Defense calls for trial against Bryan Kohberger for unfair bias

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — Bryan Kohberger's defense team is pushing hard to move his upcoming capital trial from Latah County to Ada County, arguing that intense local media coverage and strong public opinion have hurt the chances of a fair trial.

Kohberger's lawyers contradicted the prosecution's argument that Moscow could still appoint an impartial jury.

In court documents, the lawyers pointed to a “mob mentality” in Moscow that was fueled by extensive media coverage and had significantly distorted local public opinion against Kohberger.

In support of its motion to move the venue to Boise, Kohberger's defense has presented poll results and expert opinions. Those results, including an analysis by a social psychologist, suggest that media coverage in Latah County has been particularly inflammatory, making it difficult to find an unbiased jury there.

The defense argues that the alternatives proposed by the state, such as expanding the jury pool or excluding jurors, are not sufficient.

They are convinced that moving the trial to Ada County is the only way to ensure Kohberger a fair trial.

A hearing on the motion to change the venue is scheduled for next week before Judge John Judge.

Kohberger is charged with the murder of University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen in November 2022.