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Moscow, Idaho – Bryan Kohberger’s defense suffered a major setback Thursday as Judge Steven Hippler rejected their attempt to introduce alternative suspects in the Idaho student murders. Judge Hippler dismissed the defense’s arguments as “wild speculation,” lacking even a “scintilla of competent evidence” linking the four suggested individuals to the crime scene. This ruling prevents Kohberger’s lawyers from presenting this evidence to the jury during the upcoming trial.
Kohberger’s legal team had previously suggested in May that these unidentified individuals, not Kohberger, could be responsible for the November 2022 killings. However, the judge’s order firmly shuts down this avenue of defense.
This decision is a significant blow to Kohberger, who faces the death penalty if convicted of the first-degree murders of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. He is also charged with felony burglary. Prosecutors contend that Kohberger’s DNA was discovered on a knife sheath at the scene and plan to introduce his academic work as evidence of his understanding of crime scene investigation.
The trial continues to draw significant attention, with previous defense motions citing media coverage, including a recent television special, as potentially prejudicial.