Idaho college murders suspect Bryan Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial at a hearing on Wednesday, putting off the start of his capital murder trial indefinitely.

Kohberger’s trial had been scheduled to begin on October 2, and Judge John Judge made clear at an all day hearing last week — in which defense attorneys argued several motionss to delay the trial — that he intended for the proceedings to begin on time.

As CrimeOnline’s Nancy Grace pointed out, Idaho state law requires, with no execeptions, that the trial begin within six months of indictment — which happened in May — or “there is an automatic acquittal.”

Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in the deaths of University of Idaho students Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Kaylee Goncalves on November 13 last year. He was arrested on December 30 at his parents’ Pennsylvania home and brought back to Idaho to stand trial.

Defense attorney Anne Taylor requested Wednesday’s hearing last week, telling Judge  she thought it would be quick and asking that it be in person rather than by video, the Idaho Statesman reported.

The next scheduled hearing is September 1, when the judge will hear arguments on the defense’s motion to dismiss the grand jury indictment. Judge also suggested a new trial date may be set at that time.

At Wednesday’s hearing, Taylor said that she intends to file a motion to strike the death penalty from consideration, KREM said.

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[Featured image: Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a hearing, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at the Latah County Courthouse in Moscow., Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. (August Frank/The Lewiston Tribune via AP, Pool)]