Kohberger attorney wants trial in Ada County

Bryan Kohberger’s attorney again argued that the suspect’s trial should be moved outside of Latah County in a new document filed with Latah County District Court.

Anne Taylor says the trial should take place in Ada County to preserve Kohberger’s constitutional right.

“(Kohberger’s) protection to a fair and impartial jury is infringed without a change of venue,” attorney Anne Taylor wrote in a memorandum. “A fair and impartial jury cannot be found in Latah County because of the extensive publicity that is ongoing and inflammatory.”

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the November 2022 stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

Kohberger’s jury trial is set for June 2, 2025. The trial is expected to run until Aug. 29, 2025, but not during the federal holidays of June 19 or July 4.

In the memorandum, Taylor argues the public has already vilified Kohberger thanks to the relentless media coverage of the case. She said Latah County’s small population is too saturated with this “inaccurate and speculative” media coverage to produce an unbiased jury. She also claimed University of Idaho President Scott Green contributed to this bias when he wrote about the murders in his book “University President’s Crisis Handbook.”

Taylor hired Dr. Bryan Edelman, of Trial Innovations, to survey Latah County residents to gauge their opinions of the case. The survey says 70% of people surveyed who were aware of the case believe Kohberger is guilty.

Taylor is in favor of moving the trial to Ada County because it provides the largest pool of jury candidates. While she admits that selecting an impartial jury will remain difficult because of the publicity of the case, Taylor believes Ada County’s large population gives them the best chance at finding one.

She also said the Ada County Courthouse is large enough and secure enough to accommodate the trial. Boise Airport’s number of direct flights will also make Ada County a convenient location for witnesses who have to travel to the trial, she wrote.

Additionally, Taylor argued there will be a conflict of interest if former Moscow Police Chief James Fry is elected to Latah County Sheriff.

“Chief Fry, is a witness in this case,” Taylor wrote. “He has engaged in extensive media statements. If he is elected, his position statutorily gives him power to summons jurors if directed to do so and to be in charge of an empaneled jury.”

Latah County District Judge John Judge will hear Taylor’s argument to change the trial venue during an Aug. 29 hearing.

Kuipers can be reached at akuipers@dnews.com.