Idaho College Murders Update: Bryan Kohberger's Trial Date Set
At his arraignment on Monday, Bryan Kohberger, the man suspected of the Idaho College murders last year, stood silent during his arraignment Monday. Ted S. Warren - Pool/Getty Images

In a significant development in the case surrounding the Idaho College murders, the suspect opted to "stand silent" during the initial phase of the judicial proceedings on Monday, the NY Times reports.

Bryan Kohberger, the Idaho College murders suspect, refrained from entering a plea, as confirmed by his defense attorney, Anne Taylor. Consequently, Judge John C. Judge took the initiative to enter a not-guilty plea on behalf of Kohberger.

It is worth noting that the accused has expressed his belief, through legal representation, in his eventual exoneration from all charges.

The serene college town of Moscow, Idaho, which had not witnessed a murder for seven years until the tragic incident on November 13 that claimed the lives of four students, had been gearing up for the trial's commencement scheduled for October.

What Happens if the Idaho College Murders Suspect Enters a Plea?

Suppose Bryan Kohberger, the primary suspect in the Idaho College Murders, enters his plea. In that case, a critical countdown will commence, marking the deadline for prosecutors to make an official announcement regarding their intention to pursue the death penalty for the brutal ambush killings of three young individuals: Kaylee Goncalves (21), Madison Mogen (21), and Xana Kernodle (20).

Renowned defense attorney Edwina Elcox, notable for her representation of "cult mom" Lori Vallow, emphasized the gravity of this situation, stating that "the most morbid of all clocks start ticking" upon entering a plea.

The prosecution has a narrow window of 60 days to submit a written notice of intent to seek the death penalty.

Furthermore, if Kohberger proceeds with his plea, the prosecution must formally file their intent to seek the death penalty within 60 days following the plea.

Meanwhile, Idaho has recently reintroduced the use of the death penalty by firing squad.

Irrespective of Kohberger's decision to enter a plea, another clock will start ticking concerning his constitutionally guaranteed right to a swift trial. This clock would expire within six months, Elcox told Fox News.

Idaho College Murders Trial

Prosecutors have presented compelling evidence in court records, shedding light on Bryan Kohberger's alleged connection to the Idaho College murders victims, per ABC News.

Detailed accounts reveal that Kohberger's white Hyundai Elantra was reportedly observed passing by the victims' home on multiple occasions before the tragic events.

Law enforcement officials disclosed that the suspect's smartphone was traced to the vicinity of Moscow; however, it was deactivated between 2:47 and 4:48 a.m., precisely when the killings occurred.

Furthermore, authorities have revealed a significant breakthrough in the case. Kohberger's DNA was reportedly discovered on a knife sheath found on one of the victims' beds, providing a potential piece of evidence.

Originally hailing from Pennsylvania, Kohberger departed from the university campus after the semester and embarked on a cross-country journey. However, on December 30, he was apprehended at his parent's residence in the Pocono Mountains. In early January, Kohberger willingly consented to extradition back to Idaho.

During the extradition hearing, Jason LaBar, the chief public defender for Monroe County, represented Kohberger. In a statement, LaBar conveyed Kohberger's eagerness to be vindicated of the charges, expressing a strong desire to resolve the matter expeditiously.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Idaho college murder suspect Bryan Kohberger 'stands silent' at arraignment - From ABC7