(NewsNation) — Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, appeared in court Wednesday as a judge weighed whether to delay the trial.
Judge Steven Hippler heard arguments over whether law enforcement leaks of sensitive information warrant a delay as requested by Kohberger’s team.
He said he is taking the matter under advisement but indicated that both sides should continue to prepare as if the trial will begin in August as previously scheduled.
An investigation into the leaker’s identity is in progress, and Hippler has previously mentioned the possibility of employing a special prosecutor.
Prosecutors have said a delay is unnecessary and unfair to the victims’ families.
Kohberger, a former graduate student in criminal justice, is facing murder charges in the deaths of Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin.
The four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death Nov. 13, 2022, in an off-campus house, shocking the small town of Moscow, Idaho, and setting off a search for a suspect.
Kohberger, who was a student at nearby Washington State University, was arrested a month later after investigators said they used genetic genealogy to identify him.
In pretrial hearings, Kohberger’s team has argued for evidence to be thrown out and argued for charges against him to be dismissed.
Recently, a witness came forward saying she saw Kohberger at the crime scene. The woman, a 43-year-old DoorDash driver who was arrested on unrelated DUI charges, told police she saw Kohberger at the house when she delivered an order to one of the victims.
Kohberger’s trial is currently set for August. He is facing the death penalty.