Kohberger’s defense team tried to strike the death penalty in a recent hearing, arguing the discovery produced by the prosecution had been large in volume and unorganized, meaning they were unable to meaningfully review it. Judge Steven Hippler said the defense’s claims “ring hollow.”

The ruling found the defense had not demonstrated that prosecutors violated discovery obligations or concealed specific materials.

Judge Steven Hippler denied a motion on Tuesday from Bryan Kohberger's defense team that asked to remove the death penalty as a possible punishment.