp change of venue. By informing potential jurors of the evidence on the phone, later in court when asked if they’ve heard the evidence, they must answer yes. Isn’t this some violation of? If not, should be."

A third said, "Way too small of a pool to NOT be bias (where it is currently at). I agree - move it to a bigger city with a larger pool... he has a right to a fair trial and fighting this is just prolonging everything."

"Anything less would be a dereliction of duty," read a tweet. "He's gulity, so it doesn't matter if they get a change of venue," stated another.

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