Trial for Bryan Kohberger, man accused of University of Idaho killings, moves to Ada County

Idaho’s Supreme Court declared last week that the trial of Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students, would take place in Ada County, which is home to the state capital of Boise. 

Kohberger’s lawyers requested the change of venue earlier this year. They argued the small population and constant media coverage in Latah County, where the murders occurred, would make a fair trial impossible. 

Referring to the request, District Court Judge John Judge said, “This is probably, professionally, the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make.” Judge ultimately granted the venue change, citing concerns over security, capacity and juror bias. 

The family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the victims, was vocal about its disappointment. 

“We have always felt that a fair and impartial jury could be found in Latah County and still believe that is where the trial deserves to be held to help the community heal,” the family said in a statement. “The only good thing about this decision is it will be Judge Judge’s last decision in this case.” 

It was up to the state’s Supreme Court to determine where the trial would move. It decided upon the state’s most populous county, which has roughly half a million residents. 

“It seems to be that if you have a big case in Idaho, the only place that anybody ever thinks that it can be tried is at Ada County,” said Shanon Gray, a lawyer representing the Goncalves family. 

Gray said the family was surprised that the trial wasn’t moved to counties closer to Latah, such as Kootenai or Nez Perce. He pointed out that the majority of the people involved in the case, from police officers to witnesses, will need to travel more than six hours from the scene of the crime to Ada County. 

Those who want to remain for the entire trial, such as the Goncalves family, will need to remain there for six to eight weeks. 

“As victims’ families you are left to just watch like everyone else and really you have little rights or say in the process,” the family said. “And at the same time you are the most vested in the outcome.” 

Kohberger was flown to Boise on Sunday, where he will remain until the trial begins. It’s tentatively set for next June.