Judge Indicates Likely Violation of Gag Order in Bryan Kohberger Idaho Murder Trial
On Thursday, an Idaho judge indicated that it is probable that someone from the prosecution team or law enforcement at some point violated the court's gag order.
Wednesday saw renewed scrutiny of the high-profile Bryan Kohberger case after an Idaho judge determined that a court-imposed gag order was "likely" violated following the broadcast of sensitive investigative information on national television.
The controversy arose from a television episode aired on May 9, which revealed previously undisclosed elements from the investigation into the deaths of four University of Idaho students: Xana Kernodle, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, and Ethan Chapin, 20. Bryan Kohberger is accused of murdering the four students at their King Road residence in November 2022.
Among the new details publicized during the episode were:
- Surveillance video from a nearby house, showing a car, closely matching the description of Kohberger's vehicle, spotted several times near the crime scene just before the killings.
- Cellphone tower data allegedly placing Kohberger’s cellphone within 100 feet of the 1122 King Road address nearly a dozen times, according to FBI analyses.
- Additional search records and surveillance materials not previously confirmed by officials.
Following these revelations, Judge Steven Hippler issued an order Thursday indicating that the court’s gag order—designed to protect the integrity of ongoing legal proceedings—was "likely" breached by someone affiliated with law enforcement or the prosecution. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that the unauthorized disclosure of such details could impact the fairness of future proceedings.
Judge Hippler further directed all individuals who worked with law enforcement or prosecutors on the case to retain any communications and data related to the murder investigation. Additionally, prosecutors have been required to submit, within seven days, a comprehensive list of every person within law enforcement and prosecution agencies who had access to the confidential information broadcast during the episode. This submission is to be made "on camera," ensuring a clear record for the court.
The security of investigative information remains a central concern as the legal process continues, with questions lingering over how the sensitive details came to be included in the televised report. The disclosure has raised alarms about protocol and confidentiality in one of the country’s most watched criminal cases.
This story is developing. More updates are expected as the court addresses the apparent breach and identifies those responsible.