Judge Orders Inquiry Into Possible Gag Order Breach in Kohberger Case
MOSCOW, Idaho — May 16, 2025 — The judge presiding over the high-profile murder trial of Bryan Kohberger has ordered attorneys to help identify the source of a possible information leak, following the broadcast of sensitive case details in a recent television episode.
Fourth District Judge Steven Hippler expressed concern that protected case information—including Kohberger’s internet search history—was disclosed in a May 9 episode of NBC’s Dateline, potentially violating a longstanding gag order.
Possible Special Prosecutor to Investigate Leak
Judge Hippler directed both the prosecution and defense teams to submit lists of individuals—such as attorneys, law enforcement personnel, consultants, or staff—who may have had access to the leaked information. He added that he would consider appointing a special prosecutor to determine who may have shared the confidential material.
“Such violations potentially frustrate the ability to ensure both sides receive a fair trial,” Hippler wrote in his order. “It is imperative to attempt to see that the source of such leak is identified and held to account.”
The gag order has been in effect since 2023 to preserve the integrity of the trial and prevent pretrial publicity from influencing potential jurors.
Kohberger Trial Expected to Begin in August
Bryan Kohberger, 30, a former criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, is charged with the November 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students: Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. The students were found fatally stabbed in a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho.
Kohberger has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted.
Additional Jurors to Be Seated Following Leak
During a pretrial hearing Wednesday, Hippler acknowledged that the leak may impact jury selection, saying the court has decided to seat additional alternate jurors in light of the situation.
He also instructed all individuals connected to the case to preserve any communications they may have had with the media or outside parties concerning the investigation or trial.
The information broadcast in the Dateline episode reportedly included digital tracking data of Kohberger’s movements and his online activity before and after the incident. Hippler noted that the matter was discussed with legal counsel during a closed portion of the hearing, with public comments also referencing the episode.
Family Attendance and Victim Impact
Judge Hippler recently ruled that members of Kohberger’s immediate family will be permitted to attend the trial, even if they may be called as witnesses. Victims’ family members are also allowed to be present in the courtroom, including Steve Goncalves, father of Kaylee Goncalves, who has publicly advocated for transparency in the trial process.
Goncalves previously told 48 Hours that his daughter may have been awake and attempted to escape during the attack based on the scene’s layout.
