Prosecutors in the case against a man accused of murdering four students from the University of Idaho are now looking to introduce a college research paper he wrote as evidence, showcasing his expertise in crime scene analysis, as submitted in recent court documents.
Bryan Kohberger, 30, is charged with the fatal stabbings of students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, which took place in a rented house close to the university campus in Moscow, Idaho. Autopsy results suggest the victims were most likely asleep at the time they were attacked, with some of them showing defensive wounds and each suffering multiple stab injuries.
Kohberger is facing four counts of murder in relation to the incident that occurred on November 13, 2022. Should he be convicted, the prosecutors have expressed their intention to pursue the death penalty.
The trial is set to commence on August 11. Initially remaining silent when prompted to enter a plea last year, the judge entered a plea of not guilty on Kohberger’s behalf.
In a filing submitted on Monday, prosecutors noted that a paper Kohberger drafted in 2020 while attending DeSales University in Pennsylvania will be used to demonstrate his familiarity with crime scene protocols.
The 12-page document, known as “Crime-scene Scenario Final,” provides an example of using a knife in the murder of a woman.
The paper outlines various procedures for authorities to follow when securing and investigating a crime scene. These include preventing contamination by restricting access, obtaining search warrants, and involving a supervisor, forensic services, and a coroner.
The document further elaborates on the equipment necessary for effective crime scene investigation, including proper evidence collection and techniques to prevent contamination, such as wearing gloves and protective gear.
“Avoiding contamination by wearing fiber-free coverings over the mouth, hair, and body is essential,” the paper states.
Kohberger, who was a graduate student in criminal justice at Washington State University during the time of the arrests, was apprehended in Pennsylvania weeks after the killings. Investigators connected his DNA to genetic material found on a knife sheath at the crime scene.
The college paper also addresses maintaining the chain of custody for evidence and underscores the importance of collecting surveillance footage and interviewing possible witnesses.
“Routine passersby, such as mail carriers, should be interviewed to establish their alibis,” it advises. “It’s crucial to establish where the neighbors were and have their alibis verified.”
The incident profoundly impacted Moscow, a small agricultural town with around 25,000 residents, which hadn’t experienced a homicide in five years. Subsequently, the trial location was shifted from rural northern Idaho to Boise, following defense concerns that Kohberger might not receive an impartial trial in the district where the crime happened.
Judge Steven Hippler has set an April 9 hearing to address pretrial motions. Some of the matters requiring judgment include debates on whether an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis could exclude Kohberger from receiving the death penalty if convicted and whether jurors should listen to a 911 call from two women eight hours after the crime, which was placed upon discovering their unresponsive roommate.
The court has imposed a gag order on all involved parties and has prohibited cameras from the courtroom during the trial.