# Idaho murders: Kohberger seeks to withdraw plea and DQ judge > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/idaho-university-murders-legal-aftermath > Updated: 2026-09-08T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 90. Developments: 12. Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty in July 2025 to the November 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students, filed a handwritten post-conviction petition on July 27, 2026, alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, coercion, false promises, and withheld exculpatory evidence. The plea, which resulted in four consecutive life sentences without parole and a ten-year burglary term, was intended to avoid the death penalty. In August 2026, Kohberger’s legal efforts continued through his new attorney, Greg Rauch, and the addition of New York-based criminal defense attorney Jason Goldman. Goldman has cautioned the public against assuming they know the full story, stating there are “serious questions regarding how the case reached its current posture.” Kohberger maintains he was “convinced to falsely confess” and alleges his previous team failed to disclose exculpatory DNA evidence, specifically regarding hair found at the crime scene that was not tested. This legal push has revitalized an online following of supporters who claim innocence based on their review of court filings and crime scene photos. The victims' families have expressed deep frustration. The family of Kaylee Goncalves criticized the legal maneuvers, stating that energy should be directed toward honoring the lives lost, and argued that a life sentence without parole “does not constitute a real death penalty.” They further criticized Kohberger’s prison conditions, describing his access to educational opportunities and vegan meals as “too comfortable.” Judge Steven Hippler has granted Kohberger a hearing to attempt to withdraw his plea. As part of this challenge, Kohberger’s defense has moved to disqualify Judge Hippler, citing previous remarks in which the judge referred to Kohberger as a “faceless coward.” Additionally, the defense has requested a change of venue. Kohberger is scheduled for a court hearing on October 15 regarding the motion to remove Judge Hippler. ## Claims - In 2025 Kohberger filed a petition to withdraw his guilty plea, alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, coercion and false promises. (disputed by 6 sources) - Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty in July 2025 to the murders of four University of Idaho students. (corroborated by 18 sources) - He claims the plea was based on false promises and blatant disinformation. (corroborated by 17 sources) - He received four consecutive life sentences without parole and an additional ten‑year burglary term. (corroborated by 16 sources) - DNA from a knife sheath at the crime scene matched Kohberger, and his phone was recorded near the victims’ house multiple times. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The murders occurred on November 13 2022, killing students Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Bryan Kohberger is attempting to withdraw his guilty plea in the University of Idaho quadruple murders case. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Kohberger claims he was pressured and lied to by his legal counsel into making a false confession. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Kohberger is representing himself in the petition. (corroborated by 15 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Bryan Kohberger to return to court October 15 to challenge guilty plea Bryan Kohberger will return to court on Oct. 15 to seek the removal of his judge and challenge his guilty plea, alleging ineffective counsel and unkept promises in the University of Idaho murder case. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohberger-to-return-to-court-october-15-to-challenge-guilty-plea ### 2026-08-31: Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea in Idaho murder case Bryan Kohberger is attempting to withdraw his guilty plea for the 2022 Idaho student murders, alleging ineffective counsel and unkept promises, while his new legal team seeks to dismiss the presiding judge. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohberger-seeks-to-withdraw-guilty-pleas-in-idaho-murder-case ### 2026-08-28: Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea and disqualify judge Bryan Kohberger is seeking to withdraw his guilty plea in the University of Idaho murders case and has moved to disqualify Judge Steven Hippler, citing concerns over judicial impartiality. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohberger-seeks-to-withdraw-guilty-plea-and-disqualify-judge ### 2026-08-26: Bryan Kohberger granted hearing to challenge guilty plea in Idaho murders Bryan Kohberger has been granted a 2027 hearing to attempt to withdraw his guilty plea in the University of Idaho murders, alleging legal manipulation and withheld evidence. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohberger-granted-hearing-to-withdraw-guilty-plea-in-idaho-murders ### 2026-08-12: Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea in Idaho murders case Bryan Kohberger is seeking to overturn his guilty plea for the murders of four University of Idaho students, claiming ineffective counsel and sparking renewed support from online followers. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohberger-seeks-to-withdraw-guilty-plea-in-idaho-murders-case ### 2026-08-08: Bryan Kohberger attempts to withdraw guilty plea in Idaho murders case Bryan Kohberger is attempting to withdraw his guilty plea for the 2022 Idaho student murders, claiming his previous confession was coerced and asserting his innocence through new legal counsel. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohberger-attempts-to-withdraw-guilty-plea-in-idaho-murders-case ### 2026-08-04: Bryan Kohberger Assigned New Lawyer Amid Family Calls Life Sentence Inadequate Bryan Kohberger has hired new lawyer Greg Rauch to seek post‑conviction relief, while the family of victim Kaylee Goncalves argues his life‑sentence is insufficient. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohberger-assigned-new-lawyer-amid-family-calls-life-sentence-inadequate ### 2026-08-02: Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea in Idaho murders Bryan Kohberger has petitioned to withdraw his guilty plea for the 2022 Idaho murders, claiming ineffective counsel and potentially reopening a death‑penalty trial. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohberger-seeks-to-withdraw-guilty-plea-in-idaho-murders-1 ### 2026-07-31: Bryan Kohberger alleges coerced plea and dismisses his attorneys Bryan Kohberger has fired his lawyers, claiming they coerced him into a false guilty plea for the 2022 Idaho campus murders and filed a petition for post‑conviction relief. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohberger-alleges-coerced-plea-and-dismisses-his-attorneys ### 2026-07-29: Kohberger Pursues Plea Withdrawal Amid Netflix Idaho Murders Docuseries Bryan Kohberger seeks to vacate his 2025 guilty plea for the 2022 Idaho murders, citing ineffective counsel and hair evidence, while a Netflix docuseries revives public attention; families condemn his move and 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohberger-seeks-to-withdraw-guilty-plea-in-idaho-murders ### 2026-07-27: Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea in Idaho university murders Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty in 2025 to killing four University of Idaho students, filed a 2026 petition to withdraw his plea, claiming false promises and seeking a new trial. 34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohberger-seeks-to-overturn-guilty-plea-in-idaho-murders ### 2026-07-15: Bryan Kohberger's Plea Deal Leaves Unresolved Questions in Idaho University Murders Former FBI agent Chris Whitcomb says Bryan Kohberger's plea avoided a trial, leaving unanswered questions about the rapid timeline, missing blood and hair evidence in the University of Idaho murders. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-kohbergers-plea-deal-leaves-unresolved-questions-in-idaho-university-murders --- Cite as: Idaho murders: Kohberger seeks to withdraw plea and DQ judge. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/idaho-university-murders-legal-aftermath