'A little closer to justice'; U of I murder victim's family thankful for trial date being set

MOSCOW, ID -- The family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the four University of Idaho murder victims, is hoping the trial of Bryan Kohberger stays in Latah County as a date was set in court today.

In a scheduling hearing Thursday, Judge John Judge, the defense, and prosecution agreed to a trial start date of June 2, 2025. This would be more than 2.5 years after the murders occurred.

In a statement to ABC News, the Goncalves Family said:

" It was a good day today. We were able to get a trial date set, and things appear to be moving forward. We are hopeful the trial stays in Latah County so as not to disrupt the scheduling order and we are praying for no more delays. We moved a little closer to justice today for Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and Ethan. Thank you again for all your support and prayers it means a lot to our family!"

Defense Attorney Anne Taylor noted during Thursday's proceedings that they are still seeking to move the trial out of Latah County to avoid bias.

Judge Judge believes the trial will last three months including sentencing if Kohberger is convicted.

Kohberger faces the death penalty if convicted of killing Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle in an off-campus Moscow house in November of 2022.

MORE: Kohberger trial for University of Idaho murders won't happen until next summer

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