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Bryan Kohberger seeks judge’s removal in escalating bid to undo guilty plea

Bryan Kohberger’s new lawyer says the judge showed bias and that moving the case would better serve witness convenience.

  • On Thursday, attorney Gregory Rauch filed motions seeking to disqualify Fourth Judicial District Judge Steven Hippler and move Bryan Kohberger's post-conviction relief proceeding from Ada County to secure an "unquestionably neutral forum."
  • Kohberger filed a petition last year to withdraw his 2025 guilty plea, alleging his former defense counsel provided ineffective assistance and misled him into accepting the plea for the four University of Idaho student murders.
  • The motion argues Hippler rejected concerns over the "constitutional adequacy" of previous counsel, dismissed defense complaints as "tactical delay," and made sentencing remarks calling Kohberger a "faceless coward."
  • Rauch requested transferring the proceeding to Latah County, citing that criminal charges originated there and relevant witnesses and counsel are based in North Idaho; the court reserved June 17, 2027, for a potential evidentiary hearing.
  • If the court vacates the plea, the case could return to pre-plea status and prosecutors could again pursue the death penalty; if rejected, Kohberger's four life sentences remain in place.
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Bias Distribution

  • 43% of the sources are Center, 43% of the sources lean Right
43% Right

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The Columbian broke the news in Vancouver, United States on Friday, August 28, 2026.
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