Bryan Kohberger: Idaho suspect's family hide their faces with masks and hoodies as they arrive at court
STROUDSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA: Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger appeared in court for a brief hearing and waived extradition on Tuesday, January 3. Kohberger is maintaining his innocence but is not fighting extradition saying he is eager to fight the charges normally. He was assisted by his family in the court who were spotted wearing masks. They have previously defended Kohberger. Kohberger's sister Melissa, his father Michael, and his mother were seen wearing masks and hoodies in an attempt to evade the media, as per Daily Mail.
This is the first time Kohberger was seen since his arrest. After the hearing, Pennsylvania State Police told the press that the 28-year-old suspect is willing to go to Idaho and learn what evidence police there have against him. He is charged with four counts of first-degree murder of Kaylee Goncalves, Maddie Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin and one count of burglary. The police explained that it could take up to 10 days for him to be sent back to Idaho. On the other hand, an Idaho judge has granted a gag order which was shared by Moscow police saying, "On January 3, 2023, Latah County Magistrate Judge Megan Marshall issued a nondissemination order in regard to the murder case against Bryan C. Kohberger. The order prohibits any communication by investigators, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and agents of the prosecuting attorney or defense attorney concerning this case."
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#BREAKING: Bryan Kohberger’s family just arrived at the courthouse ahead of today’s extradition hearing. #Idaho @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/C9CXrbgx3S
— Brian Sheehan (@BSheehanTV) January 3, 2023
Bryan Kohberger walks into the court
The Monroe Co District Attorney, explains that Kohberger's parents were home when he was arrested. Around 50 agents were in the area at the time of the arrest. Force was used to serve the arrest warrant as they broke multiple windows to have access to the house. It is said that there was a sea of media waiting for Kohberger. As he arrived in handcuffs, the media spewed their questions but he did not say a word and remained stoic as he walked into the courthouse, as per TMZ.
Kohberger's attorney Jason LaBar said, "They don’t believe it to be Bryan. They can’t believe this. This is certainly completely out of character, the allegations, and really they're just trying to be supportive with the understanding these four families have suffered loss, so they're sympathetic towards that, and that's why it should remain really private and they don't want to try this case in the court of public opinion. He believes he’s going to be exonerated. That’s what he believes. Those were his words. He’s been very easy to talk to. Actually, he’s in a calm demeanor," as per NBC News.