MOSCOW, Idaho — The criminal trial and any upcoming court proceedings for the man accused of killing four Idaho college students last year can no longer be filmed by the media. Instead, the court will take matters into its own hands.
Latah County District Judge John C. Judge filed an order Friday to ban both still and video cameras from the courtroom during any proceedings for Bryan Kohberger. Rather than allowing outside cameras to videotape the proceedings, Judge stated a "Court operated camera system" will livestream them and share them on his personal YouTube channel.
"This will help to alleviate the concerns raised by both the defense and the State, but at the same time will ensure the public still has access to see the proceedings for themselves if they cannot attend hearings in-person," the order stated.
Kohberger is accused of murdering Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen in a home near the University of Idaho last November. Since the murders took place, the case has gained widespread attention both locally and nationally.
Shortly after the suspect was arrested, a judge issued a nondissemination order preventing anyone involved in the case from discussing the proceedings publicly. Although the gag order is still in place, the court has allowed cameras to be in the courtroom during Kohberger's proceedings and hearings, including his arraignment.
In early June 2023, however, Kohberger filed a motion to prohibit cameras from the courtroom during future proceedings, to include his trial. In the memorandum, the defense said prohibiting cameras and limiting media coverage will protect the suspect's Sixth Amendment rights, prevent "unfairly prejudicial coverage" and prevent courtroom participants from being harassed or distracted.
The families of Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle previously shared their support for allowing cameras to broadcast the trial. The families stated they want the court to allow cameras in the courtroom to ensure accountability for everyone involved and to lift the "veil of secrecy" they believe is hanging over the case.
A date for Kohberger's trial has not been set at this time. However, the state was given until Dec. 1, 2023 to turn over all genetic genealogy evidence to the judge so he can review it.
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