Bryan Kohberger, the convicted killer of four University of Idaho students, has filed motions to disqualify Judge Steven Hippler from his case and to move proceedings from Ada County to Latah County. The filings come as Kohberger attempts to retract his guilty plea in the 2022 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
Kohberger’s new attorney, Gregory Rauch, submitted the motions on Thursday, arguing that Judge Hippler’s impartiality may be compromised due to prior statements and his continued involvement in the case. The defendant, who was sentenced to life without parole in July 2024, has claimed his original guilty plea was coerced and has blamed his defense team for misleading him.
Judge Hippler’s prior remarks
The motions cite Judge Hippler’s description of Kohberger as a 'faceless coward' during sentencing as a key factor in the request for disqualification. Rauch’s filing states that the judge’s comments reflect forward-looking judgments about Kohberger’s credibility, which may now be central to the proceedings. The defense argues that the convergence of Hippler’s statements and his assignment to the post-conviction hearing raises reasonable concerns about impartiality.
Venue change request
In addition to the judge disqualification, Kohberger’s legal team has requested a change of venue from Ada County to Latah County, where he initially entered his guilty plea. The defense contends that a bench trial—decided solely by a judge—requires an 'unquestionably neutral forum' to adjudicate claims about former counsel’s performance and the constitutional validity of the plea. The motion asserts that concerns about jury impartiality, which prompted the original relocation to Ada County in 2024, do not apply to a judge-only proceeding.
Legal and procedural context
Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one felony burglary charge in 2023. His attorneys now argue that the plea was the result of flawed legal representation and that he is innocent of the crimes. The post-conviction relief filings mark a shift in strategy, as Kohberger seeks to overturn his conviction and sentence. The motions are pending before the court, and no ruling has been issued on either request.