Idaho Judge Grants ‘Change of Venue’ For High Profile Murder Case

Just days ago, a Judge John Judge in Moscow, Idaho, oversaw a hearing in which the defense team for Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger formally requested a change in venue.

During the hearing, Kohberger's defense team outlined that there could be no way for a town as small as Moscow to host a trial with a jury that was impartial. They argued because of extensive and at times, overly intrusive media coverage, folks in Latah County--a small population--knew too much about the case and had likely made up their minds.

Defense also argued that if Kohberger would to be found innocent, the public may 'burn the courthouse down'.

Prosecutors argued the trial should be held in Latah County.

Judge John C. Judge said that deciding whether or not to sign off on venue change may be the most difficult decision he's been forced to make in his professional career.

No matter your opinion of the venue change request, there's no arguing that the public and the media have been aggressively involved in spreading information, searching for leaks, and discussing 'theories'. For example, this video mysteriously released to several crime groups online seems to show patio footage from a home near the murder scene. 

Sleuths claim that the timing seems to check out with the probable cause affidavit. Is this video a part of evidence for trial?

As of Monday, September 9th, a ruling was published in which Judge Judge wrote:

Considering the undisputed evidence presented by the defense, the extreme nature of the news coverage in this case, and the smaller population in Latah County, the defense has met the rather low standard of demonstrating 'a reasonable likelihood' that prejudicial news coverage will compromise a fair trial in Latah County. Thus, the Court will grant Kohberger's motion to change venue for presumed prejudice.

At this time, there is no set location for the trial however most experts agree the only plausible location will be Ada County--the largest jury pool in the State of Idaho.

We will continue to update this story.