Bryan Kohberger Demands Judge’s Removal, Citing Emotional Reaction and Remarks at Sentencing

Bryan Kohberger is doubling down on his effort to remove the judge overseeing his post-conviction proceedings, pointing to new concerns about whether he can receive a fair hearing.

In a court filing obtained by People and detailed in a report published Monday, October 19, Kohberger’s attorney, Gregory Rauch, argued that Judge Steven Hippler should be removed from the case, citing his remarks and apparent emotional reaction during sentencing.

The defense pointed to comments Hippler made during sentencing, including his doubts about whether Kohberger, 31, would ever provide a truthful explanation for the murders.

“Even if I could force [Kohberger] to speak, which legally I cannot, how can anyone ever be assure that what he speaks is the truth?” Hippler said, per the report.

Rauch argued that the remark “questioned [Kohberger’s] entire capacity for truthfulness and predicted deception in an explanation not yet even given.”

The attorney also cited a previous People report describing Hippler appearing to wipe away tears during the sentencing hearing. While acknowledging that the judge’s compassion was understandable, Rauch argued that his behavior contributed to the “cumulative appearance of partiality.”

The filing also challenged Hippler’s handling of requests from Kohberger’s former attorney, Anne Taylor, for additional time to prepare for trial.

In June 2025, Hippler rejected Taylor’s request, describing the defense’s arguments as “built on a house of speculative assumptions” and expressing concern about allowing a “fishing expedition.”

Six days later, Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of murder, avoiding the death penalty for the November 2022 murders of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20.

His current attorney argues those six days will be central to the case, questioning whether his former lawyers had enough time and assistance to ensure Kohberger rationally understood the circumstances.

As Globe previously reported, prosecutors opposed Kohberger’s attempt to remove Hippler in an October 7 filing, arguing that his sentencing remarks did not establish judicial bias.

Kohberger, who is seeking to withdraw his guilty plea, has claimed his previous defense team pressured him into accepting the deal.

Arguments in his post-conviction case, initially set for June 2027, have been delayed by at least two months, according to People.

If Kohberger succeeds in withdrawing his plea and faces a new trial, prosecutors could again seek the death penalty.