(NewsNation) — A judge sealed a motion filed by the defense team for Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, which discusses “alternative perpetrators” they say might have committed the murders.
Judge Steven Hippler pushed back, asking the defense team for more evidence to advance its theory beyond allegations during a May 15 hearing on the matter.
“It seemed to be much of what you put in there,” Hippler said in court, “was potentially fairly objectionable in terms of admissibility.”
Hippler will hold a hearing in June on whether these other alleged suspects can be introduced at trial.
Kohberger is charged in the deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at an off-campus house. He has pleaded not guilty.
Hippler has also sealed jury instructions and questionnaires that will be sent to possible jurors prior to the hearing.
Jury selection to find 12 jurors will begin in July, and Kohberger’s trial is scheduled to start by the second week in August.
