Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the murder of four University of Idaho students, could face the death penalty if convicted, according to a ruling by Ada County Judge Steven Hippler. Kohberger, a former Washington State University student, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the stabbing deaths of students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in November 2022.
Kohberger’s defense team had filed multiple motions to remove the death penalty as a potential punishment if he is found guilty. However, Judge Hippler rejected all twelve attempts from the defense to strike the death penalty. The defense had argued that the death penalty is out of step with current social mores and that execution methods, specifically lethal injection and firing squad, are cruel and unusual. However, Hippler ruled that the death penalty is constitutional in Idaho and consistent with contemporary standards of decency.
To sentence Kohberger to death, prosecutors must prove to a jury at least one “aggravating factor,” or factor that makes the crime more heinous in nature, existed during the time of the killings. Latah County prosecutors listed five factors in their intent to seek death, including that Kohberger exhibited utter disregard for human life, is a continuing threat to society, and one murder was committed at the time of another murder.
Kohberger’s trial is set for August 2025. The case has been moved from the city of Moscow to Boise to mitigate concerns of jury bias.
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