A filing says Bryan Kohberger’s former lawyers raised concerns about his ability to understand the proceedings and make rational decisions five weeks before his guilty plea to four murders. His lawyer cites the concerns in seeking Judge Steven Hippler’s removal from the case.
Greg Rauch submitted the memo as a supplement to his motion to disqualify Judge Steven Hippler from Kohberger’s post-conviction proceedings. It recounts that former attorney Anne Taylor’s May 20, 2025, motion sought more time for trial preparation, including a targeted inquiry into Kohberger’s ability to understand the proceedings and make decisions. Judge Hippler denied the request June 26; six days later, Kohberger pleaded guilty in a deal that spared him the death penalty. Rauch says whether trial counsel had expert assistance during those six days is a key issue in the challenge.
Kohberger’s handwritten petition alleges ineffective assistance and says his guilty plea was not knowing or voluntary, claiming it was induced by unkept promises. A signed factual-basis document says he admitted responsibility for the four deaths. He was sentenced on July 23, 2025, to four life terms without parole. Arguments on his post-conviction bid are scheduled for June 2027, and a hearing on the removal motion is set for Oct. 15.
