Judge to Weigh Major Legal Issues in Kohberger Trial
BOISE, Idaho — With the trial of Bryan Kohberger, the suspect accused in the fatal stabbings of four University of Idaho students, now four months away, a judge is set to hear arguments on key pretrial motions. The outcome could determine what evidence will be presented and whether the death penalty remains on the table.
Defense Seeks to Remove Death Penalty Citing Autism Diagnosis
Kohberger’s legal team has requested that the death penalty be removed, citing his diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). His attorneys argue the condition may influence how jurors perceive his behavior, such as a lack of emotional expression, which could lead to a misinterpretation of guilt.
Prosecutors countered that the diagnosis is a mild form of autism and does not diminish legal responsibility. Idaho law does not permit an insanity defense, making challenges to the death penalty more complex.
Case Background and Trial Stakes
Kohberger, 30, is charged with the November 2022 killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin at an off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho. Prosecutors plan to seek capital punishment if he is convicted.
The case has drawn national attention and is being tried under a strict gag order, limiting public statements from parties involved.
Arguments Over Evidence and Language
Several motions target the language and visuals prosecutors intend to use:
- The state wants to present a selfie of Kohberger taken hours after the murders to support a witness account describing the intruder as having “bushy eyebrows.”
- The defense opposes this, calling it prejudicial, and also seeks to bar terms like “murderer,” “psychopath,” or “sociopath” from use in court.
Prosecutors, in turn, are asking the court to:
- Exclude psychiatric evaluations from the defense.
- Block alternative suspect arguments without supporting evidence.
- Restrict alibi evidence unless it comes directly from Kohberger.
Text Messages and 911 Call Scrutiny
A major point of contention is whether to admit text messages exchanged by surviving roommates prior to the delayed 911 call, which came eight hours after the killings. The defense claims the messages are being selectively presented and argue that the roommates were awake and active online during that period.
DNA Evidence and Knife Sheath Debate
Authorities allege that Kohberger’s DNA was found on a knife sheath recovered at the scene. The defense does not dispute the DNA match but argues that the sheath could have been planted, and its presence does not prove Kohberger was at the house.
Prosecutors stated that Kohberger purchased a Ka-Bar knife from Amazon months before the attack—matching the type of sheath found near one of the victims.
Additional Motions Under Review
The court is also expected to consider:
- The admissibility of surveillance footage showing Kohberger’s vehicle.
- The use of 3-D modeling of the crime scene.
- Evidence related to Kohberger’s online purchases.
These topics will be addressed during the hearing, which may extend into Thursday.
