Convicted quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger has been granted two days in court in June 2027 as part of his petition to withdraw his guilty plea in the killings of four University of Idaho students. Judge Steven Hippler, who accepted Kohberger's guilty pleas in July 2025, set a status conference for June 3, 2027, and an evidentiary hearing for June 17, 2027, according to a court order. Prosecutors had requested the dismissal of Kohberger's petition without a hearing.
Kohberger pleaded guilty in July 2025 to the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. This plea agreement spared him from the death penalty. However, a year later, he sought to withdraw his guilty pleas, proclaiming his innocence in a petition for post-conviction relief.
In a handwritten petition dated July 27, 2026, Kohberger alleged that his defense team, led by Anne Taylor, convinced him to confess falsely. He claimed they failed to inform him about "exculpatory discovery," specifically mentioning hair found at the crime scene that was not tested for DNA but was later excluded as belonging to Kohberger through physical analysis.
Authorities stated that Kohberger's DNA was found on a knife sheath recovered at the crime scene, alongside two of the victims. His vehicle was tracked arriving at and departing from the location. Investigators were prepared to present evidence that, despite Kohberger turning off his phone during the murders, his vehicle's movements indicated he traveled to and from the crime scene.
The plea deal required Kohberger to waive his right to appeal, but this does not prevent him from seeking post-conviction relief, which could potentially lead to a new trial.
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador stated shortly after the petition was filed that his office is prepared "to do whatever is necessary to ensure justice is fully carried out."
Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole, plus an additional 10 years. These sentences were handed down by Judge Hippler.