Bryan Kohberger's defense team has filed motions to suppress key evidence and question witness credibility in the quadruple murder case involving four University of Idaho students, with a judge expected to decide on these motions in the coming weeks.
On November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho undergraduates—Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin—were found brutally murdered in their shared off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho.
Kohberger, a Ph.D. criminology student at Washington State University, was arrested in December 2022 at his parents' home in Pennsylvania.
DNA evidence allegedly linking him to the crime and other circumstantial evidence, including cell phone data and witness testimony, have become focal points in the case. During two days of hearings, Kohberger's defense sought to suppress genetic genealogy evidence and undermine the credibility of an eyewitness who described seeing a masked man leaving the crime scene.
They argued that the DNA evidence, while found on a knife sheath at the crime scene, could have alternative explanations, citing the discovery of other unidentified DNA samples.
They also questioned the validity of law enforcement's search methods and raised concerns about privacy violations, including the use of Kohberger's Amazon purchase records. Despite these arguments, the judge appeared unconvinced, citing the strength of the DNA evidence and the lawful execution of the search warrants.
Judge Steven Hippler will deliberate on the defense motions and issue rulings in the coming weeks. Kohberger's trial, which is scheduled for later this year, will determine whether he faces the death penalty if convicted.
Meanwhile, both sides are under judicial orders to provide comprehensive expert disclosures to ensure a fair trial process.
