A judge in Idaho has blocked the release of graphic images from the home where Bryan Kohberger murdered four college students.
Second District Judge Megan Marshall issued the ruling on Wednesday, stating that graphic images showing blood and any of the victims’ bodies will not be released by law enforcement agencies.
Kohberger pleaded guilty to murdering Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves.
In her ruling, Judge Marshall explained that releasing such pictures “would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.” She added, “There can be no doubt that the photographs, video, audio, and other investigatory records in this case are incredibly disturbing. The records are difficult to digest and provide a raw view into the horrific tragedy that occurred on November 13, 2022.”
Moscow, Idaho, law enforcement agencies can still release images and other media related to the murders, but they “must black out” areas within them that contain blood or any bodies.
However, Judge Marshall stopped short of a complete ban on releasing investigatory records, noting that the public has an interest in viewing them.
Families of two of the victims, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin, had asked for some investigatory records to be barred from public release.
Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders on July 2, in a deal that removed the death penalty from consideration.
The four University of Idaho students were found dead on November 13, 2022, at their house in Moscow, Idaho, located near campus.
As part of the plea agreement, Kohberger will serve four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary.
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**Timeline of November 13, 2022:**
– **4:00 a.m.:** Suspect arrives at the house
– **Between 4:00 and 4:17 a.m.:** Time of murders
– **4:19 a.m.:** Roommate calls three victims; no answer
– **4:22 to 4:24 a.m.:** Surviving roommates text each other from inside the house
– **4:27 a.m.:** Roommate calls victims again; no answer
– **4:32 a.m.:** Roommate texts Kaylee Goncalves, “Pls answer”
– **10:23 a.m.:** Surviving roommate texts victims; no answer
– **11:39 a.m.:** Roommate calls her father
– **12:00 p.m.:** 911 call placed from roommate’s phone
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This decision marks an effort to balance transparency with respect for the victims’ families and the community affected by the tragedy.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/idaho-judge-calls-bryan-kohberger-murder-scene-pictures-incredibly-disturbing-blocks-release
