(NewsNation) — The trial for Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing four students at the University of Idaho, is expected to start next June.
Kohberger faces four murder charges in connection with the November 2022 stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. Authorities in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, arrested Kohberger, then a student at Washington State University, on Dec. 30, 2022.
The anticipated date for the trial was announced at a court hearing for Kohberger on Thursday. While his trial was initially scheduled for October 2023, Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial, pushing the date back.
A location for the trial has not yet been confirmed. Defense attorneys want the trial moved away from Moscow, saying the publicity would prevent a fair trial.
If convicted, Kohberger, who entered a not guilty plea, could face the death penalty.
Investigators say they were able to link Kohberger to the crime using DNA found on a knife sheath found at the scene, surveillance videos and cellphone data. Meanwhile, Kohberger’s lawyers said in court filings that he was out driving alone on the night of the killings.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
