A judge in Boise, Idaho ruled that the death penalty will remain an option for a man charged with the murder of four University of Idaho students. The defendant, Bryan Kohberger, is accused of the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves on November 13, 2022.
Despite arguments from Kohberger's defense team to remove the death penalty as a potential punishment, Judge Steven Hippler upheld its possibility if the defendant is convicted. The defense team had contended that the death penalty is not in line with modern standards of decency, citing concerns about prolonged stays on death row and potential violations of international treaties.
Prosecutors pointed out that the Idaho Supreme Court has previously addressed similar arguments in other capital cases and upheld the legality of the death penalty. Evidence linking Kohberger to the crime includes DNA found on a knife sheath at the crime scene, surveillance footage, and cellphone data.
Kohberger, who was a graduate student at Washington State University at the time of the killings, reportedly claimed he was out for a drive to stargaze on the night of the incident. When asked to enter a plea, Kohberger remained silent, leading the judge to enter a not-guilty plea on his behalf.
The trial for Kohberger is scheduled to commence in August and is anticipated to last up to three months. Prosecutors have indicated their intention to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is found guilty of the charges.
