US News
Kohberger seeks judge's removal, prosecutors say remarks don't show bias
Fox News reports that Bryan Kohberger wants Judge Steven Hippler removed and his guilty plea withdrawn, while prosecutors oppose the motion.
The short version
- Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty in July 2025 to four murder counts and burglary, is seeking to remove Judge Steven Hippler.[Fox News]
- He also seeks to withdraw his guilty plea, alleging biased sentencing remarks and ineffective counsel; prosecutors dispute these claims.[Fox News]
- A virtual hearing on the removal motion is set for Oct. 15, and an amended petition is due Nov. 13; the outcome remains unknown.[Fox News]
Key facts
- Kohberger pleaded guilty on July 2, 2025, to four counts of first-degree murder and a burglary charge tied to the stabbing deaths of four young people.[Fox News]
- Kohberger's new legal team filed a motion on Aug. 27 seeking Judge Hippler's removal, alleging biased sentencing statements and a rushed path to trial.[Fox News]
- At sentencing, Judge Hippler called Kohberger a faceless coward and questioned whether he could be relied on to tell the truth.[Fox News]
- Prosecutors Bill Thompson and Keith Scholl argued that the allegations do not meet the demanding standard required to show a judge is biased.[Fox News]
- Prosecutors accuse Kohberger of searching for better arguments to withdraw his guilty plea.[Fox News]
- Judge Hippler scheduled a virtual hearing on the removal motion for Oct. 15, and the court appointed Greg Rauch to take over the case.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Judge Hippler will be removed is unresolved; the motion is disputed by prosecutors and no hearing outcome has been reported.[Fox News]
- Kohberger's July handwritten petition alleges ineffective counsel and an involuntary plea; these claims are his allegations and have not been resolved.[Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.