A judge has largely upheld gag orders related to the prosecution of Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of stabbing to death four University of Idaho students last year, The Associated Press reports.
In an order issued Friday, Second District Judge John Judge declined a news media request to dismiss the gag order, which prevents people associated with the case from speaking publicly about it.
But the court did narrow the order to no longer cover police from talking with the media and clarified when certain statements are allowed, according to a copy of the 29-page order posted on the court’s website.
“As currently drafted, the Amended Nondissemination Order is arguably overbroad and vague in some areas,” Judge wrote. “However, it does serve legitimate purpose, and restricting the speech of attorneys participating in the case is reasonable.”
Prosecutors have charged Kohberger with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in connection with the slayings. A judge in late May entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of the 28-year-old.
It is not clear whether police have identified a motive, but investigators believe Kohberger killed Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in the early morning hours of November 13 at an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho.
At the time, Kohberger was a criminology Ph.D. student at the nearby Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.
Under Friday’s order, lawyers can still speak to reporters about information that is already public record, to ask the public for help in obtaining additional information or to protect against “the substantial undue prejudicial effect of recent publicity,” according to the Idaho Statesman.
The identity of witnesses, anticipated testimony and any information about possible plea deals or statements by the defendant are not permitted.
The court also denied a request by a lawyer for the Goncalves family to allow lawyers representing the victims’ families to speak to the press.
Various news organizations had requested the court remove the gag order, arguing that the restrictions suppressed reporters’ First Amendment rights.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. (Zach Wilkinson/The Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP, Pool)]
