Bryan Kohberger, Charged In The Slayings Of 4 Idaho College Students, Wants Cameras Out Of Courtroom

BOISE, Idaho –  Attorneys for Bryan Kohberger, accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students late last year want cameras removed from the courtroom, claiming that news coverage of the criminal proceedings breached a judge’s orders and jeopardized his right to a fair trial.

Bryan Kohberger has been charged with four counts of murder in connection with the killings that occurred last November at a rented house near the university campus in Moscow, Idaho. Earlier this year, a court filed a not-guilty plea on Kohberger’s behalf. Prosecutor Bill Thompson of Latah County has stated that he plans to pursue the death penalty, and the case is set for trial this autumn, though it could be postponed.

Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University, just across the state line from the scene of the killings. He was detained at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania, and the peculiar circumstances of the case have piqued the public’s interest.

Second District Judge John Judge on Wednesday afternoon heard arguments over camera access.

According to Kohberger’s defense attorney, Jay Logsdon, the courtroom images and recordings were abused, dehumanizing Kohberger and jeopardizing his right to a fair trial. He also expressed concern that the films and images could reveal confidential notes and papers on the defense table, potentially revealing information protected by attorney-client privilege regulations.

“The court, I think, understands our concern about turning this into a spectacle,” Logsdon said, adding that permitting images and video “turns it into more of a TV show drama than a court proceeding.”

Bryan Kohberger has been charged with four counts of murder in connection with the killings that occurred last November at a rented house near the university campus in Moscow, Idaho.

He admitted that news outlets and others would undoubtedly rerun prior court photographs if cameras were prohibited, but he claimed this would reduce the case’s novelty.

“I don’t think we can underestimate the power of novelty,” Logsdon said, comparing new court photos to viral online memes. “Removing this almost’side-show’ from what’s being put out there is an important way to remove this case’s sensationalism and reduce it to just the words on the page.

Wendy Olson, an attorney for a coalition of news media organizations covering the case, including The Associated Press, said the news organizations have strictly adhered to the Judge’s directives about images and films in the courtroom. According to her, video and photo coverage of court proceedings significantly boost public access and comprehension of the case, and Idaho’s laws for how cameras can be used in court already include measures to guarantee the right to a fair trial.

However, 2nd District Judge John Judge questioned that allegation. He described the criminal case as a tragedy rather than entertainment.

He claims that the pool camera operators are not the issue, but how others use the photographs is.

“It’s where that film goes and how it’s manipulated, as well as how people — commentators — talk about and explain it.” “And it’s not always very accurate,” he remarked. “This information, misinformation, is disseminated alongside the images and films.” So, how do we handle that?”

Bryan Kohberger has been charged with four counts of murder in connection with the killings that occurred last November at a rented house near the university campus in Moscow, Idaho.

According to Olson, the best method is to have cameras in the courtroom so responsible news consumers and public members have a clear and consistent record of the facts. By removing that record, “talking heads” can spread falsehoods unabated.

“The answer is more sunshine, not less,” she explained.

The Judge said he was considering using a system similar to what C-SPAN occasionally employs to cover Congress, with a camera in the back of the courtroom.

“Perhaps that can just satisfy everybody, partially,” Judge speculated. “I thought that might be a way to give a little while also protecting what we’re trying to protect.” I’ve never seen anything very exciting on C-SPAN.”

He said he would issue a judgment later after “a lot of balancing.”

“I’m going to try to figure out and do the right thing for both the public, the parties, and the rule of law,” stated Judge.

Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin’s bodies were discovered on Nov. 13, 2022, at a residence across the street from the University of Idaho campus. Investigators believe DNA evidence, mobile data and surveillance video link Kohberger to the slayings.

SOURCE – (AP)