(NewsNation) — The judge presiding over the Bryan Kohberger trial has criticized individuals who called in to his office in an attempt to sway his decision.
Judge Steven Hippler made the comments during the change of plea hearing, where Kohberger admitted to his guilt in the deaths of four University of Idaho students in 2022.
“I want to point out that there have been calls by some for the public to contact me and my office in an attempt to influence my decision-making in this case,” Hippler began.
“This has been extraordinarily disruptive for court staff and the ability for them to get work done, not only in this case, but in other cases where defendants are entitled to have their cases processed, and frankly, as important, if not more so, for victims to have their cases processed.”
Hippler noted it was “highly inappropriate,” and his court would never take public sentiment into account when presiding over cases.
He added that the court could not force the state to seek the death penalty in Kohberger’s case or any other. However, he did offer apologies to the families of the victims and of the defendant for the short notice for Wednesday’s hearing.
“I like most everyone else, learned of this plea agreement Monday afternoon, and had no inkling of it beforehand. Prior to that time, I was under the belief that this case was proceeding to trial, as had been indicated,” he said.
“Once I learned of the defendant’s decision to change his plea in this case, it was important that I take the plea as soon as possible.”