Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, could face the death penalty if convicted, a judge has ruled.

Kohberger’s defense team had argued to remove the death penalty as a possible sentence, citing concerns about the prolonged wait for execution on death row and the methods used in Idaho, which they claimed violated the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. They also argued that the state’s death penalty laws breached an international treaty against prisoner torture. However, Ada County Judge Steven Hippler denied their motions on Tuesday. The prosecution has stated that it intends to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted.

Kohberger is charged with the November 2022 stabbings of University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, who were killed in a home off campus. Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania on December 30, 2022, and extradited to Idaho in January 2023. He faces four counts of first-degree murder.

Kohberger did not enter a plea when asked in court last year, so the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. His trial, which had been moved to Boise at the defense’s request, is scheduled for August 2025.

The family of Kaylee Goncalves expressed their “joy” over the judge’s decision, criticizing the previous judge for mishandling the case and failing to show proper respect. They praised the new judge for being more prepared and serious, saying, “Justice is moving forward, and we pray that one day, in the not-so-distant future, it will be served.”