Bryan Kohberger, convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students, will return to court on October 15. He is seeking the removal of Judge Steven Hippler and attempting to withdraw his guilty plea through post-conviction relief.
Kohberger, 31, filed a handwritten petition in July. He claims his previous counsel was ineffective. He also alleges his guilty plea was influenced by unkept promises and threats from his legal team, making it not entered voluntarily.
The court appointed Greg Rauch from Moscow, Idaho, as his attorney. New York-based private lawyer Jason Goldman also joined his defense team.
“We think the [amended petition] and evidentiary hearing will naturally address some of the outstanding and unanswered questions,” Goldman told Fox News Digital.
Kohberger’s new attorneys aim to submit an amended petition by November 13, marking four years since the murders. Their priorities include addressing constitutional issues related to Kohberger’s plea.
In a previous hearing, Judge Hippler denied a request to drop the death penalty as a potential sentence. Hippler had sentenced Kohberger to four consecutive life terms without parole plus an additional 10 years for first-degree murder and burglary.
Rauch, on August 27, filed a 22-page motion seeking the judge’s disqualification. He questions Hippler’s impartiality after refusing more time for Kohberger’s defense to complete discovery last year. Rauch also criticized Hippler’s description of Kohberger at sentencing.
Deputy Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Keith Scholl requested transcripts from hearings where Kohberger accepted guilt, asserting there was no duress. Judge Hippler has ordered Kohberger’s lawyers to explain why a supplemental filing should remain sealed. This document will remain confidential until at least September 10, pending further justification.
The court hearing regarding the judge’s disqualification will occur on October 15, 1:30 p.m. MT, via WebEx.