Attorneys for Bryan Kohberger, who has been accused of killing four University of Idaho students, are asking that his trial be delayed.
The court filing cites that a recent NBC “Dateline” special has caused prejudice towards Kohberger and that they now need additional time to prepare.
The defense also believes that moving forward would infringe on Kohberger’s constitutional rights.
The recent TV episode hinted that some of the information shared was not meant for the public eye. Sources connected to the investigation provided this confidential data, as per the official records.
Kohberger’s legal team also expressed their worries about an upcoming book related to the case. They argued in their submission that the description of the book’s content suggests that the leak of information to the Dateline team was not an isolated incident.
“A delay is essential to thoroughly explore the sources of the leaks and counteract the damaging impact of such biased publicity right before the impending trial,” the document emphasized.
Wendy Olson, center, an attorney representing a coalition of news organizations including The Associated Press, speaks during a hearing in Latah County District Court, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho, after asking Second District Judge John C. Judge to continue to allow cameras in the courtroom in the trial of Bryan Kohberger, second from left, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, Pool)
Forensic expert and Jacksonville State University Professor Joseph Scott Morgan told Fox News Digital there’s a risk that the TV episode on Kohberger will taint the jury pool.
“I think the first place you have to look is the tainting of the pool, of the jury pool,” Morgan said. “Progressively, it becomes more and more difficult because people form opinions, they put things out there that are not true, and you still have yet to pick a jury. And it’s not like you’re going to Manhattan. You’re talking about Ada County, Idaho. You have a limited pool of potential jurors there.”
Fox New Digital’s Adam Sabes contributed to this report.
