MOSCOW, Idaho (Scripps News Boise/Court TV) — The judge overseeing the case against the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students issued orders clarifying a previous ruling.
Bryan Kohberger is charged with murder and burglary in the deaths of the four students who were killed in their home on Nov. 13, 2022. Kohberger has pleaded not guilty in the case.
Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho. A judge overseeing the case against Kohberger, charged with killing four University of Idaho students last fall, is set to hear arguments over a gag order that largely bars attorneys and other parties in the case from speaking with news reporters. (Zach Wilkinson/Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP, Pool)
Judge John Judge issued a ruling on June 23rd that journalists are allowed to interview family members involved in the case, but not lawyers.
The ruling comes after a Motion to Vacate the Amended Nondissemination Order was filed by a coalition of 20 media outlets, including Scripps News.
The court insists that the Nondissemination Order is not a gag order; it will, however, restrict attorneys directly involved in the case who are representing the party, witnesses, or victims’ families, and the agents for those attorneys, including law enforcement, from making certain statements about the case to the media or the public.
Judge Judge also ruled that he would continue to allow cameras in the courtroom for hearings, but reserved his right to change the ruling for future hearings and the trial.
The court says the ruling is intended to protect Kohberger’s right to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment.
This story was originally published on June 23, 2023, by KIVI in Boise, an E.W. Scripps Company.
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