Defense argues to remove death penalty for man charged in stabbing deaths of 4 Idaho students

Ada County District Judge Steven Hippler presided over a hearing where Bryan Kohberger, accused of the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students, faced intense debate on the death penalty. Kohberger's defense team fervently argued to remove the death penalty as an option in the upcoming trial slated for August 2025.

Attorneys for Kohberger contended that the death penalty should be abolished based on several grounds. They cited Idaho's recent struggles in executing inmates, specifically referencing Thomas Creech's failed execution due to vein location issues. The defense asserted that such uncertainties and delays in executions were dehumanizing, emphasizing the need for a more humane approach or removal of the death penalty entirely.

Judge Hippler challenged these assertions, noting that while Idaho had faced difficulties with Creech's execution, plans are in place for alternative methods if needed, like the use of central venous catheters. He expressed that the state does have viable means for execution and highlighted potential advancements in execution protocols over time, potentially rendering current concerns moot.

Deputy Attorney General Jeff Nye opposed the defense's assertion, arguing that it was premature to strike down the death penalty solely based on current limitations in execution procedures. Nye emphasized that changes could occur in execution methods over the potential decades before a sentence would be carried out, cautioning against making drastic decisions based on current circumstances.

Throughout the hearing, the defense also raised constitutional and international law violations posed by the death penalty. They contended that sitting on death row without clarity on how or when an execution would occur violated fundamental rights and standards of decency. Additionally, they argued that international treaties prohibiting certain aspects of capital punishment should influence domestic rulings.