Bryan Kohberger – updates: Idaho murders suspect may face firing squad as judge compares case to Lori Vallow
Bryan Kohberger is in a fight for his life as he may now face the firing squad if convicted of the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.
On Monday, prosecutors announced they plan to seek the death penalty against him. In Idaho, the use of firing squad as an alternative death sentence method to lethal injection will go into force on 1 July – ahead of his October trial.
Now, the 28-year-old’s attorneys are seeking a trove of evidence from prosecutors which they say is key to him being able to defend himself.
Arguments about some of this evidence were heard in a court hearing on Tuesday, where the judge compared the case to that of Lori Vallow.
Judge John Judge pointed to the equally high-profile Idaho murder case as he warned the media about the use of cameras in the courtroom, saying that if they continue to focus only on Mr Kohberger, cameras could be banned altogether.
It also emerged this week that Mr Kohberger was convicted of theft nine years before he allegedly brutally stabbed the four University of Idaho students to death in Moscow.
Key points
Bryan Kohberger appears in court in suit
Judge invokes Lori Vallow case in brief hearing
Prosecutors seek death penalty against Bryan Kohberger
Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders
Xana Kernodle’s family is calling on the community to ‘have fun’ on what would have been her 21st birthday
Wednesday 28 June 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco
“My sister, Xana Kernodle was born on July 5th, 2002 making this year her 21st birthday. We hope to celebrate #xanapalooza this year and every year by being silly, having fun, getting out of our comfort zones, and loving life like she did each day,” her sister Jazzmin wrote on Facebook.
“She had the most love for living each day to the fullest, creating memories, gaining new experiences, being silly, and of course all those who surrounded her. Help us celebrate #xanapalooza and honor Xana for her 21st birthday on July 5th by doing something fun, new and spontaneous!”
Idaho prosecutor asks for funding hike to process Bryan Kohberger trial
Wednesday 28 June 2023 04:00 , Andrea Blanco
An Idaho prosecutor has asked for a large funding increase to help cover the expenses it will cost to put quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger on trial.
The Latah County Prosecutor’s Office asked commissioners to provide $135,000 for trial expenses, a significant increase from the normal $15,000 budget, reported The Lewiston Tribune.
Mr Kohberger has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary for the brutal November stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.
He remains in Latah County Jail with his trial expected to take place between 2 October and 12 November.
Mr Kohberger chose to remain silent during his 22 May arraignment hearing and Latah County District Judge John Judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf.
Father of Idaho murder victim reacts to prosecutors seeking death penalty in Bryan Kohberger case
Wednesday 28 June 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco
The father of a murdered University of Idaho student has welcomed news from prosecutors that the state will be seeking the death penalty against the sole suspect in the case.
Seven months after Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in their off-campus residence, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty against their alleged killer, Bryan Kohberger.
Read more:
Kaylee Goncalves’ father reacts to state seeking death penalty in murder case
Cleaning company returns personal items to families of Idaho murders victims
Wednesday 28 June 2023 06:00 , Andrea Blanco
A cleaning company is back at the crime scene where four University of Idaho students were murdered last year.
A large truck was seen on Tuesday (27 June) at the Moscow three-storey home where Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were murdered last November as the process continues to return their personal belongings to their loved ones.
Earlier reports said that the house, which now belongs to the University of Idaho, would be demolished sometime this summer.
The cleaning company tasked with removing all the items inside the home ahead of a demolition told CourtTV in a statement that a timeline has not been laid out, but staff remains in touch with family members during the process that may take several weeks.
“We are beginning remediation with the removal of all the personal items for the families to receive, as they wish. This will take several weeks. No date set for demolition,” the statement read.
#BREAKING: cleaning company back at the #IdahoStudents crime scene right now! @CourtTV #Idaho4 #BryanKohberger #firstonCourtTv pic.twitter.com/R0rh8zAQKf
— Chanley Shá Painter (@ChanleyCourtTV) June 27, 2023
Four students stabbed to death, a weeks-long manhunt and still no motive: What we know about the Idaho murders
Wednesday 28 June 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco
As the sole suspect in the stabbings of four Idaho students returns to court to face murder charges, Andrea Blanco, Rachel Sharp and Sheila Flynn report on the case in small town Idaho that has shocked America:
What to know about Idaho murders and suspect Bryan Kohberger
Bryan Kohberger’s father called police on accused Idaho killer nine years before murders
Wednesday 28 June 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco
Bryan Kohberger’s father called the police on his son nine years before his son allegedly murdered four University of Idaho students in a shocking knife attack that has horrified America.
Court records, newly obtained by ABC News, reveal that Mr Kohberger was arrested and charged with stealing one of his sister Melissa’s cellphones back in 2014.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp reports:
Bryan Kohberger’s father called police on him nine years before Idaho murders
Judge agrees to narrow but not lift gag order in University of Idaho student slayings case
Wednesday 28 June 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco
An Idaho judge has denied a request from roughly two dozen news organizations to lift a gag order in the criminal case of a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death. The judge did, however, significantly narrow the gag order in response to the news organizations’ concerns.
The ruling was handed down late Friday afternoon.
In it, 2nd District Judge John Judge said it was legally prudent to restrict attorneys from making some statements about the case in order to preserve Bryan Kohberger‘s right to a fair trial. Still, Judge also said the original gag order — which also barred law enforcement officers and other people tangentially related to the case from speaking to the press — was “arguably overbroad and vague in some areas.”
Kohberger, 28, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the stabbing deaths in Moscow, Idaho. Prosecutors have yet to reveal if they intend to seek the death penalty.
The bodies of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found on Nov. 13, 2022, at a rental home across the street from the University of Idaho campus. The slayings shocked the rural Idaho community and neighboring Pullman, Washington, where Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University.
Bryan Kohberger’s defense requests training records of three officers who investigated Idaho murders
Wednesday 28 June 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco
Accused Idaho college killer Bryan Kohberger appeared in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Tuesday as his lawyers launched their fight against the death penalty case.
In a hearing in Latah County Court, Judge John Judge heard arguments on several motions filed by the defence, including seeking details about the DNA evidence, seeking details about the grand jury which returned a murder indictment against him, and issuing a stay on proceedings to put a pause on the case heading to trial.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp and Andrea Blanco report:
Bryan Kohberger’s defense requests records of three officers Idaho murders probe
IN PICTURES: Bryan Kohberger in court
Wednesday 28 June 2023 10:32 , Rachel Sharp
WATCH: Idaho victim's mother explains why she will not attend Bryan Kohberger's trial
Wednesday 28 June 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco
What happened in court yesterday?
Wednesday 28 June 2023 11:31 , Rachel Sharp
Judge revised gag order to clarify that it does include members of law enforcement, investigators and expert witnesses for both sides
Judge tells media not to focus cameras solely on Bryan Kohberger – or they run the risk of cameras being banned
Judge revealed some issues on motion to compel and discovery had been resolved while some will be argued on a different day
Defence asked judge to order prosecution to hand over evidence in case – including police training records and Bryan Kohberger’s cellphone records – insisting it is not a “fishing expedition” but that attorneys need the evidence for his defence
Who is Bryan Kohberger, the sole suspect in the Idaho stabbings?
Wednesday 28 June 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco
At the time of the murders, Mr Kohberger was studying for his PhD and working as a teaching assistant in criminal justice at WSU.
Prior to this, Mr Kohberger studied criminology at DeSales University first as an undergraduate and then finishing his graduate studies in June 2022.
According to online school records, Mr Kohberger received an associate arts degree in 2018 from Northampton Community College in Albrightsville and received a masters degree in criminal justice this year from DeSales University.
While studying at DeSales, he studied under renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland who interviewed the BTK serial killer and co-wrote the book Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer with him.
He was working part-time as a security guard until August 2021 at Pleasant Valley School District, where his mother was listed as a paraprofessional.
The alleged murderer carried out a research project “to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime”.
Mr Kohberger reached out to potential participants on Reddit, with the chilling survey resurfacing after his arrest.
“In particular, this study seeks to understand the story behind your most recent criminal offense, with an emphasis on your thoughts and feelings throughout your experience,” the post said.
His fascination appears to have continued around the time of the murders when he applied for an internship with the local police department.
The affidavit revealed that he applied for an internship in the fall of 2022 with the Pullman Police Department and wrote in an essay how he had an interest “in assisting rural law enforcement agencies with how to better collect and analyze technological data in public safety operations”.
WATCH: Moment Bryan Kohberger arrived in court on Tuesday
Wednesday 28 June 2023 12:30 , Rachel Sharp
Bryan Kohberger arriving into the courtroom this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/1wlhdFEQM8
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) June 27, 2023
ICYMI: A timeline of the Idaho college murders
Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:00 , Andrea Blanco
Prosecutors have now announced their intentions to seek the death penalty in the case.
On Tuesday, the accused killer is appearing back in Latah County Court where Judge John Judge will hear arguments on several motions filed by the defence including asking the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA tying Mr Kohberger to the murders and details about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.
So how did we get here?
Here’s a timeline of the case so far:
Bryan Kohberger judge makes reference to Lori Vallow case
Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:30 , Rachel Sharp
The judge overseeing Bryan Kohberger’s death penalty case made a reference to another chilling Idaho murder case during the accused killer’s latest court hearing.
The 28-year-old criminology PhD student appeared in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Tuesday as his lawyers launched their fight for his life in the death penalty case.
Dressed in a dark suit and tie, he appeared solemn as he entered Latah County Courtroom and sat with his defence.
In the hearing, Judge John Judge pointed to the equally high-profile Lori Vallow murder case as he warned the media about the use of cameras in the courtroom.
Read the full story here:
Bryan Kohberger’s defense requests records of three officers Idaho murders probe
ICYMI: These are the four University of Idaho students killed on 13 November
Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco
Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21, were seniors at the University of Idaho and were expected to graduate this year.
At a vigil weeks after the murders, Goncalves’ father Steve Goncalves told how the two “absolutely beautiful” young women first met in sixth grade and became inseparable.
“They just found each other and every day they did homework together, they came to our house together, they shared everything,” he said at the time. “Then they started looking at colleges, they came here together. They eventually get into the same apartment together.
“And in the end, they died together, in the same room, in the same bed.”
Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were juniors at the college and had begun dating months before their deaths. They were both 20.
Six months after the stabbings, the families of the slain students accepted posthumous awards for their achievements.
Mogen and Goncalves’ relatives walked across the stage for their degrees in an emotional ceremony on 13 May. Kernodle’s family also accepted her certificate in marketing at a separate ceremony while Chapin’s award in sports, recreation and management was mailed to his parents.
Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other unidentified men found at crime scene
Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:30 , Rachel Sharp
Bryan Kohberger has claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the crime scene.
Court documents, filed by attorneys for the 28-year-old PhD student last week, argue that DNA from two other men was also found inside the off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho.
DNA from a third unknown man was also found on a glove found outside the property on 20 November – one week on from the murders, the documents state.
“By December 17, 2022, lab analysts were aware of two additional males’ DNA within the house where the deceased were located and another unknown male DNA on a glove found outside the residence on November 20, 2022,” Mr Kohberger’s attorney Jay Logsdon writes in the filing.
“To this date, the Defense is unaware of what sort of testing, if any, was conducted on these samples other than the STR DNA profiles.
“Further, these three separate and distinct male DNA profiles were not identified through CODIS leading to the conclusion that the profiles do not belong to Mr. Kohberger.”
Mr Kohberger’s defence is fighting against the state’s use of genetic genealogy to tie him to the brutal murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.
According to prosecutors, the killer left a military knife sheath behind at the scene of the 13 November stabbings. The sheath was found next to Mogen’s body in her bed on the third floor of the student home.
DNA found on the sheath was later matched to Mr Kohberger after the FBI checked the sample against genetic genealogy databases and “tipped off” local authorities.
After collecting trash from the suspect’s parents’ home in the Poconos Mountains, a familial match – from Mr Kohberger’s father – was made to the knife sheath, according to the criminal affidavit.
Following Mr Kohberger’s arrest on 30 December, DNA samples were taken directly from the suspect and came back as “a statistical match”, say prosecutors.
Bryan Kohberger arrested over alleged robbery nine years before murders
Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:00 , Andrea Blanco
When confronted by his father over the theft, Bryan Kohberger chillingly warned him ‘not to do anything stupid’, according to court records.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp reports:
Kaylee Goncalves’ father reacts to state seeking death penalty in murder case
WATCH: Suit-clad Bryan Kohberger appears in court for hearing
Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:30 , Rachel Sharp
IN PICTURES: Bryan Kohberger’s court hearing
Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:34 , Rachel Sharp
Bryan Kohberger could face the firing squad for the Idaho murders. What would this mean?
Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:15 , Rachel Sharp
The man accused of breaking into a home in Moscow, Idaho, and stabbing four students to death in a shocking attack is now in a fight for his own life.
This week, prosecutors in Idaho announced that they are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.
While Mr Kohberger is fighting against the charges, this development – and a recent change in Idaho state law – now means that he could face the firing squad if convicted of the murders.
Read more here:
Bryan Kohberger may face firing squad in Idaho. What would this mean?
Xana Kernodle’s family plans tribute for her 21st birthday
Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:00 , Rachel Sharp
“My sister, Xana Kernodle was born on July 5th, 2002 making this year her 21st birthday. We hope to celebrate #xanapalooza this year and every year by being silly, having fun, getting out of our comfort zones, and loving life like she did each day,” her sister Jazzmin wrote on Facebook.
“She had the most love for living each day to the fullest, creating memories, gaining new experiences, being silly, and of course all those who surrounded her. Help us celebrate #xanapalooza and honor Xana for her 21st birthday on July 5th by doing something fun, new and spontaneous!”
How did the murders unfold?
Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:45 , Rachel Sharp
Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were stabbed to death in the young women’s rental home on King Road in Moscow on 13 November. Chapin, Kernodle’s boyfriend, was staying at the residence, which is just a few minutes walk from campus, on the night of the murders.
According to an affidavit for Mr Kohberger’s arrest, the killings are believed to have taken place around 4am.
Among the revelations in the 18-page document is that Mr Kohberger’s DNA was found on a knife sheath that the killer left behind at the crime scene. The tan leather Kabar sheath, which featured the United States Marine Corps symbol, was discovered on Mogen’s bed next to her butchered body.
At the time of the quadruple homicide, the two other roommates, Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortenson, were inside the home, but were left unharmed by the killer. The police report reveals that Ms Mortenson came face to face with the masked killer.
According to Ms Mortenson’s terrifying account, she she saw “a figure clad in black clothing and a mask that covered the person’s mouth and nose walking towards her” as she stood in the doorway of her bedroom on the second floor. As she stood in a “frozen shock phase,” she said the man – who she did not recognise – walked past her and headed toward the back sliding glass door of the home. She then locked herself in her room.
Despite the close encounter, a 911 call wasn’t made until 11.58am – eight hours later. The call, made from one of the surviving roommates’ cellphones – reported an “unconscious individual”. It is unclear if the killer saw her or whether she simply had a lucky escape because he didn’t notice her inside the dark home.
This raises the question around whether or not he planned to kill all four victims or whether some of the victims were treated as collateral damage in the horrific attack. Goncalves and Mogen’s bodies were found in a bedroom on the third floor, while Kernodle and Chapin were found on the second floor of the home.
The affidavit reveals no details about what connection – if any – Mr Kohberger had to his alleged victims.
Bryan Kohberger pictured at Margaret Atwood lecture on ‘misogyny’ years before murders
Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:15 , Rachel Sharp
A picture has resurfaced of alleged quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger attending a lecture led by famed novelist Margaret Atwood at his alma mater.
Mr Kohberger, 28, is currently awaiting trial over the 13 November murders of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle. But long before he was charged with the stabbings, Mr Kohberger had devoted his professional career to studying the criminal mind.
Read more here:
Bryan Kohberger pictured at Margaret Atwood lecture years before Idaho murders
Bryan Kohberger judge makes reference to Lori Vallow case as suit-clad Idaho murders suspect appears in court
Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:45 , Andrea Blanco
Dressed in a dark suit and tie, he appeared solemn as he entered Latah County Courtroom and sat with his defence.
In the hearing, Judge John Judge pointed to the equally high-profile Lori Vallow murder case as he warned the media about the use of cameras in the courtroom.
Judge Judge said that outlets with cameras in the courtroom need to not focus solely on Mr Kohbeger, warning that some media has been “pushing the envelope”.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp and Andrea Blanco report:
Bryan Kohberger judge points to Lori Vallow case during Idaho court hearing
What we still don’t know about Idaho murders
Wednesday 28 June 2023 20:15 , Andrea Blanco
No murder weapon has been found, police said before the gag order was issued following Mr Kohberger’s arrest.
It is not known if the killer personally knew one or more of the victims and whether the attack was carried out in a fit of jealousy or rage. No motive is known.
Authorities have refused to reveal who made the 911 call and will not release the audio. It is unclear what the roommates and “other friends” discussed in the call and what led them to describe a victim as merely “unconscious”.
Investigators have not revealed whether they believed the killer entered the house before the victims arrived home and hid before striking in their sleep or whether he entered the house after the students returned.
Defence claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders
Wednesday 28 June 2023 20:45 , Andrea Blanco
Accused killer Bryan Kohberger has insisted he has “no connection” to the four slain University of Idaho students and has claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.
Court documents, filed by attorneys for the 28-year-old PhD student last week, argue that DNA from two other men was also found inside the off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho.
DNA from a third unknown man was also found on a glove found outside the property on 20 November – one week on from the murders, the documents state.
“By December 17, 2022, lab analysts were aware of two additional males’ DNA within the house where the deceased were located and another unknown male DNA on a glove found outside the residence on November 20, 2022,” Mr Kohberger’s attorney Jay Logsdon writes in the filing.
“To this date, the Defense is unaware of what sort of testing, if any, was conducted on these samples other than the STR DNA profiles.
WATCH: Idaho victim's mother explains why she will not attend Bryan Kohberger's trial
Wednesday 28 June 2023 21:15 , Andrea Blanco
Bryan Kohberger could face the firing squad for the Idaho murders. What would this mean?
Wednesday 28 June 2023 21:45 , Andrea Blanco
The man accused of breaking into a home in Moscow, Idaho, and stabbing four students to death in a shocking attack is now in a fight for his own life.
This week, prosecutors in Idaho announced that they are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.
While Mr Kohberger is fighting against the charges, this development – and a recent change in Idaho state law – now means that he could face the firing squad if convicted of the murders.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp reports:
Bryan Kohberger may face firing squad in Idaho. What would this mean?
Father of Idaho murder victim reacts to prosecutors seeking death penalty in Bryan Kohberger case
Wednesday 28 June 2023 22:15 , Andrea Blanco
The father of a murdered University of Idaho student has welcomed news from prosecutors that the state will be seeking the death penalty against the sole suspect in the case.
Seven months after Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in their off-campus residence, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty against their alleged killer, Bryan Kohberger.
Ahead of a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday, Mr Thompson cited five “aggravating circumstances” that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought. Reacting to the developments, Goncalves’ father Steve Goncalves said he felt “relief” as his family comes one step closer to getting justice.
“I’m glad that we’re in a situation of strength and the evidence is there and we feel that we can, they can go forward with this,” Mr Goncalves told NBC News.
The Goncalves family’s attorney, Shanon Gray, also weighed in on the filing, noting that the death penalty was reserved for especially heinous crimes, such as the quadruple stabbings of the four university students on 13 November.
“If you’re not going to pursue the guy for the death penalty on a case like this, who are you going to pursue for death penalty?” Mr Gray told the network.
Cleaning company spotted at Idaho murders student home as Bryan Kohberger appears in court
Wednesday 28 June 2023 22:35 , Andrea Blanco
A cleaning company is back at the crime scene where four University of Idaho students were murdered last year.
A large truck was seen on Tuesday (27 June) at the Moscow three-storey home where Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were murdered last November as the process continues to return their personal belongings to their loved ones.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp and Andrea Blanco report:
Cleaning company spotted at Idaho murders home as Bryan Kohberger appears in court
Bryan Kohberger’s father called police on accused Idaho killer nine years before murders
Thursday 29 June 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco
Bryan Kohberger’s father called the police on his son nine years before his son allegedly murdered four University of Idaho students in a shocking knife attack that has horrified America.
Court records, newly obtained by ABC News, reveal that Mr Kohberger was arrested and charged with stealing one of his sister Melissa’s cellphones back in 2014.
The then-19-year-old had recently left rehab for drug addiction issues and had returned to the family home in Pennsylvania.
Then, on 8 February 2014, he stole the $400 iPhone and paid a friend $20 to pick him up and take him to a local mall where he then sold it for $200.
When confronted by his father Michael over the theft, Mr Kohberger chillingly warned him “not to do anything stupid”, according to the court records. His father reported the incident to the police.
Judge agrees to narrow but not lift gag order in University of Idaho student slayings case
01:00 , Andrea Blanco
An Idaho judge has denied a request from roughly two dozen news organizations to lift a gag order in the criminal case of a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death. The judge did, however, significantly narrow the gag order in response to the news organizations’ concerns.
The ruling was handed on 23 June.
In it, 2nd District Judge John Judge said it was legally prudent to restrict attorneys from making some statements about the case in order to preserve Bryan Kohberger‘s right to a fair trial. Still, Judge also said the original gag order — which also barred law enforcement officers and other people tangentially related to the case from speaking to the press — was “arguably overbroad and vague in some areas.”
Kohberger, 28, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the stabbing deaths in Moscow, Idaho. Prosecutors have yet to reveal if they intend to seek the death penalty.
The bodies of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found on Nov. 13, 2022, at a rental home across the street from the University of Idaho campus. The slayings shocked the rural Idaho community and neighbouring Pullman, Washington, where Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University.
Brutal stabbings, a white Hyundai Elantra and a criminology student: Timeline of the Idaho college murders
02:00 , Andrea Blanco
It’s now seven months since four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death in Moscow. Here’s everything that’s happened so far.
The Independent’s Io Dodds reports
WATCH: Bryan Kohberger arrives at Tuesday’s court hearing
03:00 , Andrea Blanco
Who is Bryan Kohberger? The criminology graduate charged with the Idaho college murders
04:00 , Andrea Blanco
Bryan Kohberger became a household name across America when police swooped on his parents’ home in December and arrested him for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students.
But who is the former PhD student?
Idaho student murder victim’s mother explains why she won’t attend Bryan Kohberger’s trial
05:00 , Andrea Blanco
The mother of one of the four University of Idaho murder victims has revealed she will not attend Bryan Kohberger’s trial.
The 28-year-old suspect is charged with killing Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Madison “Maddie” Mogen, 21, in the early hours of 13 November.
“It does not change the outcome of our family, and it’s energy that we need to put into healing our kids and getting back to a new family dynamic and working on that,” Stacy Chapin said on TODAY.
Read more:
Idaho victim’s mother explains why she won’t attend Bryan Kohberger’s trial
How did the murders unfold?
06:00 , Andrea Blanco
Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were stabbed to death in the young women’s rental home on King Road in Moscow on 13 November. Chapin, Kernodle’s boyfriend, was staying at the residence, which is just a few minutes walk from campus, on the night of the murders.
According to an affidavit for Mr Kohberger’s arrest, the killings are believed to have taken place around 4am.
Among the revelations in the 18-page document is that Mr Kohberger’s DNA was found on a knife sheath that the killer left behind at the crime scene. The tan leather Kabar sheath, which featured the United States Marine Corps symbol, was discovered on Mogen’s bed next to her butchered body.
At the time of the quadruple homicide, the two other roommates, Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortenson, were inside the home, but were left unharmed by the killer. The police report reveals that Ms Mortenson came face to face with the masked killer.
Bryan Kohberger pictured at Margaret Atwood lecture on ‘misogyny’ years before the Idaho murders
07:00 , Andrea Blanco
A picture has resurfaced of alleged quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger attending a lecture led by famed novelist Margaret Atwood at his alma mater.
Mr Kohberger, 28, is currently awaiting trial over the 13 November murders of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle. But long before he was charged with the stabbings, Mr Kohberger had devoted his professional career to studying the criminal mind.
At the time of the murders, he was pursuing his PhD in criminology at the Washington State University campus in Pullman, Washington, just 15 minutes from the victims’ home in Moscow, Idaho. And before that, he obtained his undergraduate and master’s degree at DeSales University, where he was taught by renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland.
But his academic career began at Northampton Community College (NCC), where he obtained an associate arts degree in 2018. At the unassuming school in Bethelem, Pennsylvania, Mr Kohberger was also exposed to great minds who explored the depravity of the human psyche in their work.
In pictures unearthed by Fox News Digital on Wednesday, Mr Kohberger can be seen sitting front row at a 2018 lecture hosted by NCC and led by Ms Atwood, who is perhaps best known for her book The Handmaid’s Tale. The author spoke of her prominent writing career exploring issues of misogyny, patriarchy and feminism, according to an article archived on the school’s website.
Bryan Kohberger asks for more time to decide whether to give alibi for Idaho murders
08:00 , Andrea Blanco
Accused killer Bryan Kohberger has asked a judge for more time to decide whether to offer an alibi for the murders of four University of Idaho students.
The 28-year-old criminology PhD student filed a motion in Latah County Court on Friday saying that his legal team needs more time due to the wealth of evidence in the high-profile case.
The evidence so far handed over by state prosecutors “includes thousands of pages of discovery, thousands of photographs, hundreds of hours of recordings, further many gigabytes of electronic phone record and social media data,” the court documents state.
This “voluminous” discovery process is “still ongoing” so to decide whether or not to submit a formal alibi would be “at a minimum, premature as wading through the extensive information that makes up the case is incomplete”.
“The defense needs time to make this determination and consider evidentiary rules,” the filing states.
Idaho prosecutor asks for funding hike to process Bryan Kohberger trial
09:00 , Andrea Blanco
An Idaho prosecutor has asked for a large funding increase to help cover the expenses it will cost to put quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger on trial.
The Latah County Prosecutor’s Office asked commissioners to provide $135,000 for trial expenses, a significant increase from the normal $15,000 budget, reported The Lewiston Tribune.
The Independent’s Graeme Massie reports:
Idaho prosecutor asks for funding hike to process Bryan Kohberger trial
Xana Kernodle’s family plans tribute for her 21st birthday
10:00 , Andrea Blanco
“My sister, Xana Kernodle was born on July 5th, 2002 making this year her 21st birthday. We hope to celebrate #xanapalooza this year and every year by being silly, having fun, getting out of our comfort zones, and loving life like she did each day,” her sister Jazzmin wrote on Facebook.
“She had the most love for living each day to the fullest, creating memories, gaining new experiences, being silly, and of course all those who surrounded her. Help us celebrate #xanapalooza and honor Xana for her 21st birthday on July 5th by doing something fun, new and spontaneous!”
WATCH: Idaho victim's mother explains why she will not attend Bryan Kohberger's trial
11:00 , Andrea Blanco
Defence denies ‘fishing expedition'
12:00 , Andrea Blanco
Among the evidence requested by the defence are training records of three police officers who interviewed “critical” witnesses, information about the FBI team leading the criminal probe, and background on the tip that led to the search for Mr Kohberger’s white Hyundai and cellphone records cited in the probable cause affidavit.
Insisting it is not a “fishing expedition”, Mr Kohberger’s attorneys said they need the evidence to be able to give him a strong defence – particularly now that he is facing a death sentence.
“There is a heightened standard now that the State has announced its intent to seek the death penalty ... and these are very relevant pieces of information,” Mr Kohberger’s attorney said.
Prosecutors argued that most of those materials have already been made available to the defence.
The state also noted that the officers’ training records do not pertain to the case and could set an unfavourable precedent in future cases.
Mr Kohberger’s defence said that while there were more than 120 officers who worked in the murder investigation, they were only requesting records from three of them who played a critical role by collecting evidence, following up on tips and conducting more than a dozen interviews.
The judge told the court that he will be issuing a written ruling with the evidence that the prosecution must turn in by 14 July.
In a series of recent court filings, the defence has argued that the prosecution should hand over all information about the genetic genealogy and DNA evidence which ties Mr Kohberger to the murders of the four slain students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle. This includes information about the scientists who carried out the DNA testing and what it was that led authorities to suspect him in the first place.
Bryan Kohberger judge makes reference to Lori Vallow case as suit-clad Idaho murders suspect appears in court
13:00 , Andrea Blanco
The judge overseeing Bryan Kohberger’s death penalty case made a reference to another chilling Idaho murder case during the accused killer’s latest court hearing.
The 28-year-old criminology PhD student appeared in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Tuesday as his lawyers launched their fight for his life in the death penalty case.
Dressed in a dark suit and tie, he appeared solemn as he entered Latah County Courtroom and sat with his defence.
In the hearing, Judge John Judge pointed to the equally high-profile Lori Vallow murder case as he warned the media about the use of cameras in the courtroom.
Judge Judge said that outlets with cameras in the courtroom need to not focus solely on Mr Kohbeger, warning that some media has been “pushing the envelope”.
The Independent’s Rachel Sharp and Andrea Blanco report:
Bryan Kohberger judge points to Lori Vallow case during Idaho court hearing
Bryan Kohberger could face the firing squad for the Idaho murders
14:00 , Andrea Blanco
The man accused of breaking into a home in Moscow, Idaho, and stabbing four students to death in a shocking attack is now in a fight for his own life.
This week, prosecutors in Idaho announced that they are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.
While Mr Kohberger is fighting against the charges, this development – and a recent change in Idaho state law – now means that he could face the firing squad if convicted of the murders.
Read more here:
Bryan Kohberger may face firing squad in Idaho. What would this mean?
WATCH: Bryan Kohberger appears in court for latest hearing in Idaho murders case
15:00 , Rachel Sharp
What happened in court this week?
16:21 , Rachel Sharp
Judge revised gag order to clarify that it does include members of law enforcement, investigators and expert witnesses for both sides
Judge tells media not to focus cameras solely on Bryan Kohberger – or they run the risk of cameras being banned
Judge revealed some issues on motion to compel and discovery had been resolved while some will be argued on a different day
Defence asked judge to order prosecution to hand over evidence in case – including police training records and Bryan Kohberger’s cellphone records – insisting it is not a “fishing expedition” but that attorneys need the evidence for his defence
Bryan Kohberger’s father called police on accused Idaho killer nine years before murders
17:00 , Rachel Sharp
Bryan Kohberger’s father called the police on his son nine years before his son allegedly murdered four University of Idaho students in a shocking knife attack that has horrified America.
Court records, newly obtained by ABC News, reveal that Mr Kohberger was arrested and charged with stealing one of his sister Melissa’s cellphones back in 2014.
The then-19-year-old had recently left rehab for drug addiction issues and had returned to the family home in Pennsylvania.
Read more here:
Bryan Kohberger’s father called police on him nine years before Idaho murders
