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Bryan Kohberger, a 28-year-old criminology graduate student, was arraigned on Monday in connection with the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students. The Moscow murders have badly shaken the college town.

The suspect, facing four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, appeared in a courtroom in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger, represented by his attorney, chose to remain silent when asked to enter a plea, resulting in the judge entering a plea of not guilty on his behalf.

 The trial date has been scheduled for October 2. And the prosecution has 60 days to decide whether to seek the death penalty.

Kohberger is currently being held without bail as authorities continue their investigation into the case.

 The shocking murders occurred in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, at an off-campus house in Moscow. The victims, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, Kernodle's 20-year-old boyfriend, were all stabbed multiple times while likely asleep.

 Autopsies revealed defensive wounds on some victims, indicating a struggle, but no evidence of sexual assault was found.

Moscow murders shock college town

The small college town of Moscow was deeply shaken by the slayings, and initial statements from the police assured the community that there was no immediate threat. 

However, a surviving roommate later provided crucial information to investigators. She reported hearing crying on the night of the killings and witnessing a masked man in black clothes walking past her door. 

The police used cellphone records, DNA evidence, and surveillance footage to link Kohberger to the crime scene. Surveillance video near the house captured his white Hyundai Elantra, and his cellphone data placed him in the area numerous times before the murders.

At the scene, more evidence against Kohberger emerged. Police found a knife sheath with his DNA on it, next to one of the victims. 

The investigation also revealed that Kohberger had made at least 12 trips to the Moscow home before the murders, according to his cellphone records. Police believe he was doing advance reconnoitering and planning prior to the murders. 

Kohberger and his father drove across the country to Pennsylvania shortly after the killings. And they were stopped twice by police in Indiana for traffic violations. Indiana State Police body camera footage taken from the second traffic stop shows Kohberger behind the wheel being questioned by an officer.

 At the time of the traffic stops, authorities did not have the information to identify Kohberger as a suspect. He eventually waived extradition and was transported to Idaho to face the charges.

Search warrants issued

On December 29, he was arrested at his parents' home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania. A search warrant netted law enforcement dark clothing, medical gloves, and other items. They also found evidence, including stained bedding, a single glove, and strands of hair, seized from his apartment in Pullman, Washington.

As the trial date approaches, authorities and the court have imposed a gag order, restricting public statements about the case from police, attorneys, and family members involved.

 The victims' families are anxiously awaiting justice and hoping for answers regarding the killings of their loved ones. Steve Goncalves, the father of victim Kaylee Goncalves, said he believes his daughter and the others killed were initially “stalking” victims.

As the legal process unfolds, more details may come to light, shedding light on the events that led to the tragic loss of four young lives in Moscow, Idaho.