The Murder Sheet: Episode Summary
Episode Title: The University of Idaho Murders: On Schedule and Out of Third-Party Suspects
Release Date: June 30, 2025
Overview In this episode of The Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain, a journalist, and Kevin Greenlee, an attorney, delve into the high-profile case of the University of Idaho murders. This quadruple homicide, which occurred several years prior in Moscow, Idaho, resulted in the tragic deaths of Zanner Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Gonzalez, and Madison Mogan—all students at the University of Idaho. Brian Kohberger, a PhD student from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, has been charged with these murders. The episode provides an in-depth analysis of recent legal developments, focusing on Judge Steven Hippler's rulings regarding trial scheduling and the admissibility of third-party suspects.
1. Case Introduction
Timestamp: [04:25]
Áine Cain introduces the case, outlining the victims and the accused, Brian Kohberger. The discussion sets the stage for a detailed examination of the legal maneuvers surrounding the trial.
2. Recent Legal Developments
a. Judge Hippler’s Orders on the Continuance
Timestamp: [06:02]
Kevin Greenlee explains that Judge Steven Hippler recently issued six opinions related to the case. The focus is primarily on two key aspects: the defense's motion to continue the trial and their request to introduce third-party suspects.
Notable Quote:
Kevin Greenlee remarks, “The court finds a continuance is not warranted as defendant has not made a showing that there is good cause to continue the trial.” [12:01]
b. Defense’s Motion to Continue
The defense sought to delay the trial, citing challenges in reviewing the extensive discovery materials, the need for further penalty phase preparation, and prejudicial pretrial publicity. Judge Hippler rejected this motion, citing insufficient evidence and past unsuccessful attempts by the defense to justify such delays.
Notable Quote:
Áine Cain comments, “Judge Hippler is very direct and frank... He goes into some detail and really explains his thinking.” [09:03]
c. Discovery Review Challenges
The defense argued that the volume of discovery, measured in terabytes, hampered their ability to review evidence comprehensively. However, the court dismissed these claims, highlighting the lack of specific evidence or relevant materials that the defense failed to review.
Notable Quote:
Kevin Greenlee states, “Without more, the court can only conclude the defense counsel is using the volume of discovery... as a tactic to delay the proceeding.” [22:14]
3. Mitigation Evidence Argument
Timestamp: [26:07]
The defense also requested additional time to investigate Brian Kohberger’s life history to present mitigation evidence—factors that might warrant a lesser punishment if convicted. Judge Hippler found this request unsubstantiated, noting that the defense had already conducted extensive investigations over the past two years, including interviews with family members, employment records, and psychological evaluations.
Notable Quote:
Kevin Greenlee explains, “The court observed the utter lack of any proof supporting defendants accusations of discovery violations by the state.” [12:01]
4. Pretrial Publicity Concerns
Timestamp: [36:02]
A significant portion of the episode examines the defense’s concern over pretrial publicity potentially biasing an impartial jury. The defense referenced the infamous Sam Sheppard case to draw parallels regarding media influence on trial fairness.
Notable Quote:
Kevin Greenlee notes, “The judge refers there to this incident in some kind of a store where a guy sees one of the people who would later be a victim... It’s all captured on surveillance camera.” [68:09]
a. Comparison to Sam Sheppard Case
The hosts discuss how pretrial media frenzy in Sam Sheppard’s case led to an unfair trial, ultimately resulting in a retrial and acquittal despite Sheppard's guilt. They emphasize that Judge Hippler is taking proactive measures to prevent a similar scenario by limiting media access and insulating witnesses.
Notable Quote:
Áine Cain reflects, “No trial is going to be perfect... but it’s a far cry to argue that this is the same thing as what happened in Sheppard.” [42:54]
5. Alternate Perpetrator Requests
Timestamp: [52:16]
The defense sought permission to introduce alternate perpetrators—four individuals posited as possible suspects aside from Kohberger. Judge Hippler denied this request, citing that the evidence against these individuals was purely speculative and lacked substantive connections to the crime scene.
Notable Quote:
Kevin Greenlee summarizes, “The evidence defendant has offered purporting to establish the four individuals as alternate perpetrators abjectly fails to meet the Meister standard.” [66:07]
a. Legal Standards for Third-Party Suspects
The discussion covers the State v. Meister standard, which requires that any third-party evidence must be relevant and not merely speculative. The defense failed to provide compelling evidence linking these individuals to the murders, resulting in the dismissal of their request.
Notable Quote:
Áine Cain emphasizes, “You can't just go in and say, well, you know, what do you know? Maybe this person did it. What do you think?” [60:11]
6. Scheduling Order Updates
Timestamp: [73:14]
The hosts review the amended scheduling order, noting the rescheduled dates for sealed proceedings, jury selection, and the estimated start of the trial. Jury voir dire is set to begin on August 4, 2025, with the trial anticipated to commence on August 18, 2025.
Notable Quote:
Áine Cain states, “That's August 4th, they're going to go as long as it takes. And then the estimated start time for the trial is going to be August 18th.” [73:14]
7. Future Coverage and Closing Remarks
Timestamp: [74:42]
Áine and Kevin discuss their plans for ongoing coverage of the trial, highlighting their upcoming book on the Delphi murders and their participation in upcoming true crime events like CrimeCon. They express their commitment to providing robust and insightful coverage despite scheduling overlaps and personal challenges.
Notable Quote:
Áine Cain shares, “Delphi provides us a roadmap for what I feel is a very dark and disturbing turn for true crime... And we need to all be aware of this as people who are in this space.” [84:19]
Conclusion This episode of The Murder Sheet offers a comprehensive analysis of the legal battles surrounding the University of Idaho murders case. By dissecting the recent rulings of Judge Hippler, the hosts shed light on the strategic defenses employed by Brian Kohberger’s legal team and the judiciary's response aimed at ensuring a fair trial. The discussion underscores the complexities of high-profile cases, the challenges posed by extensive discovery processes, and the critical role of managing pretrial publicity to maintain judicial impartiality.
For those interested in following the trial closely, Áine and Kevin commit to providing regular updates and in-depth coverage, ensuring that listeners remain informed about this pivotal case.
Notable Quotes for Reference:
- “The court finds a continuance is not warranted as defendant has not made a showing that there is good cause to continue the trial.” – Kevin Greenlee [12:01]
- “You can't just go in and say, well, you know, what do you know? Maybe this person did it. What do you think?” – Áine Cain [60:11]
- “Delphi provides us a roadmap for what I feel is a very dark and disturbing turn for true crime...” – Áine Cain [84:19]
Further Information For more detailed discussions and updates on this case and other true crime topics, tune into The Murder Sheet podcast weekly. You can also support the show through their Patreon or visit their merchandise site for exclusive content.