BOISE, Idaho — The man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022 could still face the death penalty after a judge denied his defense's attempt to block it.
Ada County Administrative District Judge Steven Hippler ruled that Bryan Kohberger and his defense failed to identify an alternative method of punishment. The defense argued lethal injection "cannot be carried out without causing undue pain."
Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if he's found guilty.
Under Idaho law, a jury must unanimously impose a death sentence and can do so if they find at least one aggravating factor in the crime. Prosecutors are arguing four aggravating circumstances.
In Idaho, the death penalty is considered the maximum penalty when it comes to defendants who either plead guilty or are found guilty of first-degree murder. Lethal injection would be the legal form of capital punishment.
Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. He is accused of killing Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves two years ago, on Nov. 13, 2022. A not-guilty plea has been entered on Kohberger's behalf.
Kohberger's trial is scheduled to start Aug. 11, 2025. It is expected to run through Nov. 7, 2025.
Jury selection is scheduled to start July 30, 2025.
Trial proceedings are expected to begin each day at 7:30 a.m. PST and will conclude at around 2:30 p.m. PST.
A final pre-trial conference is set for May 15, 2025 and will continue through May 16, 2025, if needed.