MOSCOW, Idaho (Scripps News Boise/Court TV) — The judge overseeing the case against the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students issued orders clarifying a previous ruling.
Bryan Kohberger is charged with murder and burglary in the deaths of the four students who were killed in their home on Nov. 13, 2022. Kohberger has pleaded not guilty in the case.
Judge John Judge issued a ruling on June 23rd that journalists are allowed to interview family members involved in the case, but not lawyers.
READ MORE: Bryan Kohberger’s DNA profile linked to evidence in newly released court docs
The ruling comes after a Motion to Vacate the Amended Nondissemination Order was filed by a coalition of 20 media outlets, including Scripps News.
The court insists that the Nondissemination Order is not a gag order; it will, however, restrict attorneys directly involved in the case who are representing the party, witnesses, or victims’ families, and the agents for those attorneys, including law enforcement, from making certain statements about the case to the media or the public.
Judge Judge also ruled that he would continue to allow cameras in the courtroom for hearings, but reserved his right to change the ruling for future hearings and the trial.
The court says the ruling is intended to protect Kohberger’s right to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment.
This story was originally published on June 23, 2023, by KIVI in Boise, an E.W. Scripps Company.