Judge Steven Hippler issued an order lifting the gag order in the Bryan Kohberger case, stating that its original purpose—to protect Kohberger’s right to a fair trial—was no longer valid following his guilty plea. With no jury trial forthcoming, the judge determined that the restrictions on speech could no longer be justified. He emphasized that lifting the gag order did not force any party to speak but simply restored their First Amendment right to do so if they chose. The order acknowledged the public’s strong interest in transparency and access to information now that the criminal case had effectively moved past the trial phase.

Despite objections from Kohberger’s defense, who argued that media attention could influence the sentencing phase, the judge made clear that such publicity was inevitable regardless of the gag order’s status. He dismissed the notion that continuing to silence participants would shield the process from public scrutiny. However, the judge declined to immediately unseal the more than 240 court filings that remain sealed in the case, saying he would review them individually after the upcoming sentencing hearing. The decision marks a shift toward greater openness in one of the most closely watched murder cases in recent memory.


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Prosecutors reverse position on gag order after Kohberger murder confession | Fox News