Idaho student murders suspect Bryan Kohberger can resume a controversial jury pool survey after a temporary pause in the polling, Judge John Judge says.
The Idaho judge overseeing the murder case against student stabbings suspect Bryan Kohberger is allowing the defense to resume polling potential jurors after prosecutors claimed questions could have damaged the jury pool.
These questions have now been read into the public record and discussed at length, including the fact that these ‘media items’ may not be true,' Judge wrote. 'Because the information is now in the public record, the court does not see any benefit in preventing the defense from continuing its surveys or requiring that the two questions at issue be eliminated.
The nondissemination order also allows extrajudicial statements 'that a reasonable lawyer would believe is required to protect a client from the substantial undue prejudicial effect of recent publicity not initiated by the lawyer or the lawyer's client. Any such statement shall be limited to such information as is necessary to mitigate the recent adverse publicity,'' Judge wrote.
Kohberger is due back in court on June 27 for a hearing on his team's request to have the trial moved to a larger county. The survey is part of the defense's effort to show that Latah County, with a population of about 40,000, has too small a jury pool to ensure the accused killer would receive a fair trial. Kohberger, who was studying for a Ph.D.
The victims were Maddie Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, their housemate Xana Kernodle, 20, and her visiting boyfriend Ethan Chapin, also 20. Kohberger faces four charges of first-degree murder and a felony burglary count. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Judge entered not guilty pleas on his behalf for all charges during an arraignment last year. Kohberger could face the death penalty if convicted.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bryan Kohberger case: Idaho judge bans both sides from contacting prospective jurorsLatah County District Judge John Judge has ordered both sides in the Bryan Kohberger case to avoid contacting prospective jurors – an unusual move, experts say.
Read more »
Idaho college murders: Bryan Kohberger community survey can proceed, judge rulesKohberger's defense has been trying to gauge any bias in prospective jurors.
Read more »
Idaho murders update: Judge chastises Bryan Kohberger's attorney over survey to potential jurorsThe judge did not set a trial date for Kohberger or make any ruling about a change of venue.
Read more »
Idaho murders update: Judge chastises Bryan Kohberger's attorney over survey to potential jurorsThe judge did not set a trial date for Kohberger or make any ruling about a change of venue.
Read more »
Idaho murders: Bryan Kohberger judge slams defense quizzing locals, says survey 'concerns' himAn Idaho judge in the Bryan Kohberger murder case on Thursday took issue with a questionnaire that the murder suspect's defense team distributed to 400 Latah County residents.
Read more »
Bryan Kohberger Murder Trial: Where Does the Idaho Suspect's Case Stand?Sam Kubota is a senior digital editor and journalist for TODAY Digital based in Los Angeles. She joined NBC News in 2019.
Read more »