Judge John Judge granted Kohberger’s motion for a change of venue in an order released Monday.
On Jan. 30, Kohberger’s defense team filed a motion for a change of venue, citing a memorandum submitted to the Court indicating public notoriety and bias.
In the State’s written response to Kohberger’s motion on Feb. 8, Latah County Prosecutor William Thompson objected to the motion, arguing the defense’s motion was premature.
The Court heard arguments in a change of venue hearing on Aug. 29. Although the State objected to the defense’s motion, the State did not call any witnesses during the hearing on Aug. 29.
In the Court’s decision, Judge John Judge granted Kohberger’s motion, citing evidence and testimony provided by witnesses called by the defense. During the hearing, the defense argued the evidence and testimony proved bias toward Kohberger in Latah County.
Although the defense asked the venue to be moved to Boise in Ada County, Judge John Judge’s order calls for a transfer of venue “without specifying the new place of venue,” according to the Court’s order.
