A newly surfaced photo of Bryan Kohberger, taken just hours after someone killed four college students, could become crucial evidence for the prosecution. The eerie image shows Kohberger smirking and giving a thumbs-up to the camera. He appears to be in a bathroom, with a shower in the background. He is wearing earphones and a fully buttoned collared shirt. The prosecution believes this image may help link him to the crime.
Survivors Recall Seeing a Man With ‘Bushy Eyebrows’
One of the surviving roommates, Dylan Mortensen, described seeing a masked intruder inside the house on the night of the murders. The most distinct feature she recalled was the man’s ‘bushy eyebrows.’ Prosecutors plan to use the selfie to argue that Kohberger matches this description. According to NewsNation’s Brian Entin, jurors will be shown the image as part of the state’s case against him.
The Victims Were Found Stabbed in Their Home
The tragic crime unfolded in November 2022 in Moscow, Idaho. Someone fatally stabbed Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in their off-campus home. Police arrested Kohberger, a PhD student in criminology, six weeks later and charged him with the murders. He denies any involvement. Investigators say the brutal killings shocked the community, and evidence against him continues to grow.
Bryan Kohberger Defense Wants to Block Key Words From the Trial
Last month, Kohberger’s defense team requested the court to ban certain words and phrases from the trial. One of the terms they want banned is ‘bushy eyebrows.’ The defense argues that the phrase is too vague and could unfairly influence jurors. However, prosecutors believe the description is an essential part of the case and directly connects Kohberger to the crime scene. The judge has yet to rule on this request.
The Night of the Murders and What the Roommates Heard
Mortensen slept in a second-floor bedroom. She told investigators that strange noises woke her around 4 a.m., followed by a voice saying, “There’s someone here.” She also heard what sounded like whimpering from Kernodle’s room. Then, a man’s voice said, ‘It’s okay, I’m going to help you.’ Mortensen opened her door and peeked out three times. On the third time, she saw a man dressed in black walking past her door. She noticed his bushy eyebrows before he headed toward the sliding back doors. Her testimony is expected to be a key part of the trial.
Frantic Messages Between the Surviving Roommates
Between 4:22 a.m. and 4:24 a.m., Mortensen and the other surviving roommate, Bethany Funke, exchanged 17 text messages. Fear gripped them as they suspected someone was inside their house. Mortensen texted, “I’m not kidding, I am so freaked out.” Funke responded by telling her to ‘Run. Down here.’ After Mortensen saw the intruder, she went to Funke’s room, and they both stayed there. The newly released court documents suggest they eventually fell asleep in the same room.
Chilling Details Revealed in Their Texts
The text messages between Mortensen and Funke show just how scared they were that night. Mortensen messaged Goncalves, asking, ‘Kaylee. What’s going on?’ She never got a reply.She texted Funke, “No one is answering,” then added, “I’m really confused right now.” Funke responded, ‘Ya dude wtf… Xana was wearing all black.’ Mortensen admitted she was ‘freaking out’ and later clarified that the person she saw was wearing something that ‘looked like a ski mask.’
Bryan Kohberger Alibi and the Evidence Against Him
Kohberger has provided a weak alibi for the night of the murders. He claims he was driving around, looking at the stars. However, his attorney, Anne Taylor, admitted that no witnesses can confirm this. Investigators say there is strong evidence linking Kohberger to the crime. Investigators found his DNA on a knife sheath left at the crime scene. Surveillance footage also shows a white Hyundai Elantra, similar to his, leaving the area at the time of the murders. Cellphone records place him near the victims’ home before and after the attack. As the trial moves forward, prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on this evidence.
