Defense Challenges DNA Evidence in Bryan Kohberger Murder Case

True Crime Today | A True Crime Podcast

Attorneys for Bryan Kohberger have accused investigators of mishandling key evidence and using aggressive search tactics in the case linking him to the killings of four University of Idaho students in November 2022. In court filings, the defense is asking the court to exclude evidence it claims was improperly obtained, including DNA, digital accounts, and information from expert witnesses.
In recently submitted documents, Kohberger’s defense argues that investigative genetic genealogy—used to connect DNA collected at the crime scene to Kohberger’s family home in Pennsylvania—is both "unreliable and controversial." According to the defense, “The investigators’ methods show a disregard for protocols, effectively destroying the house to save the car, or some other evidence, from Mr. Kohberger’s rubber gloves.”
Kohberger was arrested on Dec. 30, 2022, in Pennsylvania, following a month-long investigation into the Nov. 13 stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The students were found dead in their rental home near the University of Idaho campus.
Prosecutors have maintained that DNA collected from the crime scene matches Kohberger’s DNA, which was obtained from his family residence. Despite this claim, the defense is challenging the admissibility of such evidence, citing concerns over the reliability of investigative genetic genealogy.
The defense has also taken issue with how investigators collected evidence from Kohberger’s digital accounts, including his Apple iCloud, Google, and Amazon profiles. These filings accuse the prosecution of failing to provide adequate disclosure regarding the experts expected to testify at trial, labeling the lack of transparency as a violation of due process.
The defense team has requested that the court impose sanctions on prosecutors for their handling of discovery and pretrial evidence-sharing obligations.
Kohberger, a former criminology student, was indicted last year on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. He chose to remain silent during his arraignment, prompting Latah County Judge John Judge to enter not guilty pleas on his behalf.
The case, which was transferred to Ada County, is expected to move to trial in August. The parties are scheduled to return to court on Jan. 23 to address the defense’s allegations of evidence mishandling and procedural misconduct.
As the trial date approaches, both sides are preparing for an intense legal battle over the validity of the evidence. The defense’s challenges, particularly regarding DNA and digital evidence, could significantly shape the outcome of this high-profile case.
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