BOISE, ID — The judge presiding over the case of Bryan Kohberger, charged with the murders of four University of Idaho students, said on Wednesday he would review the defense’s request to postpone the trial but reminded both sides to be prepared for the trial to begin as scheduled in August.

Judge Steven Hippler indicated he would issue a ruling on the delay request in writing soon. Kohberger’s legal team asked for extra time to properly assess the substantial amount of evidence in the case, including forensic details and witness testimonies.

The prosecution has opposed any further delay, citing the need for timely justice for the victims’ families.

Kohberger faces charges of first-degree murder charges for the November 2022 deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, who were found fatally stabbed in an off-campus home in Moscow. Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania in December 2022 and extradited to Idaho.

Kohberger is facing the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.