The quadruple murder trial of Bryan Kohberger in Boise, Idaho, will be pushed back two months, a judge ruled on Wednesday.
Kohberger, 29, faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary, charged in the fatal stabbings of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus residence in 2022.
The trial was originally scheduled to begin in June 2025. District Judge Steven Hippler set the new start date for August 11, with jury selection beginning July 31. The trial is expected to run through November 7.
Bryan Kohberger enters a courtroom for a hearing in Moscow, Idaho, on October 26, 2023. Kohberger’s quadruple murder trial is now set to start in August. Bryan Kohberger enters a courtroom for a hearing in Moscow, Idaho, on October 26, 2023. Kohberger’s quadruple murder trial is now set to start in August. Kai Eiselein/New York Post via AP, Pool
The change follows concerns raised by Hippler at a September 26 hearing that the initial trial schedule interfered with the entire summer vacation period, which could pose difficulties for jurors. The proceeding was the first time Kohberger appeared in an Ada County courtroom.
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At the hearing, Hippler suggested moving the start date to May or September. Prosecutors favored the earlier date while the defense preferred the later date.
The June start date was set by Judge John Judge, of Idaho’s 2nd Judicial District in Latah County, who was initially presiding over the case. The trial was relocated from Latah County to Ada County last month after a ruling by Judge in the defense’s favor. Hippler took over the case when it was moved.
Hippler also set the daily schedule for the trial, which will begin each day at 8:30 a.m. and conclude around 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. There will be a lunch break each day of around 45 minutes. Hippler noted that some weeks could be shortened due to “other obligations of the court.”
Kohberger could face the death penalty if convicted. The defense has argued that the sentence would be unconstitutional in a series of motions.
Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is found guilty. In one court filing, they said they had “not identified or been provided with any mitigating circumstances” to bar them from considering capital punishment.
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A hearing on the subject is scheduled for November 7, and proceedings on additional motions will be held on January 23 and April 3. Deadlines for submitting experts and trial materials were also set.
Kohberger is being held in Ada County Jail in Boise as he awaits trial. Ada is the largest county in the state, with a population of nearly 495,000.
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The rotunda as seen on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
Ahead of the 2026 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Idaho is teaming up with several local groups to hold candidate forums and voter education events in the hopes of boosting voter turnout.
The groups invited all candidates for public office in Ada and Canyon County’s commissions, and inlegislative district 11, which is in Canyon County.
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The groups that are hosting include Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of University Women’s Boise branch and the College of Idaho’s Masters of Applied Public Policy Program.
Here’s when and where the forums are:
Ada County Commissioner District 2:7-8:30 p.m. April 24 at Meridian City Hall, located at 33 E. Broadway Ave. in Meridian.
Ada County Commissioner District 1:7-8:30 p.m. April 28 at Valley View Elementary School, located at 3555 N Milwaukee St. in Boise.
Legislative District 11:6:30-8:30 p.m. April 30 at Caldwell City Hall, located at 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Canyon County Commissioner:6-8 p.m. May 7 at Caldwell City Hall, 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Learn more about candidates at the League of Women Voters’ online voter guide,VOTE411.ORG.
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BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho drivers wanting to celebrate America’s anniversary this year now have a unique way to do that. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has released an America 250 license plate to mark the occasion.
The new license plate includes an American flag on a blue background with the words “America 250” and the dates “1776 – 2026.”
The plate requires an extra fee that will go toward supporting the Idaho Heritage Trust, according to an Idaho Transportation Department news release. The specific fee wasn’t listed.
“This plate gives Idahoans a chance to mark a historic milestone and show their pride on the road,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV administrator, in a statement. “We’re proud to offer a design that honors our country’s past while supporting Idaho’s efforts to preserve its own history.”
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The America 250 license plate was released to celebrate a historic national milestone. | Idaho Transportation Department
Idaho’s favorite license plate
The new license plate may give Idaho’s favorite a run for its money.
The Idaho Transportation Department recently held a “Battle of the Plates” vote to find out which license plate Idahoans loved best.
The Forests Forever plate was crowned the champion on April 7. Funds generated from this plate go toward Idaho replanting and reforestation projects, as well as environmental education programs for Idaho students and teachers.
“One of Idaho’s newest plates, Forests Forever made a strong run and came out on top, highlighting just how much Idahoans value our forests and natural resources,” the transportation department said in a social media post.
Idahoans chose Forests Forever as their favorite specialty license plate. | Idaho Transportation Department
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