Full Breakdown
Idaho Judge Schedules 2027 Hearings as Bryan Kohberger Seeks to Withdraw Guilty Plea
8/27/2026, 9:55:43 PM
Background & Context
In November 2022, Bryan Kohberger, then a criminology graduate student at Washington State University, fatally stabbed four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin (20)—in a rental house near the Moscow campus. In July 2025 he entered a guilty plea to four counts of first-degree murder and one burglary charge. The plea agreement removed the death penalty and resulted in four consecutive life sentences without parole, plus a 10-year term for burglary.
Kohberger later filed a handwritten petition for post-conviction relief, alleging that his former counsel gave “false promises” about prison conditions, threatened him with “death-row” scenarios, and failed to disclose potentially exculpatory evidence. He claims the plea was not entered knowingly or voluntarily. The state has moved to dismiss the petition, arguing it raises no genuine issue of material fact.
Timeline
- July 2025 – Kohberger pleads guilty; confirms voluntarily and acknowledges guilt.
- July 2025 – He files a handwritten petition alleging ineffective assistance of counsel and coercion.
- July 2025 – New court-appointed attorney Greg Rauch is assigned.
- June 2027 (scheduled) – Status conference set for June 3.
- June 2027 (scheduled) – Potential evidentiary hearing set for June 17 at 9:00 a.m.
- February 2027 (deadline) – Both sides must disclose any witnesses, including experts.
- March 1 2027 (deadline) – State’s rebuttal expert disclosures due.
- May 7 2027 (deadline) – Discovery requests must be completed.
- November deadline – Kohberger must file an amended petition, four years after the murders.
Data & Statistics
- Victims: Four students (Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle, Chapin).
- Sentences: Four consecutive life terms without parole plus a 10-year burglary term.
- Plea-deal effect: Death penalty removed; right to appeal waived.
Official Statements & Responses
- Kohberger’s new counsel, Greg Rauch, declined to comment on the merits of the petition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?” — Judge Hippler, idaho judge
- “My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn.” — Bryan Kohberger, very same judge
What’s Next
The court will hold a status conference on June 3 2027. If the judge determines an evidentiary hearing is warranted, it will proceed on June 17 2027. Both parties must meet disclosure deadlines in early 2027, and the state’s motion to dismiss the petition remains pending. The outcome will determine whether Kohberger’s guilty plea can be withdrawn and the case proceeds to trial.
