The judge presiding over the murder case involving Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the University of Idaho stabbing incident, has issued an order prohibiting prosecutors and the defense from contacting potential jurors without explicit permission from the court.
The 29-year-old criminologist is accused of barging into an off-campus rental house in Latah County, Idaho, and fatally stabbing four students in November 2022. The victims were identified as Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, all in their early twenties.
Two survivors, including an eyewitness, were present during the tragic incident that occurred at a residence near the university campus.
The prosecuting attorney filed a motion, which remains sealed, requesting the judge's order, while Kohberger's defense team objected in a separate sealed filing.
Judge John Judge's order, made public recently, states that both parties are prohibited from contacting potential jurors until further notice. A hearing on this matter is scheduled to take place soon.
Legal experts have noted that such restrictions on jury contact are standard practice to ensure a fair trial. The judge's decision to impose this order is considered unusual but essential to prevent any potential influence on the jury pool.
Furthermore, the defense team has previously sought a change of venue from Latah County, citing concerns about biased opinions due to extensive pretrial publicity and the small, close-knit nature of the community.
Kohberger, originally from Pennsylvania and pursuing a criminology Ph.D. at Washington State University, faces serious charges related to the tragic incident.
