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Bryan Kohberger's new attorney says upcoming filings will address unanswered questions

Kohberger's legal team is challenging the constitutionality of his guilty plea while seeking the judge's removal and a venue change.

The short version

  • Jason Goldman, a New York attorney joining Bryan Kohberger's defense, stated that upcoming court filings will scrutinize the constitutional issues surrounding Kohberger's guilty plea.
  • Kohberger filed a post-conviction petition attempting to withdraw his plea for the 2022 University of Idaho murders, citing ineffective counsel, threats, and unkept promises.
  • Defense lawyers have filed motions to remove Judge Steven Hippler and transfer the venue back to Moscow, Idaho, while prosecutors are seeking to dismiss the petition.
  • The judge has established a November 13 deadline for Kohberger's defense team to submit an amended petition.

Key facts

  • Attorney Jason Goldman is joining Bryan Kohberger's legal team to focus on challenging the constitutionality of Kohberger's guilty plea.[Fox News]
  • Kohberger previously submitted a handwritten petition for post-conviction relief claiming his counsel was ineffective and that his plea was induced by threats and broken promises.[Fox News]
  • Judge Steven Hippler set a November 13 deadline for the defense to file an amended post-conviction petition.[Fox News]
  • Kohberger's legal team filed motions seeking to disqualify Judge Hippler, citing concerns over impartiality, and to move the venue back to Moscow, Idaho.[Fox News]
  • Prosecutors have requested the dismissal of Kohberger's petition and asked for transcripts from the July 2, 2025, change-of-plea hearing to counter his claims.[Fox News]

What remains uncertain

  • It is unknown whether Judge Hippler will agree to recuse himself or grant the motion to move the venue back to Latah County.[Fox News]
  • It remains uncertain whether the court will grant an evidentiary hearing or dismiss the post-conviction petition as requested by prosecutors.[Fox News]

Sources