Overview
- On Wednesday an amended scheduling order from Judge Steven Hippler quietly vacated a virtual hearing set for Thursday plus two future hearings and the order has not been released publicly.
- Those hearings were linked to Kohberger’s July 2025 petition to withdraw his guilty plea, in which he alleges ineffective counsel, coercion, and that he was misled into pleading guilty.
- Kohberger’s new defense has also filed to disqualify Judge Hippler, pointing to the judge’s sentencing remarks that labeled Kohberger a 'faceless coward' and to prior rulings the defense says show bias.
- If a court allows Kohberger to withdraw his plea the case could return to trial and restore exposure to the death penalty, while a denial would leave his life‑without‑parole sentences intact.
- The order gives the parties an uncertain short‑term schedule and a 14‑day window to object, which legal observers say will likely extend post‑conviction litigation and delay final resolution for victims’ families and the courts.