The judge presiding over the case against the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students last year has issued a 37-day stay on the clock that is ticking to take him to trial in October.
28-year-old Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder and one count of burglary in connection to the stabbing deaths of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen.
A Latah County grand jury indicted Kohberger in May, and pleas of not guilty were entered on his behalf on May 22, when he stood silent during his district court arraignment. He is scheduled to stand trial Oct. 2, but that could be pushed out now that the stay has been issued.
Under Idaho law, defendants must be brought to trial within six months of their district court arraignment unless they waive their right to a speedy trial. Kohberger and his defense team have not waived it.
Because Kohberger plans to contest the indictment, his attorneys need to review the grand jury transcripts, which could take significantly longer to do.
The stay, issued by Latah County District Court Judge John Judge, means the “speedy trial” clock is paused from July 6 to August 11.
This stay will not pause any other portion of the proceedings, like discovery or motions, nor will it give Kohberger more time to produce an alibi — he must submit his alibi in writing on July 24.
Kohberger faces the death penalty if convicted.
