Bryan Kohberger judge removal is back before the court as prosecutors argue there is no evidence of bias from the Idaho jurist who sentenced him after his guilty plea in the University of Idaho student murders.
Kohberger, 31, is seeking to oust Judge Steven Hippler, who at sentencing described him as a “faceless coward” and said he could find nothing “good or intrinsically human” about him. Prosecutors say those remarks, made after Kohberger admitted guilt, do not show judicial bias as he now attempts to withdraw his plea.
Prosecutors oppose Bryan Kohberger judge removal
In a filing signed by outgoing Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Keith Scholl, the state argued that removal requires showing the judge is biased, not that bias might be perceived. They wrote that none of the defense allegations, alone or together, meet what they called an extremely high bar.
Scholl previously asked for transcripts of the plea change and sentencing, where Kohberger confirmed he was pleading knowingly and without coercion. The state also contends Hippler’s post-plea comments were not unusual in light of the admitted killings of four students and do not affect his ability to fairly handle post-conviction issues.
Hippler was seen wiping away tears during victims’ impact statements. He also noted at sentencing that there was no requirement for Kohberger to explain his actions under the plea deal that spared him the death penalty.
Defense cites comments and case pace
Kohberger’s new legal team moved on Aug. 27 to remove Hippler, asserting the judge’s remarks showed bias and that he pushed the case toward trial when prior defense counsel was not prepared. Hippler has set a virtual hearing on the motion for Oct. 15.
Kohberger filed a handwritten petition in July claiming ineffective counsel, alleging his guilty plea was not entered knowingly or voluntarily due to unkept promises, and asserting it was not voluntary because of threats from his legal team. The court appointed Moscow, Idaho, attorney Greg Rauch to represent him, and his family retained private New York lawyer Jason Goldman. Hippler gave Rauch until Nov. 13 to submit an amended petition.
Timeline of plea and sentencing
Kohberger pleaded guilty on July 2, 2025, to four counts of first-degree murder and a burglary charge in the stabbing deaths of Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, and Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, both 20. On July 23, 2025, Hippler sentenced him to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, plus 10 years, under a deal that removed the death penalty from consideration.
The guilty plea followed Hippler’s denial of a defense request for more time for discovery ahead of trial. Prosecutors now argue the judge is best positioned, as intended by Idaho law and court rules, to evaluate any post-conviction relief claims.
The killings occurred in November 2022 at an off-campus house on King Road in Moscow, Idaho, where the four University of Idaho students were found dead.
