Balaclava Buy Raises Suspicion
A disturbing twist has emerged in the Bryan Kohberger trial, as prosecutors claim the accused killer purchased a black balaclava months before four University of Idaho students were murdered. According to new filings, Kohberger bought the face mask on January 10, 2022, from Dickโs Sporting Goods in Pittsburgh.
That same type of balaclava was described by a surviving roommate, Dylan Mortensen, who told police she saw a masked man in the house the night Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were killed.
Mask Drawing Sparks Prosecutor Push
Prosecutors emphasized the importance of this evidence. โThis mask is the same type described by DM,โ the court document stated, referring to Mortensenโs initials. The witness even drew a sketch of the mask, now part of the court record.
Despite Kohbergerโs legal team attempting to exclude the purchase, the prosecution insists the item supports their theory of premeditation.
Knife Purchase Also Under Fire
Previously released records reveal Kohberger also bought a combat-style knife, sheath, and sharpener on Amazon. A knife sheath with his DNA was found at the crime scene โ a critical piece of evidence.
Kohbergerโs defense has argued against the inclusion of both the mask and knife purchases, claiming the details may unfairly bias a jury. Yet prosecutors counter that excluding such links would mislead jurors.
Mental Health Raises Fair Trial Concerns
Defense attorney Elisa Massoth raised new questions in the Bryan Kohberger trial filings, citing the accusedโs mental state. She claims Kohberger may struggle to process courtroom events due to undiagnosed autism.
She pointed to his โoddโ behavior during his arrest at his parentsโ Pennsylvania home โ reportedly asking officers about their education and joking about coffee. โHe did not perceive the profoundly serious nature of the moment,โ Massoth wrote.
Although competency hasnโt been formally challenged, the defense says they continue to evaluate it.
Prosecutors Warn of Jury Confusion
Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson responded sharply. He argued the defense cannot legally introduce evidence about Kohbergerโs demeanor unless competency is formally questioned. Thompson warned such efforts would only confuse jurors and play to emotional appeals.
Bryan Kohberger trial: Jury Selection Set For Summer
Jury selection in the Bryan Kohberger trial is scheduled to begin on July 30. The case continues to draw national attention, with legal experts closely watching how this latest evidence could affect the trialโs outcome.
