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**IDAHO COURTS** — In a pivotal update to the **Bryan Kohberger** murder trial, prosecutors have formally notified the court that **no lay witnesses will be called during the penalty phase** if **Kohberger**, the accused killer of four University of Idaho students, is convicted. The filing, obtained by **Fox News Digital**, was submitted late last week to the **District Court of the Fourth Judicial District in Idaho**.
The prosecution stated: *“The State does not intend to call any lay witnesses during the penalty phase, instead relying on testimony and evidence presented in the guilt phase of the trial.”* However, victim impact statements from immediate family members of the victims will be allowed during sentencing if **Kohberger** is found guilty.
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**Bryan Kohberger**, 28, faces charges of **first-degree murder** in the deaths of **KAYLEE GONCALVES**, 21, **XANA KERNODLE**, 20, **MADISON MOGEN**, 21, and **ETHAN CHAPIN**, 20. The shocking crimes occurred on **November 13, 2022** near the University of Idaho campus in Moscow. Additionally, **Kohberger** is charged with felony burglary linked to the home invasion.
**DEATH PENALTY POSSIBILITY REMAINS**
The state has confirmed that **the death penalty is still on the table** if **Kohberger** is convicted. His defense team, led by **Anne Taylor**, recently filed a motion to remove the death penalty as an option but faced sharp criticism from **Judge Steven Hippler**.
In his response, **Judge Hippler** noted that **Kohberger** had access to ample resources during the discovery phase, including the opportunity to hire staffing aids or review technological tools for evidence management. **Judge Hippler** highlighted that **Taylor** chose to handle all discovery materials personally rather than delegate to her team.
**Taylor** further disclosed that her practice involves reviewing all discovery independently—a method **Judge Hippler** deemed crucial for addressing the case’s complexity.
**Fox News Digital** reached out to **Anne Taylor** and **Latah County Prosecuting Attorney BILL THOMPSON** for comment, but neither has responded as of publishing.
**FOOTNOTE:** Contribution reporting by **Charlotte Gordon Rowley**, reporting from **Idaho, Moses Lake**.
Source: **[Fox News Digital](https://www.foxnews.com)**