Bryan Kohberger will return to court on October 15 for a hearing on his defense team’s request to remove Judge Steven Hippler from his post-conviction case. Kohberger is also seeking to withdraw his guilty plea to killing four University of Idaho students. His lawyers argue that the plea was affected by ineffective counsel, alleged unfulfilled promises and threats. The hearing will take place by WebEx at 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time.
| 1) | October hearing will address the judge’s disqualification |
| 2) | Defense challenges the validity of Kohberger’s guilty plea |
| 3) | New lawyers prepare an amended post-conviction petition |
| 4) | Prosecutors defend the plea and seek hearing transcripts |
| 5) | Sealed filing and upcoming deadlines shape the case |
October hearing will address the judge’s disqualification
The Idaho court has scheduled the disqualification hearing for Thursday, October 15, at 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time. The proceeding will be conducted through WebEx and will focus on whether Judge Steven Hippler should continue overseeing Kohberger’s post-conviction proceedings.
Attorney Greg Rauch filed a 22-page motion on August 27 arguing that the judge’s conduct and statements raised questions about his impartiality. The motion points to Hippler’s refusal to grant Kohberger’s former defense team additional time to complete discovery as the anticipated murder trial approached in 2025.
Defense challenges the validity of Kohberger’s guilty plea
Kohberger, 31, filed a handwritten post-conviction petition in July. He alleges that he received ineffective assistance of counsel and that his guilty plea was not knowingly or voluntarily entered because of alleged unfulfilled promises and threats by members of his legal team.
He pleaded guilty on July 2, 2025, to four counts of first-degree murder and one burglary charge in connection with the stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. On July 23, 2025, Judge Hippler imposed four consecutive life sentences without parole and an additional 10-year sentence. The plea agreement spared Kohberger a possible death sentence.
“The main priority right now is to scrutinize the constitutional issues surrounding Bryan’s plea,” attorney Jason Goldman said.
New lawyers prepare an amended post-conviction petition
The court appointed Moscow, Idaho, attorney Greg Rauch to represent Kohberger, and New York defense lawyer Jason Goldman later joined the legal team. The lawyers are expected to submit an amended petition by November 13, 2026, four years after the students were killed.
The amended filing is expected to develop the constitutional claims surrounding the plea and may address unresolved issues raised by the defense. Goldman has indicated that an evidentiary hearing could provide a forum for examining those issues, although the court must first consider the request to disqualify Hippler.
Prosecutors defend the plea and seek hearing transcripts
In opposing Kohberger’s request for post-conviction relief, Deputy Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Keith Scholl asked the court to obtain transcripts from the plea and sentencing hearings. Those records are expected to show Kohberger acknowledging his guilt and affirming that he was entering the plea knowingly and without duress.
The prosecution’s position is that Kohberger’s statements during the 2025 proceedings are relevant to his current claim that the plea was involuntary. The court will weigh those records and the defense’s allegations as the case moves forward.
Sealed filing and upcoming deadlines shape the case
In a separate order, Hippler gave Kohberger’s lawyers until September 10 to explain why a supplemental filing attached to the disqualification motion should remain sealed. The lawyers were also directed to provide the confidential filing to the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office.
The filing has not been made public and will remain sealed at least until the deadline. It may stay confidential for longer if the court determines that the defense has provided sufficient justification. The sealing dispute, the October hearing and the November deadline will determine the next stages of Kohberger’s challenge.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The judge-disqualification hearing is scheduled for October 15 by WebEx. |
| 2 | Kohberger is seeking to undo his July 2025 guilty plea. |
| 3 | His lawyers allege ineffective counsel and an involuntary plea. |
| 4 | An amended petition is expected by November 13. |
| 5 | Prosecutors are seeking transcripts from Kohberger’s plea and sentencing hearings. |
Summary
Kohberger’s post-conviction challenge now includes both an effort to remove the presiding judge and a request to withdraw the guilty plea that resulted in life sentences. The October 15 hearing will address the alleged judicial bias, while the defense’s amended petition is expected in November. Prosecutors are relying on Kohberger’s prior statements in court as they oppose the challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next hearing?
The hearing on the motion to disqualify Judge Steven Hippler is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time, through WebEx.
Why does Kohberger want to withdraw his guilty plea?
He alleges ineffective assistance of counsel and claims the plea was not knowingly or voluntarily entered because of alleged unfulfilled promises and threats from his legal team.
What sentence did Kohberger receive?
He received four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 10-year sentence, after pleading guilty to four murders and burglary.
What happens next?
The court will consider the judge-disqualification motion, review the parties’ arguments and address the defense’s expected amended petition, which is due by November 13.
