On Monday, an Idaho judge entered not guilty pleas for Bryan Kohberger, who allegedly killed four college students last year.
Kohberger, 28, stood silent during his arraignment hearing in Latah County when asked to enter his pleas. Kohberger did answer in the affirmative when asked if he understood the charges against him and his potential punishment — which includes the death penalty.
Because Kohberger did not respond when asked to answer his plea, the judge entered them for him.
During the hearing, the judge mispronounced the names of victims Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves. Gonclaves’ family members were reportedly spotted shaking their heads in court.
Prosecutors have 60 days to confirm whether they want to pursue the death penalty. A trial date was scheduled for October 2.
Kohberger, a Ph.D. criminal justice student at Washington State University, was arrested in December in Pennsylvania for murdering Maddie Mogen, Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Kernodle at the women’s off-campus home. He is believed to have turned off his phone during the November 13 murders. However, police claim he visited the area 12 times before the slayings.
Kohberger was arrested after a cross-country trip with his father from Idaho to Pennsylvania. During their trip, Indiana police pulled over the pair twice. Sources claimed the FBI requested the traffic stops to view possible injuries on Kohberger’s hands.
Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary. He remains jailed without bail.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:
[Featured image: Bryan Kohberger/AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, Pool]
