Judge Denies Personality Test for Bryan Kohberger, Extends Deadline for Rebuttal Disclosure
An Idaho judge has denied a request from prosecutors to conduct a personality test on Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students. Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Ethan Chapin. He also faces one count of felony burglary.
Judge Steven Hippler issued an order on Wednesday rejecting the state’s motion for the personality test, citing concerns about time constraints and potential legal complications. The decision comes as the legal proceedings against Kohberger continue to unfold, with both the prosecution and defense teams preparing for a potential trial.
Hippler explained that allowing a personality test at this stage could lead to the discovery of new mental health diagnoses, which in turn might necessitate further testing and evaluations. This would inevitably prolong the legal process, adding more time to an already complex and closely watched case.
Furthermore, the judge raised concerns about the scope of Kohberger’s waiver of privacy rights regarding his mental health. Hippler noted that Kohberger had only relinquished his privacy for mental health conditions he had already disclosed. A personality test, with its potential to uncover previously undisclosed diagnoses, could potentially overstep those boundaries.
As a result of the ruling, Kohberger’s defense team will not be permitted to present testimony regarding any alleged personality disorder he may have.
However, Judge Hippler did grant an extension to the deadline for rebuttal disclosure, providing prosecutors with more time for their expert to conduct a behavioral health examination of Kohberger. This extension is intended to allow prosecutors to challenge claims made by the defense’s experts, who have suggested that Kohberger may have autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The judge set a new deadline of May 27 for prosecutors to complete their report. He also stipulated that Kohberger’s defense team would not be allowed to be present during the mental health examination.
Family Members Permitted to Attend Trial
In a separate ruling, Judge Hippler determined that Kohberger’s immediate family members would be allowed to remain in the courtroom throughout the duration of the trial, even though prosecutors intend to call some of them as witnesses. This decision balances the need for a fair trial with the family’s right to support Kohberger during the proceedings.
Previous Defense Motions Denied
The recent rulings follow Judge Hippler’s denial in April of two separate motions filed by Kohberger’s defense team, both of which sought to exclude the possibility of the death penalty in the case.
Judge Dismisses Defense Concerns About Discovery
During an April 9 hearing, the defense team argued that the death penalty should be removed as a potential punishment because the discovery provided by prosecutors was voluminous and disorganized, making it difficult to navigate.
Judge Hippler dismissed the defense’s complaints, stating that their concerns about the amount of discovery produced "ring hollow." He pointed out that Kohberger had been receiving discovery in the same manner for over two years and had not previously requested additional resources to assist in reviewing the evidence.
The judge also noted that Kohberger’s lead counsel had insisted on taking on a second high-profile capital case despite the already extensive discovery involved in the Kohberger case. This suggested that the defense had the capacity to handle the volume of evidence.
Hippler emphasized that Kohberger had not sought additional resources, such as hiring additional staff or obtaining litigation document control software, to help organize and sort the evidence. This lack of initiative undermined the defense’s claim that the discovery was unmanageable.
The judge’s remarks highlighted the importance of proactive case management and resource allocation in complex legal proceedings.
Case Background
Bryan Kohberger is accused of entering a home near the University of Idaho campus in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022, and fatally stabbing Goncalves, Kernodle, Mogen, and Chapin. The crime shocked the community and sparked a massive investigation that led to Kohberger’s arrest in Pennsylvania in late December 2022.
Kohberger, who was a graduate student at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, at the time of the murders, has maintained his innocence.
The case has garnered national attention due to the horrific nature of the crime and the extensive media coverage surrounding the investigation and legal proceedings. The trial is expected to be lengthy and complex, with numerous legal challenges and evidentiary issues to be resolved.
The rulings from Judge Hippler reflect the careful consideration being given to all aspects of the case, as the court seeks to ensure a fair trial for Kohberger while also upholding the rights of the victims and their families.
