Additional Coverage:
- Idaho college killings: Judge makes ruling on key DNA evidence (abcnews.go.com)
A judge has denied a request from the defense team of Bryan Kohberger to exclude key DNA and other evidence from his upcoming murder trial. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022.
Judge Steven Hippler rejected arguments that Kohberger’s constitutional rights were violated during the investigation. The judge ruled that the evidence, including DNA and data from online accounts, can be presented to the jury.
Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. He has pleaded not guilty.
The judge specifically addressed the use of investigative genetic genealogy, a technique that helped lead investigators to Kohberger. The defense argued against the use of this technique, but the judge found it admissible. DNA from a knife sheath found at the scene was linked to Kohberger using this method.
The judge also allowed evidence collected from Kohberger’s parents’ home, including trash containing his father’s DNA, which was later matched to a cheek swab from Kohberger.
Finally, the judge dismissed arguments that Kohberger’s arrest was overly aggressive. The judge noted concerns about potential evidence destruction and Kohberger’s possession of a handgun. The judge described observations made by snipers before the arrest, including Kohberger wearing rubber gloves and handling a plastic bag late at night.
The trial is scheduled for August, and Kohberger could face the death penalty if convicted.
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- Idaho college killings: Judge makes ruling on key DNA evidence (abcnews.go.com)