A series of recent court documents related to the case of Bryan Kohberger, charged with the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, has unveiled new insights into how the prosecution is developing. Kohberger, 30 years old and formerly a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, faces charges in the fatal knife attacks on Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. The victims were discovered in a rental house near Moscow, Idaho, and autopsies revealed that they were likely asleep during the attack, showing defensive wounds and multiple stabs.
Kohberger was apprehended in Pennsylvania weeks following the incident. Authorities point to DNA evidence linking him to genetic material found on a knife sheath at the crime scene. As the trial approaches, it is crucial to understand the developments so far. Kohberger stands accused of four counts of murder tied to the events of November 13, 2022, with prosecutors pursuing the death penalty upon conviction. Previously, when prompted to plead, Kohberger remained silent, which led the judge to enter a not-guilty plea in his stead. The crime sent shockwaves through the quiet, small farming community, which hadn’t encountered a murder in half a decade. Due to concerns about impartiality, the trial venue was shifted from northern Idaho to Boise.
The newly submitted documents illustrate pretrial motions that will influence the admissibility of evidence and expert accounts during Kohberger’s trial, set to commence on August 11 and expected to extend over three months. Among the submissions, prosecutors have unearthed Kohberger’s “click history” on Amazon.com, indicating his purchase of a military-style Ka-Bar knife, sheath, and sharpener in March—eight months before the murders. Notably, a Ka-Bar knife sheath was discovered beside one of the victims. Additionally, the browsing history suggests Kohberger searched for Ka-Bar knives following the homicides, which prosecutors argue implies his motive and need to research the items. On the contrary, Kohberger’s legal team seeks to dismiss the shopping history, arguing it might be misinterpreted or influenced by algorithmic recommendations.
Further allegations by prosecutors include a smiling selfie reportedly taken by Kohberger hours after the crimes, in which he is seen giving a thumbs-up gesture. A surviving roommate, who was intoxicated on the night of the murders, claimed to have witnessed an unrecognized man with “bushy eyebrows” donning a face mask. Defense lawyers are appealing to exclude references to “bushy eyebrows” from the trial, asserting it could unfairly sway the jury against Kohberger.
A crucial court session is slated for April 9, where Judge Steven Hippler will evaluate pretrial motions. Matters to be addressed include whether an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis would impede a death penalty decision upon Kohberger’s conviction and the admissibility of a 911 call recorded hours after the crime, related to roommates’ realization that one of their peers was unresponsive. The court has implemented a media ban for trial participants and prohibited courtroom recording devices, maintaining a gag order on trial details.