Also in the article, this comment by an Idaho defense attorney on the change of venue decision -
One thing that came as a surprise to Neal and Meickle is the fact that Judge John Judge, the justice who has overseen this case, mentioned there might be a different judge at trial. "Usually, the District Judge will stay with that case," Meickle says, "But he left open the idea. He didn't say he would keep it so it's up to the Supreme Court the make that decision."
IMO he didn't leave it open.
@SpiderFalcon linked the pertinent criminal rule (TY
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Idaho Criminal Rule 21. Transfer for Trial
A motion for transfer may be made at or before arraignment or at any other time the court or these rules prescribe.
(a) For Prejudice. On motion of either party, the court must transfer the proceeding to another county if the court is satisfied that a fair and impartial trial cannot be had in the county where the case is pending.
(b) For Convenience. On motion of the defendant, the court may transfer the proceeding to another county, for the convenience of parties and witnesses, and in the interest of justice.
(c) Proceedings on Transfer.
(1)
Transfer Within a Judicial District. If the proceeding is transferred to a court of proper venue within the same judicial district, the judge granting the transfer must:
(A) order the case transferred to a specific court of proper venue within the judicial district; and
(B) continue the assignment over the case, unless the administrative district judge reassigns the case to another judge of the judicial district.
(2)
Transfer to a Different Judicial District. If the proceeding is transferred to a court of proper venue in a different judicial district, a new presiding judge is assigned as follows:
(A) If the original judge desires to continue the assignment over the case, the judge may so indicate in the order, suggesting a court of proper venue, and refer to the administrative director of the courts for assignment by the Supreme Court to a court of proper venue and for assignment of a specific judge to preside; or
(B) if the original judge does not desire to continue the assignment over the case, the judge must enter an order transferring the case without specifying the new place of venue, and then refer the case to the administrative director of the courts for assignment by the Supreme Court to a court of proper venue in another judicial district and assignment of a specific judge to preside in the criminal proceeding.
From the COV order:
VI. CONCLUSION AND ORDER Kohberger's Motion to Change Venue is granted pursuant to Idaho Criminal Rule 21(a) and 21(b). Consistent with the language of Idaho Criminal Rule 21(c)(2)(B),
21(a) Prejudice
21(b) Convenience
21(c)(2) Transfer to a different district
21(c)(2)(B) Original Judge does not desire to continue
JMO