Additional Coverage:
Kohberger Trial Witnesses Ordered to Idaho
A Pennsylvania judge ruled Monday that three individuals subpoenaed by the defense in the Bryan Kohberger murder case must travel to Idaho to testify. Kohberger stands accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students in November 2022.
The witnesses include a former boxing trainer who worked with Kohberger as a teen, a childhood acquaintance, and a third person whose connection to the case remains unclear. Kohberger, 30, was arrested at his parents’ Pennsylvania home weeks after the killings. He faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.
The judge also heard arguments regarding a subpoena issued to the owner of a car dealership where Kohberger’s parents bought a Hyundai Elantra in 2019. Questions arose about whether the subpoena was meant for the current owner or his father, who owned the dealership at the time of purchase.
A decision on this subpoena, along with subpoenas for prosecution witnesses, will be addressed next week. Hearings for two additional defense witnesses are also scheduled for next week.
One of the witnesses ordered to Idaho, Brandon Andreola, unsuccessfully argued against the subpoena, citing concerns about financial hardship and the potential impact of publicity on his job. Andreola stated his contact with Kohberger has been minimal since high school.
Similarly, boxing trainer Jesse Harris argued that his testimony would not be helpful to the case and cited family health concerns and business obligations. Judge Arthur Zulick approved the summonses for both Andreola and Harris, as well as for a third witness, Anthony Somma, who did not contest the subpoena.
Kohberger’s trial is scheduled to begin August 11 in Boise. Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty.
Kohberger has pleaded not guilty. A gag order remains in effect, limiting public discussion of the case.