ADA COUNTY, Idaho — Bryan Kohberger is back in court Wednesday for two pre-trial hearings in the University of Idaho murder case.
One hearing addresses the defense's motion to delay the August trial, while the second will determine if they can introduce an alternate perpetrator theory.
The delay hearing was public, but the alternate perpetrator hearing will be sealed.
Defense attorneys cited a May Dateline NBC special as grounds for postponement, claiming it violated a 2023 gag order. The episode featured video footage, cell phone records, and photographs of documents not publicly available through official channels; the defense argued that this situation needs to "settle" before the trial can proceed.
Prosecutors argued against any delay, saying that it would not make it any easier to seat a jury.
Judge Steven Hippler says he will take the motion to delay under advisement; however, he added that "As of now ... it's likely that you're going to trial on the date indicated."
RELATED: 'It is time to try this case': Prosecutors want Kohberger's trial to proceed as scheduled
In the sealed hearing, Judge Hippler is requiring that the defense provide evidence supporting their alternate perpetrator claim before deciding if it can be presented during trial.
Kohberger faces charges in the November 13, 2022, murders of University of Idaho students Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen.
