The defense in the case of Bryan Kohberger, charged with the murders of four University of Idaho students in their off-campus rental last year, is trying to “outlast” Idaho’s speedy trial law with repeated motions to delay the scheduled October 2 start date, CrimeOnline’s Nancy Grace says.
“What the defense is doing right now is gumming up the works,” she told Fox News.
The judge, so far, is having none of it, she said. “And I’m quoting him … reality check. We’re going forward in October with this trial.”
Grace explained that Judge John Judge is being a stickler for the scheduled date because the defense previously filed for a speedy trial.
“Under that, this must to to trial within six months of the indictment with no exceptions,” she said. “If it doesn’t go forward, there is an automatic acquital.”
Grace said that wearing a pro-firing squad t-shirt to court, as a member of victim Kaylee Goncalves’ family did at Friday’s hearing to taunt Kohberger, could help the defense delay.
“I understand how the victims feel,” she said. ” … I lost my fiance to murder just before our wedding. But wearing t-shirts that support the firng squad … it will help the defense argue for a change of venue.”
Wearing such clothing could also be a grounds for appeal if the court believes that it could enflame or taint the jury. Grace said she doesn’t think that would work, but it could be another reason for the defense to try to delay.
Grace said she wants justice in the case, “and I do not want to see Kohberger escape trial.”
Another defendant trying to delay proceedings is Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, the ex-wife of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan who was charged this week with masterminding the plot to kill him in Florida. Gardener-Fernandez’s husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, and another man have already been charged in Bridegan’s murder. Gardner-Fernandez, who lives in Washington state now, is fighting extradition.
Grace called her a “bitter, angry ex … [who’s] done nothing but fight like a wet cat ever since he wanted a divorce” after catching her in an affair”
“She’s in Washington state, and she’s fighting extradition back to Florida for trial,” Grace said. “That’s not gonna work. It’s just a way to delay. All extradition is, very simply, is ‘Are you Shanna Gardner? Give me your fingerprints and you’re going to trial.'”
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[Featured image: Fox News screenshot]
