Global Courant 2023-05-22 22:03:35
MOSCOW, Idaho – A judge pleaded not guilty to all charges against Bryan Kohberger at his arraignment Monday — more than seven months after detectives alleged he fatally stabbed four University of Idaho students in their off-campus home.
Deputies escorted Kohberger to the courtroom around 9 a.m., where he faced Judge John Judge.
The defendant, dressed in an orange jumpsuit and without handcuffs, smiled at his attorney, Kootenai County Public Defender Anne Taylor, and sat still. He nodded as Judge read out his rights.
Taylor said they would “keep quiet,” so Judge entered the not guilty plea to the charges against Kohberger. “Silence” means that the accused does not take a guilty or not guilty position, but has the same result as pleading not guilty.
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Bryan Kohberger, dressed in an orange jumpsuit and without handcuffs, smiled at his attorney, Kootenai County Public Defender Anne Taylor, and sat still. (Fox news)
After the hearing, victim Kaylee Goncalves’ father shook hands with Ben Mogen, Madison Mogen’s father.
Kaylee’s sister, Alivea Goncalves, said it was “important” for her family to be present at Monday’s hearing.
Kristi Goncalves arrives at Latah County Court on Monday, May 22, 2023. The mother of murdered University of Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves was there for the arraignment of Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing Kaylee and three other students. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and another burglary charge in connection with the stabbings of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, also 20, on Nov. 13, 2022.
The prosecution has 60 days to notify the defense if they seek the death penalty.
The victims of the University of Idaho massacre on November 13, from left to right: Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen. (Instagram @xanakernodle / @maddiemogen / @kayleegoncalves)
Taylor asked the judge for a six-week trial starting in October, which the judge approved. He set a start date of October 2 — less than a year after the murders — for a six-week trial.
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The three young women lived together in a six-bedroom house a block from campus with two other non-target roommates. Chapin was in a relationship with Kernodle and was visiting for the night — just days before the students were due to leave for Thanksgiving.
Kohberger, 28, was studying for a Ph.D. at neighboring Washington State University.
This photo, provided by the Monroe County Correctional Facility, Pa., shows Bryan Kohberger. Arrest papers filed by Pennsylvania State Police in Monroe County Court Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, said Kohberger, 28, was being held for extradition in a criminal investigation into the murder of four University of Idaho students based on an active warrant for murder with premeditation issued by Moscow Police and Latah County Prosecutor’s Office. (Monroe County Correctional Facility via AP)
In previously unsealed court documents, police claimed they tracked his vehicle, a white Hyundai Elantra, to the victims’ home at least 10 times before the murders and another hour later, but before police arrived. They also allegedly found DNA evidence on a Ka-Bar knife sheath found next to Mogen’s body.
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All four students had been stabbed to death, according to Cathy Mabbutt, Latah County coroner — and some of them were likely asleep at the start of the 4 a.m. ambush.
Bryan Kohberger and his alleged victims, clockwise from top left, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves. (WSU/Instagram)
Kohberger is being held without bail at the Latah County Jail in Moscow, Idaho.
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He could face the death penalty if convicted. The defendant faces 10 years in prison and up to four consecutive life sentences if found guilty.
This is a breaking news story. Check back later for updates.
Michael Ruiz is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to michael.ruiz@fox.com and on Twitter: @mikerreports
