A coalition of media organizations, ranging from major national outlets to local Idaho publications, has petitioned an Idaho judge to revoke the gag order in the Bryan Kohberger case. This request follows Kohberger’s guilty plea to the murders of four University of Idaho students, which has eliminated the need for a trial and, according to the media group, nullified the justification for restricting information dissemination. The gag order, officially termed a “non-dissemination order,” was initially imposed by then-Magistrate Judge Megan Marshall shortly after Kohberger’s arrest on December 30, 2022. The purpose was to ensure a fair trial by limiting extrajudicial information that could influence potential jurors. However, with Kohberger’s recent plea deal, which spares him from the death penalty in exchange for life imprisonment without parole, the media coalition argues that there is no longer a risk to his right to a fair trial. Judge Steven Hippler, who is currently presiding over the case after it was moved from Latah County to Ada County, upheld the gag order at a recent change of plea hearing. Prosecutors requested its continuation until Kohberger’s sentencing on July 23, and his defense did not oppose this. Despite this, the media coalition contends that the order infringes on First Amendment rights and should be lifted immediately. The case has largely been conducted behind closed doors, with limited information available to the public. The plea deal did not require Kohberger to provide an explanation for his actions, leaving many questions unanswered. Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson has not held a press briefing since Kohberger’s extradition to Idaho in January 2023. Kohberger admitted in court to entering the victims’ residence with intent to kill on November 13, 2022. The house has since been demolished. His guilty plea includes four counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The plea agreement also means he forfeits any right to appeal or seek a sentence reduction.