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By Jenna Sundel
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New details were released about how the medical and mental health records of Bryan Kohberger and his family are being handled ahead of the upcoming trial, and Newsweek spoke to a legal expert about the order.
In an order filed on Friday, District Judge Steven Hippler found "no compelling basis" to keep a January 15 protective order sealed. The order details how the medical and mental health records are disclosed and used in the legal proceedings.
Why It Matters
Kohberger, 30, is facing four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
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He is accused of fatally stabbing University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho, in 2022.
What To Know
A protective order filed earlier this month and signed by Hippler was initially sealed "to protect the privacy of the information."
"The information subject to this Protective Order is confidential in nature and not appropriate for public disclosure at this time," the order stated.
Protective orders prevent evidence in a civil or criminal case from being shared with external parties, including the media and members of the public.
Neama Rahmani, former federal prosecutor and the president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, spoke to Newsweek about the protective order.
"There's been a lot of proceedings sealed in this case, which is unusual," Rahmani said. "But this was an agreement to seal, and the judge said, 'Well there's no legal basis for that agreement to be sealed.'"
While the protective order has been unsealed, the medical and mental health records will remain sealed.
"We're not talking about the evidence itself. We're just talking about the agreement," Rahmani said.
Under the newly unsealed order, access to medical and mental health records from Kohberger and his family is limited to direct review by prosecutors assigned to the case. It prohibits further dissemination, except if it is necessary to help prosecutors prepare for court proceedings, such as hearings, trial and sentencing. Prosecutors are not allowed to share the records with any unauthorized individuals.
The protected information cannot be discussed at court proceedings without agreement from the prosecution and defense or permission from the court.
The prosecution and defense can request modifications to the order if they show "good cause."
Rahmani said the unsealing of the protective order is "inconsistent" with Hippler's previous rulings.
"The judge has been sealing far too many documents," Rahmani said.
Rahmani said he hopes that other filings in the case will be unsealed as well.
Who is Bryan Kohberger?
At the time of the killings, Kohberger, a Pennsylvania native, was pursuing a Ph.D. in criminology at Washington State University. The university's campus in Pullman, Washington, is less than eight miles from Moscow.
Kohberger was also a teaching assistant at the school. He was terminated from the role about two weeks before his arrest.
When Were the Idaho Murders?
The University of Idaho murders happened on November 13, 2022.
Who Were the Victims of the Idaho Murders?
Goncalves, 21, and Mogen, 21, were seniors at the university and Idaho natives.
Kernodle, 20, was a junior from Arizona. Chapin, 20, was a freshman from Washington.
Where is Bryan Kohberger Now?
Kohberger remains in custody at Ada County Jail in Boise, Idaho, as he awaits trial.
What People Are Saying
Rahmani, in an interview with Newsweek: "The judge agreed to the order, so I don't expect to get more information about Kohberger's physical and mental health, unless it comes into evidence at trial."
What Happens Next
Kohberger's trial is scheduled to begin on August 11, with jury selection to start in late July.
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