In a turn of developments in the high-profile murder case against Bryan Kohberger, his defense team is expected to argue that someone else may have planted critical DNA evidence at a murder scene in Idaho. This assertion is based on a motion filed this week by Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson.
The prosecution anticipates that instead of contesting the DNA evidence discovered on the knife sheath allegedly belonging to Kohberger, the defense will propose that the DNA isn’t definitive proof of Kohberger’s presence at the crime scene. Moreover, they will suggest the sheath itself might have been planted by the actual criminal, according to Thompson’s motion.
However, with numerous court documents regarding expert witness strategies sealed from public view, current comparisons between Thompson’s claims and the defense’s actual court submissions remain unavailable. Kohberger faces charges of murdering four University of Idaho students: Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. The tragic incident occurred during the early hours of November 13, 2022, near the university in Moscow, Idaho.
Last year, during court proceedings, Kohberger chose to stand silent when prompted for a plea. Consequently, a judge entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. Should he be found guilty, the prosecution plans to seek the death penalty.
In the course of their investigation, prosecutors identified “touch DNA” on a knife sheath near one of the deceased. This DNA was eventually traced back to Kohberger through investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) techniques. Defense attorney Anne Taylor previously made efforts to remove this genetic evidence from the case, but her request was denied by Judge Steven Hippler last month.
Interestingly, despite its pivotal role in the investigation, prosecutors have opted not to mention the IGG evidence during the trial. They plan to inform the jury that a “tip” was instrumental in determining Kohberger as a suspect.
With the trial set to commence on August 11, it is expected to run for over three months, promising to be a lengthy legal battle laden with complex arguments on both sides.