Bryan Kohberger, the suspect behind the gruesome Idaho student murders that captured global interest last year, made an unexpected legal move this week.
According to the New York Post, Kohberger, through his attorney, waived his right to a speedy trial, possibly delaying the trial for months or years.
The trial was initially scheduled for Oct. 2. It's anyone's guess when it will be now.
Kohberger's move, initiated by his defense lawyer, Anne Taylor, sent shockwaves through the families of the victims who were murdered in Moscow, Idaho, in horrific ways.
Some of the family members of the victims who were slaughtered that day expressed their frustrations and concerns over a possibly long-delayed trial, as they're seeking justice, which would help bring some level of closure.
Instead, they'll have to relive the nightmare for a long time to come, until Kohberger is finally judged by a jury of his peers.
Bryan Kohberger, who stands accused of murdering four University of Idaho students, agrees to waive right to a speedy trial. @kaynawhitworth reports. pic.twitter.com/FjGVH9wUUd
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 24, 2023
"We are afraid he is going to waive his rights to a speedy trial. If he does, the trial will not be starting on Oct 2nd and it is very likely that it won’t take place for years. We want to get this trial over. Just thinking it could be years absolutely kills me," wrote the Gonclaves family, who lost their beloved Kaylee Goncalves in the murder.
The Post noted:
Five people lived at the King Road residence in Moscow, Idaho, including three of the victims — Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen.
Another victim, Ethan Chapin, was dating Kernodle and was staying at the home on Nov. 13, 2022, when all four were allegedly killed by Bryan Kohberger, who allegedly entered the home at around 4 a.m.
"Please pray for our family today," the Gonclaves wrote in a Facebook post.
Not surprisingly, social media reacted negatively to the news, with many saying they weren't surprised that the trial would be delayed as long as possible.
"Lock him up & throw away the key. I'm really tired of seeing his name trending. He thinks he's going to get away with everything he has done yet DNA, cell phone pings & modern day technology got him wrapped up in one little neat jail cell..." one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "I don’t understand how the court can allow this delay. Those poor parents."
Only time will tell when his trial will begin. It's truly sad that the victims' families must wait so long when justice should be served as soon as possible in this especially egregious situation.
