Additional Coverage:
- Idaho college murders: Prosecutors can seek death penalty against man charged with killing 4 students (nbcnews.com)
Idaho Student Murders Suspect May Face Death Penalty
Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, could be sentenced to death if convicted. A judge has ruled that Idaho’s death penalty statute is constitutional, despite the defense’s objections.
Kohberger’s defense team argued that capital punishment was cruel and unusual, but the judge found that Kohberger had failed to provide an alternative method of execution.
Idaho’s alternative to the death penalty is life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years. However, prosecutors believe Kohberger’s crimes warrant the death penalty due to the multiple victims, the heinous nature of the murders, and his potential future threat to society.
Kohberger’s trial is scheduled for August, and a jury must unanimously agree to impose a death sentence. The prosecution plans to present evidence such as DNA, cellphone records, and security videos.
The defense maintains that Kohberger is innocent and was driving elsewhere at the time of the murders. They have filed a motion to suppress evidence, claiming it was obtained illegally.
The trial has been moved to Boise from Latah County due to concerns about potential juror bias and limited resources.