Story perspectives

Judge Schedules Hearings on Kohberger Post-Conviction Petition

8/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Steven Hippler scheduled hearings on Bryan Kohberger's post-conviction relief petition.
His plea deal removed the death penalty and imposed four consecutive life sentences without parole.
He claims counsel failed to disclose hair evidence found in victim Ethan Chapin’s hands.
A status conference is set for June 3 2027 and an evidentiary hearing for June 17 2027.
Prosecutors have asked the judge to dismiss the petition, which the court will consider.

History

Historical Context

The 1972 Furman v. Georgia ruling voided nearly 700 death sentences and forced 35 states to rewrite capital statutes, prompting the Supreme Court’s 1976 Gregg decision that reinstated executions through bifurcated trials. Today, U.S. District Judge Steven Hippler’s June 2027 hearing on Bryan Kohberger’s post-conviction relief revisits those Furman-era procedural safeguards.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Steven Hippler scheduled hearings on Bryan Kohberger's post-conviction relief petition.
His plea deal removed the death penalty and imposed four consecutive life sentences without parole.
He claims counsel failed to disclose hair evidence found in victim Ethan Chapin’s hands.
A status conference is set for June 3 2027 and an evidentiary hearing for June 17 2027.
Prosecutors have asked the judge to dismiss the petition, which the court will consider.

1 / 2