Moscow Court Vacated Upcoming Kohberger Hearings
Defense counsel has moved to disqualify Judge Steven Hippler citing potential bias.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Criminal Justice
A Moscow judge has vacated three upcoming hearings for Bryan Kohberger as the defense seeks to disqualify the presiding judge. Kohberger was arrested in 2022 following the killing of four University of Idaho students.
Why it matters
The motion to disqualify Judge Steven Hippler centers on concerns of potential bias in the legal proceedings. This development follows Kohberger's 2026 petition to withdraw the plea deal he entered into last year.
The court has vacated three hearings following a motion by defense attorney Greg Rauch to disqualify Judge Steven Hippler. This follows Kohberger's 2025 plea deal and subsequent 2026 petition to withdraw that agreement.
The players
Bryan Kohberger
He is the defendant in a high-profile case involving the deaths of four University of Idaho students and a former Ph.D. student at Washington State University.
Greg Rauch
He is the defense attorney representing Bryan Kohberger who filed the recent motion to disqualify the judge.
Steven Hippler
He is the judge currently presiding over the proceedings whose disqualification is being sought by the defense.
The details
Bryan Kohberger, a former Ph.D. student at Washington State University, was arrested in December 2022 for the home invasion killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The defense's latest motion adds another layer of complexity to the post-conviction relief process.
Timeline
Four University of Idaho students were killed in November 2022.
Bryan Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania on December 30, 2022.
Kohberger entered a plea deal in July 2025.
A motion to withdraw the plea was filed in July 2026.
A previously scheduled hearing was set for October 15, 2026.
Legal Context
This procedural delay reflects the ongoing complexity of the legal aftermath following the 2022 University of Idaho student killings. The motion to disqualify the judge marks a significant departure from standard scheduling as the defense attempts to reset the trial trajectory.
The cancellation of upcoming court appearances may lead to further delays in resolving the case for the local community. Residents should monitor official court updates as the legal process for post-conviction relief remains subject to change.
The takeaway
The latest filing demonstrates how defense teams utilize motions to challenge judicial impartiality to influence the pace of high-profile litigation. Readers should expect continued procedural uncertainty as the court determines the validity of the disqualification motion.
Further reading
For more information on the ongoing legal proceedings in this case, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHMI 93.5 FM.
