What was already one of the most closely watched trials in America just took a dramatic turn.

Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of brutally killing four University of Idaho students, is now at the center of another storm—this time, over a major leak of sensitive information.

The judge overseeing the case, Steven Hippler, has now ordered an investigation after someone with inside knowledge allegedly leaked undisclosed details to Dateline.

That leak could throw a wrench into everything, including the search for an impartial jury.

Sensitive Information Lands in the Hands of the Media

In an extraordinary development, Judge Hippler revealed that “sensitive information not previously publicly circulated” was shared with Dateline.

This breach, he suspects, likely came from someone either currently or formerly involved with law enforcement or the prosecution team.

The leaked material included evidence and insights that had been deliberately kept under wraps to protect the integrity of the investigation—and now, it’s out in the open.

Jury Selection Now Under Even More Pressure

Kohberger is facing the death penalty if convicted of murdering Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin back in November 2022.

The attack, which happened while two other housemates survived, left a college town in mourning and sent shockwaves across the country.

With jury selection scheduled to begin behind closed doors on July 30, Judge Hippler stressed how this leak will only make it harder to find a fair and impartial panel.

He warned that the breach could “substantially increase the cost to taxpayers” due to the extended time it will likely take to vet jurors.

Officials Now Under Strict Orders Not to Destroy Evidence

Judge Hippler isn’t taking any chances. In a firm court memo, he put everyone connected to the case—past or present—on high alert.

Anyone involved is now legally prohibited from deleting or altering any communication or file, whether on work-issued or personal devices.

This includes everything from emails and text messages to phone logs, private messages, and even metadata.

Any function that automatically deletes messages must be disabled immediately, the judge ordered.

Court Demands Full Disclosure from Law Enforcement

Hippler is demanding a complete list of every law enforcement or prosecution official—past or present—who had access to key evidence in the case. That includes:

Surveillance footage of Kohberger
His AT&T phone records
Social media and phone content
Internet search history
Amazon account details
Photographs connected to the investigation

The reason for this detailed request? The information leaked to Dateline came straight from these materials.

Dateline Episode Unveils Alarming Allegations

According to the Dateline report, Kohberger, a criminology PhD student, allegedly made several unsettling moves following the murders.

He reportedly called his father three times just two hours after the killings on November 13, 2022.

The show also reported that Kohberger had been researching serial killer Ted Bundy and watching documentaries about him in the days that followed the slayings.

In a strange twist, he was also said to have searched for and listened to the Britney Spears song Criminal.

Dateline further claimed that Mogen was believed to be the intended target—and that the killer was surprised to find her best friend, Kernodle, sleeping beside her.

Judge Issues a Clear Warning with Serious Consequences

In response to the leak, Judge Hippler made it clear that failure to cooperate could result in contempt of court—with criminal consequences for anyone found responsible.

He gave the State just seven days to submit a plan explaining how they’ll prevent future leaks.

That plan must also outline what steps have been taken (or will be taken) to identify who violated the court’s gag order in the first place.

What Comes Next in This Tumultuous Trial?

As Kohberger awaits trial for one of the most shocking crimes in recent memory, this new twist adds yet another layer of complication.

With trust now fractured inside the very teams meant to uphold justice, the focus turns to how the court will move forward while preserving the trial’s integrity.

The leak has intensified scrutiny on the case, raised questions about accountability within law enforcement, and further complicated an already emotionally charged process.

Now, all eyes are on the upcoming investigation—and whether it will uncover the source of the breach before trial begins.