Feb. 23—Moscow Police Chief James Fry said the difficult Bryan Kohberger case partly played a role in his decision to resign from his post at the Moscow Police Department.

Fry, 54, said Thursday that he had been considering resigning for a couple of years, and recently decided it was time for a new challenge. He announced this week he will resign in May and seek election for the Latah County Sheriff position.

He said the police department is “very stable” and he hopes to now bring his experience to the sheriff’s Office.

Fry said his decision to resign was partly motivated by a “rough year” spent in the aftermath of the Nov. 13, 2022, murders of four University of Idaho students. The investigation and the ensuing court case of suspect Bryan Kohberger has garnered international scrutiny.

Fry said that going through something of that magnitude “will always make you think.”

Fry said his resignation and election campaign will not change his involvement in the Kohberger case, which has yet to go to trial.

Fry began his career as a reserve officer with the Moscow Police Department in 1993. Fry said he wants to “expand his horizons” by making the shift to Latah County.

“I’ve had a great opportunity to serve the community of Moscow and I look forward to serving Latah County,” he said.

Current Sheriff Richie Skiles also announced this week he will run for reelection. Skiles was first elected in 2016.

The candidate filing period for Latah County runs from March 4-15.

Kuipers can be reached at akuipers@dnews.com.