A Latah County judge has called for further deliberation on allowing cameras to broadcast the trial of Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in their off-campus home in November 2022.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the defense told the judge camera operators have been doing their job well. However, their concern lies with editors who could manipulate or edit the images or video from court and sensationalize it. That’s the primary reason they say they want to see cameras removed from the courtroom.
Judge John C. Judge brought up his concerns with misinformation spreading through the images taken from the courtroom.
Kohberger’s attorneys have requested the judge prohibit cameras from the courtroom, or at least move them to a different part of the courtroom, because of concerns they are harming their client’s right to a fair trial.
Wendy Olsen, the attorney representing the media coalition, suggested mounting a camera in the back of the courtroom, claiming it would be less of a distraction to attorneys.
Judge did not make a decision Wednesday but plans to issue an order that he believes is right for the public, the parties in the case and the rule of law.
The 28-year-old Kohberger is accused of murdering Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in a Moscow home last November. He faces the death penalty if convicted.
