An Idaho judge lifted a gag order on Thursday (July 17) in the high-profile murder case involving Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students. The order had previously barred police and prosecutors from discussing the case publicly.

Judge Steven Hippler decided to lift the gag order, citing the importance of First Amendment rights. He stated that since a trial is no longer planned, the primary purpose of the gag order, which was to ensure an impartial jury, was no longer relevant. The decision came just days before Kohberger's sentencing, scheduled for July 23, where he is expected to receive four consecutive life sentences for the murders and a maximum of 10 years for burglary, as part of a plea deal.

Moscow Police Chief Anthony Dahlinger, speaking to ABC News, emphasized the department's focus on justice for the victims. He expressed hope that the lifting of the gag order would allow the community to begin healing. However, Dahlinger did not disclose a clear motive for the murders.

The case has drawn significant media attention, and the lifting of the gag order is expected to increase coverage. Despite this, both the prosecutor's office and the defense team have declined interview requests until after the sentencing. According to the Associated Press, Kohberger admitted to breaking into the victims' home and committing the murders, which he had planned for months.

Former Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins also shared insights into his past interactions with Kohberger, who was a criminology student at Washington State University. Jenkins recalled interviewing Kohberger for an internship and noted concerns about his demeanor, which later gave him chills when Kohberger's name surfaced in the investigation.

"This particular position, it requires someone who can develop trust and rapport with my staff, and these are police officers," Jenkins said. "In talking with [Kohberger], he didn't have a real conversational manner about him. He didn't come across as particularly personable, and I just didn't think he would be able to develop that trust and rapport."

The judge plans to review sealed documents in the case to determine which can be made public, but this process will not begin until after Kohberger's sentencing. Any documents unsealed by the judge will posted online by the Moscow Police Department.

Michael Brown