Bryan Kohberger: Father of Idaho murders victim says she was ‘trapped’ as judge considers camera ban
Both the defence and the prosecution have asked to restrict cameras as the case of the brutal slayings of four University of Idaho students continues to attract national attention
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The father of a University of Idaho murder victim has claimed there was evidence that his daughter tried to escape her murderer.
Families of the victims spoke with CBS News’ Peter Van Sant for a special on the murders that will be aired on Saturday. It comes just days after the sole suspect in the Moscow quadruple murders, Bryan Kohberger, appeared in court for a hearing where a judge heard arguments on cameras in the courtroom.
“There’s evidence to show that she awakened and tried to get out of that situation, [but] she was assaulted and stabbed,” Steve Goncalves said of his daughter, Kaylee Goncalves.
On Wednesday, both the defence and the prosecution asked to restrict cameras as the brutal slayings of four university students continue to attract national attention. The hearing ended with no decision on the matter.
Latah County District Judge John Judge said other trials with cameras have “spun out of control” and that what is happening is “not entertainment, [but] a tragic issue.”
Mr Kohberger, the former criminology PhD student, was indicted earlier this year in the November 2022 killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.
Happening now: Judge in Bryan Kohberger’s case hears arguments on motion to ban cameras from the courtroom
Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger is back in court where a judge is hearing arguments on a motion to ban cameras from the courtroom in the high-profile trial.
Those in attendance at the hearing in Latah County is the prosecution, the defence and the attorney representing a media coalition, according to local reporters seated in the courtroom,
Attorneys for both the defence and the prosecution have asked to restrict cameras as the case.
Media attorney argues the people have a right to see what is happening inside courtroom during Kohberger proceedings
The hearing on Wednesday began with the Judge questioning whether the media has the right to intervene about the camera issue at this point in the Kohberger case, according to NewsNations reporter Brian Entin who is at the hearing in Latah County.
One of the attorneys representing the media coalition fired back that the media does have the right to intervene when the First Amendment and “access” issues come up.
The attorney said this is an "access" issue, and that people have the right to see what is happening in the Kohberger courtroom. She added that people should not have to travel to the Idaho courtroom to see what is happening inside.
The attorney also said there is an increasing need for people to see for themselves what is going on inside courtrooms in this country.
Judge says media cannot be ‘intervenors’ at this point in Kohberger proceedings
Judge John Judge says the media cannot be “intervenors” at this point in the Kohberger proceedings when it comes to the question of cameras in the courtroom.
But says he will consider the media’s argument.
Kohberger defence concerned cameras in the courtroom will turn case into a spectacle
Defence attorneys for Kohberger said at his hearing that they are concerned that allowing cameras in the courtroom would turn the proceedings into a spectacle - a TV drama.
Social media users take images from the media and manipulate them, defence says
The defence told the judge that while they know the media is doing their job, there are people on social media who take the images or video and manipulate them.
There is also concern about the placement of the cameras in the courtroom.
The defence said they do not like where the cameras are placed and said if the cameras are not removed, then they should be in a different location.
Judge mentions OJ Simpson case, says it was a ‘circus’ as he questions cameras in the courtroom
The judge told the court that he questions whether cameras in the courtroom are a dignified way to have a trial. He brings up OJ Simpson.
“If anyone watched that case, it was a circus,” he said.
Prosecution in Kohberger case want cameras removed during certain testimony
The prosecution told the judge the media plays an important role in the court process.
But said they’d want to protect vulnerable witnesses who testified and graphic evidence that is shown during the trial.
They say the safest and best way to address concerns is to prohibit cameras in the courtroom, or to keep cameras out during certain testimony/evidence.
Judge says the Idaho murders trial is not entertainment, but a tragic issue
Attorney for the media is pushing for the “pool” camera policy - with one camera in Kohberger courtroom, and then video will be given out to all media.
The judge says he questions whether he can really trust the media to do the right thing. And added that it’s not the camera people, but it’s where the video goes and how commentators talk about it or how it’s portrayed on social media.
“It’s not the same media it is now as it was 10 years ago with social media,” he said.
The judge then said he wished everyone had more respect for what is happening and that it’s not entertainment, it is a tragic issue.
The judge said other trials with cameras have “gotten out of control.”
“They spun out of control in my opinion,” he said.
No decision today on cameras in the courtroom
Court was adjourned less than an hour after the hearing began with a decision on cameras in the courtroom.
Kohberger back in court 22 September on motion to dismiss Idaho murders charges
The Idaho murders suspect will be back in court in a week - on 22 September - where Judge John Judge will hear the defence’s argument regarding their motion to dismiss dismiss the charges against him.
The 28-year-old is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one charge of felony burglary related to the November 2022 killings of four college students.
He waived his right to a speedy trial, delaying it indefinitely, and then filed a motion to dismiss the charges.
The motion was filed “on grounds of a biased grand jury, inadmissible evidence, lack of sufficient evidence, and prosecutorial misconduct by withholding exculpatory evidence.”