Idaho butcher Bryan Kohberger doubled down on his desperate bid to disqualify the judge who branded him “the worst of the worst” – as he continues his quest to undo his guilty plea.
Kohberger’s lawyer, Gregory Rauch, ripped into Judge Steven Hippler over his comments and emotions he showed during last July’s sentencing – particularly the moment the judge appeared to wipe away tears, People reported, citing court docs that were filed last week.
In the documents, Rauch cited the moment Hippler said, “
Even if I could force [Kohberger] to speak, which I legally cannot, how can anyone ever be assured that what he speaks is the truth?”
The lawyer claimed the remark “questioned [Kohberger’s] entire capacity for truthfulness and predicted deception in an explanation not yet even given.”
Hippler ripped Kohberger before giving him four life sentences, describing him as a “faceless coward” who “senselessly ѕℓαυɢнтєrєd” the four University of Idaho students in November 2022, and the “worst of the worst.”
The judge also struggled to remain composed, which Rauch highlighted in the court filing, citing a People magazine report.
“The report does not establish the cause of the apparent reaction or place it at the precise moments of the remarks concerning truthfulness,” the court documents state.
“But the appearance of this court in the eyes of the public would indicate that it was emotionally charged.
“[The defense] does not ask the Court to be unmoved by the loss of four lives, and tears alone do not require disqualification.
“The concern is the complete presentation: the Court’s reported demeanor, its intensely personal descriptions of [Kohberger].”
Rauch has also said Hippler could voluntarily withdraw from the case – something he has shown no sign of doing.
Hippler won re-election for Idaho’s Fourth Judicial District in May – where he ran unopposed.
Meanwhile Kohberger has until Jan. 13, 2027, to amend his petition for post-conviction relief under a timeline set by officials.
Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D student, is trying to unravel his guilty plea after claiming he was duped into agreeing to a plea deal because of “false promises and blatant disinformation.” He has also insisted on his “absolute claim of innocence.”
It’s unclear if he will ever face a new trial – but Steve Goncalves, the father of Kaylee Goncalves – one of Kohberger’s victims – told NewsNation in July he would welcome the prospect.
“Some people want the second bite of the apple but I would love to have the second shot at the accused murderer,” he said.
“I would love for us to be able to reline him up and hold him accountable to the full extent of what he’s done.”
Cowardly Kohberger avoided the dєatᩚh penalty by accepting the plea deal in July 2025, which saw him sentenced to life in prison without parole.
All four of his victims were killed by multiple sharp-force injuries, according to reports of the autopsy carried out by Dr Veena Singh, Spokane’s chief medical examiner.
Kaylee Goncalves, 21, also suffered blunt-force injuries to her face and showed signs of asphyxia.
Kohberger admitted to 𝘬iᩚlling Goncalves’ best pal, Madison Mogen, 20-year-old Xana Kernodle, and 20-year-old Ethan Chapin.
