In a dramatic court appearance, Bryan Kohberger's defense team has revealed the existence of an alternate suspect in the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students, marking a significant development in the high-profile case.
According to Daily Mail, the revelation came during a hearing at Ada County courthouse, where Judge Steven Hippler is making final decisions that will shape Kohberger's upcoming capital murder trial.
The identity of this new suspect and supporting evidence remain sealed under court order, with Judge Hippler setting a May 23 deadline for Kohberger's attorneys to present concrete evidence backing their allegations. This latest development aligns with the defense team's previous strategy, suggesting Kohberger was framed and that two killers were responsible for the murders.
Kohberger's legal team must now prove the admissibility of this alternate suspect theory before the June hearing, where both sides will argue their positions. The prosecution will have until June 6 to respond to these claims, setting the stage for a crucial legal battle that could significantly impact the trial's direction.
The 30-year-old criminology PhD student faces death by firing squad if convicted of murdering Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. These four students were killed in a horrific knife attack on November 13, 2022, at their off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho.
Recent evidence has emerged showing Kohberger made three phone calls to his father, Michael, just hours after the murders. The calls, beginning at 6:17 AM, lasted up to 54 minutes each, raising new questions about the timeline of events.
Investigators have uncovered unsettling details about Kohberger's online activity, including searches related to serial killer Ted Bundy and disturbing pornographic content. His digital footprint revealed multiple viewings of shows about Bundy, particularly in the days following the murders.
Judge Hippler addressed the court regarding these findings, saying, "I am not a fan of surprises, as you may have figured out by now."
The investigation also revealed that Kohberger possessed images of female students from Washington State University and the University of Idaho, many appearing to be connected to the victims through social media.
The upcoming trial, scheduled to begin with jury selection on July 30, will implement extensive security measures and specific protocols for witness protection. Judge Hippler has ordered special considerations for surviving roommates Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen, allowing them to shield their faces during testimony.
The trial is expected to last approximately three months, with jury selection incorporating detailed questionnaires about potential jurors' knowledge of the case and views on capital punishment. The judge plans to have eight alternates, bringing the total jury panel to 20 members.
Sources close to the investigation suggest that Madison Mogen may have been the primary target, based on the killer's movement pattern through the house. This theory adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate case.
Bryan Kohberger's fate hangs in the balance as his defense team presents their alternate suspect theory in the murders of four University of Idaho students. The revelation came during a crucial pre-trial hearing where Judge Hippler established strict deadlines for evidence submission and legal arguments. The case will proceed to trial on August 11, following jury selection, where prosecutors will seek the death penalty for the brutal murders that shocked the college town of Moscow, Idaho.
