An Idaho judge has clamped down on the practice of sealing documents in the high-profile Bryan Kohberger murder case, emphasizing the public's right to access information. Ada County Judge Steven Hippler criticized the "pervasive practice" of filing materials under seal, stating it had become the norm rather than the exception. He directed both the prosecution and defense to minimize sealing entire documents and instead focus on redacting specific sensitive information, such as witness names or victim family details.

Judge Hippler highlighted that much of the sealed material is already public or not confidential. He emphasized the need to use the "least restrictive method" to protect sensitive information, suggesting the use of initials instead of sealing entire documents. The judge will still permit sealing under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, which governs exempt documents, and will continue to redact grand jury testimony due to the confidential nature of those proceedings.

Legal experts have weighed in on the judge's decision. Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, expressed surprise at the extent of sealing in the case, emphasizing the presumption of public access to court filings. He questioned the gag order on victims' families and the broad sealing practices. The case has drawn significant public interest, and Rahmani argued that excessive secrecy violates the public's right to know. He pointed out that limited evidence has been released since the initial search warrants.

The case revolves around the murders of four University of Idaho students: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student at nearby Washington State University, is accused of the killings. Key evidence includes a knife sheath found under Mogen's body, allegedly containing Kohberger's DNA, phone data, video footage, and witness testimony. A surviving housemate reported seeing a masked man with bushy eyebrows leaving the scene, possibly carrying a vacuum cleaner.

After a change of venue, Judge Hippler took over the case and has recently made moves towards greater transparency, including unsealing a transcript of a closed-door DNA hearing and ordering the release of audio recordings from other sealed hearings. Kohberger's trial is scheduled for August and is expected to last up to 15 weeks. He faces a potential death penalty if convicted.