Residents warn of riots if Idaho murder suspect is acquitted, lawyers say

Attorneys representing Bryan Kohberger, the man charged with the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students in 2022, have raised concerns about the intense local pressure to convict him. In a recent filing, defense attorney Elisa Massoth argued that the potential for violence from residents—including predictions of lynch mobs—if Kohberger is acquitted necessitates moving the trial to a different location.

The Second District Judge, John Judge, is set to hold a hearing on the motion for a change of venue. If the judge agrees, the trial, currently scheduled for June 2025, could shift from the town of Moscow to Boise or another larger city in Idaho.

Kohberger, who was previously a criminal justice student at Washington State University in Pullman, faces four murder charges in connection with the deaths of students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. The four students were killed in the early hours of November 13, 2022, at a rental house located near the university campus. Kaylee’s father, Steve Goncalves, previously shared that there’s evidence suggesting Kaylee was awake during the attack and had attempted to escape, highlighting the harrowing nature of the incident.

More than six weeks after the quadruple homicide, police arrested Kohberger at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania, where he was spending his winter break. The shocking nature of the killings not only rattled the student bodies at the two universities but also left the small community of Moscow in a state of fear. This led to extensive media coverage, which Kohberger’s defense team claims has created a biased environment against him.

This is not the first time Kohberger’s legal team has requested a change of venue. In January, his attorney Anne Taylor filed a court request arguing that the intense and often sensational media scrutiny surrounding the case made it difficult for Kohberger to secure a fair trial in Latah County. Taylor stated that more than 98% of surveyed residents recognized the case, with 70% admitting they had already concluded that Kohberger was guilty—a dire statistic for the defense.

Public sentiment appears to run strongly against Kohberger, with some individuals reportedly suggesting that if he were acquitted, it could lead to violent reactions, including riots and threats against his safety. These troubling predictions have added to the defense’s urgency to seek a new trial venue.

The prosecution, on the other hand, contends that moving the trial would not be necessary. They suggested that there are alternative methods to ensure an impartial jury, such as expanding the juror pool to include neighboring counties. Prosecutor Bill Thompson and Special Assistant Attorney General Ingrid Batey have dismissed the defense’s survey findings, arguing that the survey did not account for residents who chose not to respond.

They also pointed out the logistical challenges and costs involved in relocating the trial, which would complicate matters for court staff, witnesses, law enforcement, and the victims’ families who would have to travel to a new venue. Furthermore, Taylor criticized the media for creating what she believes is a hostile atmosphere in Latah County, undermining the presumption of innocence that is guaranteed to all defendants.

The extensive media narrative surrounding the case stretches beyond traditional news outlets. Numerous true crime television segments, podcasts, and social media discussions have taken a deep dive into the investigation, contributing to public discourse about the case. Kohberger’s defense team maintains that this ongoing media frenzy has “utterly corrupted” the local sentiment.

In a previous court session, Taylor also accused prosecutors of withholding critical evidence from the defense, claiming they had not provided the complete video that allegedly shows Kohberger’s vehicle near the crime scene. This lack of transparency has caused further frustration for those involved in the defense.

The family of Kaylee Goncalves has also expressed their dissatisfaction with the pace of the judicial process, stating that the case has turned into an ongoing series of motions and hearings, rather than moving toward a resolution.

As the legal battle continues, the stakes remain high for all parties involved, highlighted by the intense media scrutiny and public passion surrounding this tragic case.

Source: CBS News