The court in Idaho is asking for a substantial budget increase for the upcoming fiscal year to cover expenses related to Bryan Kohberger‘s lawsuit.
Kohberger, a 29-year-old, faces charges of four murders and one burglary linked to the deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, and Ethan Chapin. Their bodies were found in a rental house near the University of Idaho campus on November 13, 2022.
The nationwide hunt for a suspect had everyone on edge.
Kohberger pled not guilty last year, but a trial date remains undetermined.
The Moscow-Pullman Daily News reported that the Latah County District Court is seeking a $150,000 increase in trial expenses for 2025, a sharp rise from the $3,000 allocated in 2024 for trial costs, including juror travel, accommodations, and court personnel.
The court also wants to elevate the budget for jury supplies to $50,000 from $3,500. Additionally, travel expenses for court witnesses may surge to $25,000.
Kohberger’s legal team is pushing for a change of trial venue, citing biased media coverage and community influence in Latah County that might jeopardize a fair trial.
Tonya Dodge informed Latah County Commissioners that even with a venue change, jury costs would still need to be reimbursed.
The Commissioners are set to finalize their budget in late summer.
Prosecutors sought a larger budget last year for the Kohberger case.
Bill Thompson, Latah County’s Prosecutor, asked for $135,000 in trial expenses, a considerable increase from the previous year’s $15,000 allocation. He emphasized the need for a thorough case handling process without cutting corners.