When will the evidence against Bryan Kohberger be released?

(NewsNation) — An Idaho judge ruled to lift a gag order in Bryan Kohberger's criminal case, but sealed documents may not be opened for many months. 

Judge Steven Hippler had imposed the non-dissemination order to preserve the integrity of the case, but said he would no longer hold it during a hearing on the matter Thursday.

“At this point, I just don’t think that I can justify the continuation of the non-dissemination order. I think the rights of the public to information in this case is paramount given the fact that a plea has been entered in this case,” Hippler said during the hearing.

But Hippler specifically noted that doing away with the gag order "does not convert sealed documents to unsealed documents.” 

The process to unseal documents will be long and won’t start until after sentencing, he said.

That process will also include opportunities for the parties to object to unsealing any documents. 

“That process is going to take time, and I’m not talking days, I’m probably not talking weeks, for that to be accomplished,” he said. “Patience will be required to get through that.” 

Hippler also noted that he is unlikely to unseal much evidence until after the appeals period has run. 

Kohberger was virtually present at Thursday's meeting, logging in from Ada County Jail. He showed no emotion as Hippler spoke.

Earlier this month, Kohberger agreed to a plea deal and admitted to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students: Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle. 

The plea deal took the death penalty off the table, weeks before he was slated to go to trial in early August. 

The victims’ families will be given an opportunity to address Kohberger and the court before the sentence is handed down during the sentencing hearing next week.