Bryan Kohberger alleges ineffective assistance of counsel in a post-conviction petition. His lawyer Anne Taylor had sought more time to review evidence and prepare a defense; a judge denied the request six days before Kohberger pleaded guilty to four murders.
Taylor filed the motion on May 20, 2025, asking to push back the trial date. She cited substantial unfinished investigation and preparation, plus recent and forthcoming publicity she called highly prejudicial, and said the defense could not complete discovery review or meaningfully respond to amended state expert disclosures without more time.
Kohberger also argues that his plea was not knowing or voluntary, alleging it was induced by unkept promises and threats from his lawyer. Prosecutor Bill Thompson has asked the court to dismiss the petition. His new lawyer, Greg Rauch, is asking Judge Steven Hippler to step aside, citing Taylor’s comments about Kohberger’s ability to understand the case and make rational decisions; Rauch’s filing did not cite her effective-counsel remarks. Arguments on that request are set for Oct. 15, and Kohberger is due in court in June 2027 to argue for post-conviction relief.
