Judge weighs challenge to gag order in University of Idaho killings

By GENE JOHNSON
Associated Press

A judge overseeing the case against a man charged with killing four University of Idaho students is considering whether to revoke or alter a gag order that largely bars attorneys and other parties in the case from speaking with news reporters. A coalition of more than 30 media organizations has challenged the order during a hearing Friday, saying it violates the Constitution’s guarantees of free speech and a free press. A lawyer for one of the victim’s families has also made that argument in the case set to be heard Friday. But prosecutors and the defendant’s lawyers insist it’s needed to prevent prejudicial news coverage that could damage Bryan Kohberger’s right to a fair trial.