Bryan Kohberger’s Post-Conviction Relief Request Scheduled for 2027

Bryan Kohberger, a convicted quadruple murderer, will have two days in court next year as part of his petition for post-conviction relief. Judge Steven Hippler, who accepted Kohberger’s guilty pleas in July 2025, has scheduled a status conference for June 3, 2027, and an evidentiary hearing on June 17, 2027.

Kohberger pleaded guilty in July 2025 to the murders of four University of Idaho students: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. This plea deal saved him from the potential death penalty. A year later, Kohberger requested to withdraw his guilty pleas and claimed innocence in a petition for post-conviction relief.

In a handwritten petition dated July 27, 2026, Kohberger alleged that his defense team misled him into falsely confessing. He claimed they failed to inform him about “exculpatory discovery,” including hair found at the crime scene not tested for DNA, which was physically excluded as his.

Authorities had also found Kohberger’s DNA on a knife sheath recovered from the crime scene and tracked his vehicle movements. Although he shut off his phone during the murders, evidence suggested he was at the scene.

Additionally, Sy Ray, a former expert witness for Kohberger’s defense, claimed there was more damaging evidence that investigators didn’t present before Kohberger’s guilty plea. Despite his guilty plea, Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole, plus another 10 years.

His plea agreement waived his right to appeal. However, it doesn’t prevent him from seeking post-conviction relief, which could lead to reopening the case or a new trial. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador stated that his office is prepared to ensure justice is served.