Bryan Kohberger Hearing Set for 2027 as He Seeks to Withdraw Guilty Plea

A judge has scheduled proceedings for 2027 to consider Bryan Kohberger’s request to withdraw the guilty plea he entered in connection with the murders of four University of Idaho students.

Kohberger pleaded guilty in July 2025 to killing Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed not to pursue the death penalty. Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 10-year sentence for burglary.

In July 2026, Kohberger unexpectedly filed a motion seeking to withdraw his guilty plea. In his filing, he alleged that his former attorney had pressured him, provided false information, and failed to disclose potentially exculpatory evidence.

Judge Steven Hippler has now scheduled a status conference for June 3, 2027, followed by an evidentiary hearing on June 17, 2027.

The evidentiary hearing will give the court an opportunity to consider evidence and arguments related to Kohberger’s claims and his request to withdraw the plea.

The scheduled hearings do not mean that Kohberger’s guilty plea has been withdrawn or that a new trial has been ordered. His existing convictions and sentences remain in effect unless the court grants his motion.

Source: NBC news