Bryan Kohberger could face death by firing squad if convicted as Idaho state passes new bill
This article is based on sources and MEAWW cannot verify this information independently.
MOSCOW, IDAHO: Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho quadruple murders case, could face a firing squad after the state decided to pass a bill earlier this week aiming at reviving the controversial punishment. The execution method which was only nixed in 2009, is now back on the table again as the brutal killings of four University of Idaho students attracted the ire of millions across the country.
The 28-year-old is awaiting his next court hearing for the November 2022 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle, after being arrested at his parents' home in Pennsylvania. Before his arrest in December last year, he was pursuing his PhD at the Washington State University but now he is a solitary confinement in Idaho far from other inmates given the seriousness of his alleged crimes.
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Punishment received an overwhelming support
On Monday, March 20, the Idaho State Senate held a meeting to debate the GOP-backed bill and voted overwhelmingly to bring the punishment back, with 24 out of 35 lawmakers motioning in its favor. According to Fox News, the bill's Republican sponsor, State Senator Bruce Skaug confirmed the passing of House Bill 186, which was passed by the State House of Representatives earlier this month.
It allows the authorities to order a death by firing squad, only if the lethal injection drugs are unavailable within five days of a death warrant being issued. "H186 has now passed the Idaho Senate and House with a veto proof majority," said Skaug, explaining that the guidance will now go for the final approval to Governor Brad Little's desk.
"Upon signature of the governor, the state may now more likely carry out justice, as determined by our judicial system, against those who have committed first degree murder," Skaug said. He added, "This is an important bill for victims, their families, and the rule of law." The bill, however, does not specify, how many or what type of firearms would be used in the execution, only saying that the director of the IDOC would determine the procedures used in the execution.
State senator spoke in favour of the decision for months
Although the punishment has its critics, Skaug argued in its favor for several months and claimed that it is more humane than lethal injection, citing how recent instances of the latter resulted in agonizing pain for doomed inmates. The lawmaker also recently pointed out to the Idaho Capital Sun that states like Utah have also brought the punishment back as the chemicals required for the lethal injection have become very hard to get. Other states to bring back the punishment include Mississippi, Oklahoma, and South Carolina, with Idaho legalizing it in 1982 before eventually doing away with it in 2009.