Murder suspect expected to waive extradition

By on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

MONROE COUNTY, Pennsylvania – Bryan Christopher Kohberger, 28, the man suspected of killing four University of Idaho students in November has a scheduled extradition hearing this morning (Tuesday) in Monroe County Court of Common Pleas in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. His public defender said he is expected to waive extradition and is eager to state his case in Moscow, Idaho.

“Mr. Kohberger has been accused of very serious crimes, but the American justice system cloaks him in a veil of innocence,” LaBar said in the statement.” He should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise – not tried in the court of public opinion. One should not pass judgment about the facts of the case unless and until a fair trial in court at which time all sides may be heard and inferences challenged.”

Kohberger was taken into custody last Friday in Pennsylvania in connection with the murders of Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Madison Mogen, 21 on November 13. He is a graduate student at Washington State University in Pullman.

Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson announced during a news conference Friday that a criminal complaint has been filed against Kohberger charging him with four counts of first-degree murder and felony burglary, which involves Kohberger entering the residence with the intent to commit the crime of murder. Thompson added the complaint will be sealed until Kohberger returns to Idaho to face charges.

“This is not the end of this investigation,” Thompson said. “In fact, this is a new beginning.”

Thompson urges people who know Kohberger to share any information they may have with either the Moscow Police Department or the Latah County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.