Bryan Kohberger: Father of Idaho murders victim says she was ‘trapped’ as judge considers camera ban

The father of a University of Idaho murder victim has claimed there was evidence that his daughter tried to escape her murderer.

Families of the victims spoke with CBS News’ Peter Van Sant for a special on the murders that will be aired on Saturday. It comes just days after the sole suspect in the Moscow quadruple murders, Bryan Kohberger, appeared in court for a hearing where a judge heard arguments on cameras in the courtroom.

“There’s evidence to show that she awakened and tried to get out of that situation, [but] she was assaulted and stabbed,” Steve Goncalves said of his daughter, Kaylee Goncalves.

On Wednesday, both the defence and the prosecution asked to restrict cameras as the brutal slayings of four university students continue to attract national attention. The hearing ended with no decision on the matter.

Latah County District Judge John Judge said other trials with cameras have “spun out of control” and that what is happening is “not entertainment, [but] a tragic issue.”

Mr Kohberger, the former criminology PhD student, was indicted earlier this year in the November 2022 killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.

Key points

• Bryan Kohberger to appear in court today

• Families of Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle want cameras in court

• Prosecutors and defence want cameras banned from trial

Welcome to The Independent’s liveblog

Tuesday 12 September 2023 16:45 , Andrea Cavallier

Follow all the latest updates on Bryan Kohberger’s case

Bryan Kohberger to appear in court on Wednesday

Tuesday 12 September 2023 16:50 , Andrea Cavallier

Bryan Kohberger is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday for a hearing on the latest in the murders of four University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho.

The 28-year-old criminology PhD student will appear in Latah County Court at 2pm local time on Wednesday where Judge John Judge will hear arguments on a motion to ban cameras in the courtroom.

Mr Kohberger’s defence team asked the judge to bar cameras from the courtroom, claiming that the media coverage violated his constitutional rights.

Last week, Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson responded to the motion with his own concerns and requested the judge remove cameras “at a minimum” during the “sensitive testimony of a number of young and vulnerable witnesses.”

Read more...

Prosecutors join Bryan Kohberger’s effort to block cameras from Idaho murders trial

Bryan Kohberger claims media are ‘focusing on his crotch’ as he demands court camera ban

Tuesday 12 September 2023 18:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Bryan Kohberger is seeking to ban cameras from his high-profile trial after bizarrely claiming that the media is honing in on his crotch.

The former criminal justice PhD student filed a motion on 24 August asking Judge John Judge to toss cameras from the courtroom.

In the defence motion, his attorney Anne Taylor argued that past footage from his court appearances had focused heavily on his crotch.

Weeks later, the prosecution joined the effort, but for a different reason. They said there is concern that cameras “will have a substantial chilling effect on the ability of witnesses to openly, fully and candidly testify about some horrible occurrences.”

A hearing on banning cameras from the courtroom will be held at 2pm on Wednesday.

Rachel Sharp reports...

Bryan Kohberger claims cameras are ‘focusing on his crotch’ as he seeks ban

Who are the victims in the Idaho murders case?

Tuesday 12 September 2023 20:00 , Andrea Cavallier

The bodies of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20, were found 13 November 2022 at their off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho.

The slayings shocked the rural Idaho community and neighboring Pullman, Washington, where suspect Bryan Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University.

Goncalves and Mogen, both 21, were seniors at the University of Idaho and were expected to graduate this year.

Kernodle and Chapin were juniors at the college and had begun dating months before their deaths. The couple of 20-year-olds is believed to have been awake at the time the stabbings were carried out.

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.

Families of Idaho college murder victims say it's important the trial be viewed publicly

Tuesday 12 September 2023 22:00 , Andrea Cavallier

The families of two of the victims in last year’s Idaho killings are pushing back against Bryan Kohberger’s motion to ban cameras in the courtroom for his trial.

In a statement to NewsNation’s Brian Entin, the families of Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle said “this case is surrounded by secrecy” with “everything being redacted or sealed” - and that “it is important the trial be viewed publicly.”

“It is important to the victims family, relatives, community members and the public that this veil of secrecy be lifted at the trial,” the statement reads. “This not only ensures accountability for all the parties involved but also helps the public maintain its faith in the justice system.”

Both the Kohberger defense and prosecution filed motions to have cameras removed from the courtroom. The hearing to hear arguments on the motions will be held Wednesday in Latah County, Idaho.

Will cameras be banned from the courtroom in Kohberger trial? Here’s what to expect at tomorrow’s hearing

Wednesday 13 September 2023 00:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Latah County District Judge John Judge will hear arguments on Wednesday regarding cameras in the courtroom in the case against Bryan Kohberger.

Mr Kohberger’s defence attorneys filed a motion last month to ban cameras from proceedings arguing the media coverage is hurting their client’s right to a fair trial and cites “sensationalistic and prejudicial headlines and content.”

The motion states the content “gradually poisons the potential jury pool prior to trial even occurring, winnowing the number of jurors able to render a just, unbiased verdict.”

Last week, prosecutors filed a motion siding with the defence and said they believe cameras in the courtroom “will have a substantial chilling effect on the ability of witnesses to openly, fully and candidly testify about some horrible occurrences.”

Does Kohberger have an alibi? Idaho murders suspect says he was out for a solo drive at the time of the slayings

Wednesday 13 September 2023 02:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Kohberger was on a long drive by himself around the time of the slayings of the four college students last November, his defence team wrote in a court filing last month.

It’s the first time Kohberger has said anything about his whereabouts that night.

“Mr. Kohberger has long had a habit of going for drives alone. Often he would go for drives at night,” his defence attorney, Anne Taylor, wrote. “He did so late on November 12 and into November 13, 2022.”

According to the court document, Mr Kohberger isn’t claiming to be in any specific location at any specific time, and may have witnesses who can corroborate that he wasn’t at the home where the students were killed.

Idaho law requires that defendants notify the prosecution if they intend to present an alibi defence, The Associated Press reported.

Kohberger was investigated after complaints from female students, former school administrator reveals

Wednesday 13 September 2023 05:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Former high school administrator Tanya Carmella-Beers discussed with The Idaho Massacre podcast last month issues with Mr Kohberger when he attended the programme at the Monroe Career and Technical Institute.

“A complaint was made, and the teacher reported it to me, and said, ‘You know, this is not something we can have,’” Ms Carmella-Beers said.

“An investigation needed to be conducted. Other students were interviewed. Bryan was interviewed. And there comes a time when decisions have to be made, whether it’s the decision the student wants or not.”

Mr Kohberger was kicked out of the law enforcement programme and transferred to the heating, ventilation and air condition course instead before leaving the school.

Read more…

Bryan Kohberger was investigated at high school over complaints from female students

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

Wednesday 13 September 2023 09:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Bryan Kohberger’s name has been in headlines across America since police swooped in on his parents’ home in December and arrested him for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students.

There are people from Mr Kohberger’s past who have painted a picture of a bullied loner who overcame addiction.

Meanwhile, fellow students from his time as a PhD criminology student at Washington State University describe him as a criminology zealot who “creeped people out”.

With the 28-year-old now facing the death penalty in the case, The Independent asks: Who really is Bryan Kohberger?

Sheila Flynn has more:

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

Bryan Kohberger files motion to dismiss Idaho murders charges

Wednesday 13 September 2023 11:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Just days after Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial, delaying it indefinitely, defence attorneys for the Idaho murders suspect filed a motion to dismiss the charges against him.

The motion was filed “on grounds of a biased grand jury, inadmissible evidence, lack of sufficient evidence, and prosecutorial misconduct by withholding exculpatory evidence.”

The 28-year-old is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one charge of felony burglary related to the November 2022 killings of four college students.

A hearing on the motion to dismiss has been set for 22 September.

Families of Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle want cameras in court

Wednesday 13 September 2023 12:58 , Rachel Sharp

The families of Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle have released a statement saying that they want to keep cameras in the courtroom as they want the “veil of secrecy” to be lifted from the case.

Read the statement below:

“It is vitally important that this trial be open to the public to view and watch. There is an enormous amount of media coverage about this case (some good, some bad) and with that comes the responsibility of the Court to ensure a fair trial. The thing that is most overlooked in reviewing the motions filed by the State (who took no position in it’s original motion dated June 6, 2023-stating it relied on the discretion of the Court and now is taking a different position) and the Defense is faith in the justice system.

“This Case is surrounded by secrecy. Everything is either sealed or redacted. The family has not received any discovery on this case or any information about the facts of the case from the State. No one knows anything about the case which leads to speculation. That speculation is fueled by the secrecy surrounding everything that is filed and every hearing that is closed off to the media and the public. Only through independent investigation has the Family been able to get some information.

“So it is vitally important that the trial be viewed publicly! It is important to the victims family, relatives, community members and the public that this veil of secrecy be lifted at trial. This not only ensures accountability for all the parties involved but also helps the public maintain it’s faith in the justice system!”

RECAP: Why Idaho victim’s mother will not attend Bryan Kohberger’s trial

Wednesday 13 September 2023 13:20 , Rachel Sharp

What we still don’t know in Idaho murders case

Wednesday 13 September 2023 13:40 , Rachel Sharp

Many questions remain about the case that shocked America.

No murder weapon has ever been found.

It is not known if the killer personally knew one or more of the victims or what the motive may have been.

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”.

Bryan Kohberger to appear in court today

Wednesday 13 September 2023 14:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger will appear in court today in Latah County, Idaho, where a judge will hear arguments from both sides who have filed motions to ban cameras from the courtroom.

The defence filed the motion in August to ban cameras from proceedings arguing the media coverage is hurting their client’s right to a fair trial.

The state then joined the defence in the effort to ban cameras, writing that they should be removed “at a minimum” during sensitive witness testimony.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson said in the filing that the team is “concerned” that cameras “will have a substantial chilling effect on the ability of witnesses to openly, fully and candidly testify about some horrible occurrences.”

The hearing is set for 2pm local time (PT) in Latah County, Idaho.

Does Bryan Kohberger have an alibi?

Wednesday 13 September 2023 15:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Months after his arrest, Bryan Kohberger finally offered up a vague alibi for the night that he is accused of brutally stabbing four University of Idaho students to death.

The 28-year-old claims he was out on a solo drive throughout the night of 12 November and into the early hours of 13 November – but admits that there are no witnesses to back up his version of events.

“Mr. Kohberger has long had a habit of going for drives alone. Often he would go for drives at night,” his attorney Anne Taylor wrote in a court filing.

“He did so late on November 12 and into November 13, 2022. Mr. Kohberger is not claiming to be at a specific location at a specific time; at this time there is not a specific witness to say precisely where Mr. Kohberger was at each moment of the hours between late night November 12, 2022 and early morning November 13, 2022.

“He was out, driving during the late night and early morning hours of November 12-13, 2022.”

Why attorneys want cameras out of the courtroom

Wednesday 13 September 2023 16:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Attorneys for both the prosecution and defence are trying to keep cameras out of the courtroom, citing concerns over recent media coverage.

Mr Kohberger’s defence team has been in favor of banning cameras from the courtroom, arguing that the coverage is hurting their client’s right to a fair trial.

The prosecution joined in weeks later, filing a motion stating that they were “concerned” that cameras “will have a substantial chilling effect on the ability of witnesses to openly, fully and candidly testify about some horrible occurrences.”

The families of two of the victims Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle say they want a fair trial. But in order for that to happen, cameras need to be present in the courtroom, they said in a statement.

What time is Bryan Kohberger’s hearing?

Wednesday 13 September 2023 17:15 , Andrea Cavallier

The Idaho murders suspect is scheduled to be in court in Latah County at 2pm local time (PT).

Attorneys for both the defence and the prosecution have asked to restrict cameras as the case of the brutal slayings of four University of Idaho students continues to attract national attention.

Judge John Judge will hear arguments before making a decision.

What is Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger charged with?

Wednesday 13 September 2023 20:00 , Andrea Cavallier

Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the deaths of four University of Idaho students at their off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho, last November.

A judge entered a not-guilty plea on Kohberger’s behalf earlier this year.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson has said he intends to seek the death penalty.

The trial was set to start on 3 October, but Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial, delaying it indefinitely.

Families of Idaho murder victims call for cameras in Bryan Kohberger’s trial

Wednesday 13 September 2023 21:00 , Andrea Cavallier

The families of two Idaho murders victims have called for cameras to document the trial of suspect Bryan Kohberger.

The families of Kayle Goncalves, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, broke from prosecutors and called for Mr Kohberger’s trial to be “open to the public to view and watch”.

It comes after Mr Kohberger filed a motion on 24 August asking the judge to toss cameras from the courtroom.

A hearing on the matter will be held today at 2pm local time (5pm Eastern Time).

Rachel Sharp reports:

Families of Idaho murder victims call for cameras in Bryan Kohberger’s trial

Bryan Kohberger claims media are ‘focusing on his crotch’

Wednesday 13 September 2023 21:30 , Andrea Cavallier

Bryan Kohberger is about to appear in court in Latah County today in an effort to ban cameras from his high-profile trial after bizarrely claiming that the media is honing in on his crotch.

The hearing is set for 2pm local time (5pm Eastern Time).

On 24 August, Mr Kohberger’s attorney Anne Taylor argued that past footage from his court appearances had focused heavily on his crotch.

“Mr. Kohberger is entitled to defend himself against capital criminal charges without cameras focused on his fly,” his attorney wrote, adding that the media had been previously warned not to focus solely on Mr Kohberger but  “failed” to comply.

A group of media outlets have pushed back on the defence’s request motion, asking the judge to allow cameras to remain. They argued that no photographic or film coverage had focused on his fly.

“Although Mr. Kohberger argues that he is ‘entitled to defend himself against capital charges without cameras focused on his fly,’ that assertion misstates the role that courtroom camera coverage played in the X social media post that appears at page 3 of his motion. No photographs or camera coverage focused on Mr. Kohberger’s ‘fly,’” it states.

Happening now: Judge in Bryan Kohberger’s case hears arguments on motion to ban cameras from the courtroom

Wednesday 13 September 2023 22:02 , Andrea Cavallier

Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger is back in court where a judge is hearing arguments on a motion to ban cameras from the courtroom in the high-profile trial.

Those in attendance at the hearing in Latah County is the prosecution, the defence and the attorney representing a media coalition, according to local reporters seated in the courtroom,

Attorneys for both the defence and the prosecution have asked to restrict cameras as the case.

Media attorney argues the people have a right to see what is happening inside courtroom during Kohberger proceedings

Wednesday 13 September 2023 22:13 , Andrea Cavallier

The hearing on Wednesday began with the Judge questioning whether the media has the right to intervene about the camera issue at this point in the Kohberger case, according to NewsNations reporter Brian Entin who is at the hearing in Latah County.

One of the attorneys representing the media coalition fired back that the media does have the right to intervene when the First Amendment and “access” issues come up.

The attorney said this is an "access" issue, and that people have the right to see what is happening in the Kohberger courtroom. She added that people should not have to travel to the Idaho courtroom to see what is happening inside.

The attorney also said there is an increasing need for people to see for themselves what is going on inside courtrooms in this country.

Judge says media cannot be ‘intervenors’ at this point in Kohberger proceedings

Wednesday 13 September 2023 22:20 , Andrea Cavallier

Judge John Judge says the media cannot be “intervenors” at this point in the Kohberger proceedings when it comes to the question of cameras in the courtroom.

But says he will consider the media’s argument.

Kohberger defence concerned cameras in the courtroom will turn case into a spectacle

Wednesday 13 September 2023 22:27 , Andrea Cavallier

Defence attorneys for Kohberger said at his hearing that they are concerned that allowing cameras in the courtroom would turn the proceedings into a spectacle - a TV drama.

Social media users take images from the media and manipulate them, defence says

Wednesday 13 September 2023 22:31 , Andrea Cavallier

The defence told the judge that while they know the media is doing their job, there are people on social media who take the images or video and manipulate them.

There is also concern about the placement of the cameras in the courtroom.

The defence said they do not like where the cameras are placed and said if the cameras are not removed, then they should be in a different location.

Judge mentions OJ Simpson case, says it was a ‘circus’ as he questions cameras in the courtroom

Wednesday 13 September 2023 22:42 , Andrea Cavallier

The judge told the court that he questions whether cameras in the courtroom are a dignified way to have a trial. He brings up OJ Simpson.

“If anyone watched that case, it was a circus,” he said.

Prosecution in Kohberger case want cameras removed during certain testimony

Wednesday 13 September 2023 22:45 , Andrea Cavallier

The prosecution told the judge the media plays an important role in the court process.

But said they’d want to protect vulnerable witnesses who testified and graphic evidence that is shown during the trial.

They say the safest and best way to address concerns is to prohibit cameras in the courtroom, or to keep cameras out during certain testimony/evidence.

Judge says the Idaho murders trial is not entertainment, but a tragic issue

Wednesday 13 September 2023 22:54 , Andrea Cavallier

Attorney for the media is pushing for the “pool” camera policy - with one camera in Kohberger courtroom, and then video will be given out to all media.

The judge says he questions whether he can really trust the media to do the right thing. And added that it’s not the camera people, but it’s where the video goes and how commentators talk about it or how it’s portrayed on social media.

“It’s not the same media it is now as it was 10 years ago with social media,” he said.

The judge then said he wished everyone had more respect for what is happening and that it’s not entertainment, it is a tragic issue.

The judge said other trials with cameras have “gotten out of control.”

“They spun out of control in my opinion,” he said.

No decision today on cameras in the courtroom

Wednesday 13 September 2023 22:56 , Andrea Cavallier

Court was adjourned less than an hour after the hearing began with a decision on cameras in the courtroom.

Kohberger back in court 22 September on motion to dismiss Idaho murders charges

Thursday 14 September 2023 01:18 , Andrea Cavallier

The Idaho murders suspect will be back in court in a week - on 22 September - where Judge John Judge will hear the defence’s argument regarding their motion to dismiss dismiss the charges against him.

The 28-year-old is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one charge of felony burglary related to the November 2022 killings of four college students.

He waived his right to a speedy trial, delaying it indefinitely, and then filed a motion to dismiss the charges.

The motion was filed “on grounds of a biased grand jury, inadmissible evidence, lack of sufficient evidence, and prosecutorial misconduct by withholding exculpatory evidence.”

Kohberger judge has concerns about misinformation spreading from images taken from video if cameras are allowed in courtroom

Thursday 14 September 2023 03:00 , Andrea Cavallier

At Bryan Kohberger’s hearing on Wednesday, Judge John Judge brought up concerns about misinformation spreading if cameras were to be allowed in the courtroom.

“Can I really trust the media to do the right thing?” he said. “And it’s not necessarily the camera people. It’s where that video goes.. And how commentators talk about it.”

Wendy Olsen, the attorney representing the media coalition, responded to the judge arguing the “way to battle misinformation is to provide the accurate information,” Ms Olsen said.

“The accurate information is what happens inside this courtroom with the cameras positioned in a place that provides the best, most overall perspective of the courtroom.”

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

Thursday 14 September 2023 05:00 , Andrea Cavallier

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”.

What we don’t know in Kohberger case

Thursday 14 September 2023 07:00 , Andrea Cavallier

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.

What comes next in Kohberger case?

Thursday 14 September 2023 09:00 , Andrea Cavallier

The judge had set Mr Kohberger’s trial date for 2 October 2023 following requests by Kohberger’s attorney and the state.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case, citing five “aggravating circumstances” that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment.

But, in a shock move, Mr Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial, causing the trial to be delayed indefinitely.

Now, he is fighting to have cameras removed from the courtroom – a request that prosecutors at least in part agree with.

The judge heard arguments on the matter on Wednesday, but has not yet issued a ruling.

Mr Kohberger is set to be back in court on 22 September after filing a motion to dismiss the charges against him.

Bryan Kohberger grins during hearing over whether cameras will be allowed in the courtroom during his murder

Thursday 14 September 2023 11:00 , Andrea Cavallier

What happened at Bryan Kohberger’s hearing to ban cameras from the courtroom?

Thursday 14 September 2023 12:00 , Andrea Cavallier

An Idaho judge heard from both sides about whether cameras should be allowed in the courtroom for the Bryan Kohberger’s murder trial, but no decision was immediately made.

Both the state and the defence gave reasons for their desire to keep cameras out of the courtroom, but a media coalition also filed a motion - to “intervene”,  requesting that a camera be present.

The defence told the judge on Wednesday that they are concerned the trial would be turned into a spectacle.

There was also concern about the images taken from the video being manipulated and shared on social media.

The defence suggested if a camera is allowed, it be positioned somewhere other than directly behind their team. The judge agreed and suggested moving it to the back of the room.

The state said the media plays an important role in the judicial process, but told the court their concerns over vulnerable witness testimony and graphic evidence being shown on camera.

The judge told the court he is taking the arguments into consideration and will issue a written ruling at a later date.

Four students stabbed to death, a weeks-long manhunt but no motive: What we know about the Idaho murders

Thursday 14 September 2023 14:44 , Andrea Blanco

The murder of four college students in the quiet town of Moscow, Idaho, last November unravelled a months-long investigation that is now headed to trial.

The victims, all students at the University of Idaho, were ambushed in their rooms and stabbed to death with a military-style knife that has yet to be found.

Police were called to the gruesome scene at the off-campus residence almost eight hours after the vicious attack.

Read more:

What to know about Idaho murders and suspect Bryan Kohberger

Defence wants news cameras out of the courtroom

Thursday 14 September 2023 15:30 , Andrea Blanco

Attorneys for a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death late last year want cameras banned from the courtroom, contending that news coverage of the criminal proceedings has violated a judge’s orders and threatens his right to a fair trial.

Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the deaths at a rental house near the university campus in Moscow, Idaho, last November.

A judge entered a not-guilty plea on Kohberger’s behalf earlier this year.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson has said he intends to seek the death penalty, and the case is scheduled for trial this fall, although it could be postponed.

Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University, which is a short drive from the scene of the killings across the state border.

He was arrested at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania, and the unusual details of the case have drawn widespread interest.

WATCH: Judge in Kohberger case concerned coverage could 'spin out of control'

Thursday 14 September 2023 16:10 , Andrea Blanco

Families of Idaho murder victims break from prosecutors as they call for cameras in Bryan Kohberger’s trial

Thursday 14 September 2023 16:50 , Andrea Blanco

The families of two Idaho murders victims have called for cameras to document the trial of suspect Bryan Kohberger.

The families of Kayle Goncalves, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, broke from prosecutors and called for Mr Kohberger’s trial to be “open to the public to view and watch”.

Mr Kohberger is facing the death penalty over the brutal murders of Goncalves, Kernodle and two other University of Idaho students.

He is accused of breaking into an off-campus student home on King Road, Moscow, and stabbing Goncalves, Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin to death with a large, military-style knife in November 2022.

It comes after Mr Kohberger filed a motion on 24 August asking the judge to toss cameras from the courtroom.

Read more:

Families of Idaho murder victims call for cameras in Bryan Kohberger’s trial

Who is Bryan Kohberger? The criminology graduate charged with the Idaho college murders

Thursday 14 September 2023 17:30 , Andrea Blanco

Speculation and rumour have swirled in the months following Bryan Kohberger’s arrest, as conspiracists and armchair detectives paint all manner of pictures of the accused killer.

But who really is the former PhD student?

The Independent’s Sheila Flynn reports:

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

Bryan Kohberger’s defence claims media are ‘focusing on his crotch’

Thursday 14 September 2023 18:54 , Andrea Blanco

On 24 August, Mr Kohberger’s attorney Anne Taylor argued that past footage from his court appearances had focused heavily on his crotch.

“Mr. Kohberger is entitled to defend himself against capital criminal charges without cameras focused on his fly,” his attorney wrote, adding that the media had been previously warned not to focus solely on Mr Kohberger but “failed” to comply.

A group of media outlets have pushed back on the defence’s request motion, asking the judge to allow cameras to remain. They argued that no photographic or film coverage had focused on his fly.

“Although Mr. Kohberger argues that he is ‘entitled to defend himself against capital charges without cameras focused on his fly,’ that assertion misstates the role that courtroom camera coverage played in the X social media post that appears at page 3 of his motion. No photographs or camera coverage focused on Mr. Kohberger’s ‘fly,’” it states.

Kaylee Goncalves’s father said she tried to escape murderer

Thursday 14 September 2023 19:45 , Andrea Blanco

Families of the victims spoke with CBS News’ Peter Van Sant for a special on the murders that will be aired on Saturday.

It comes just days after the sole suspect in the Moscow quadruple murders, Bryan Kohberger, appeared in court for a hearing where a judge heard arguments on cameras in the courtroom.

“There’s evidence to show that she awakened and tried to get out of that situation, [but] she was assaulted and stabbed,” Steve Goncalves said of his daughter, Kaylee Goncalves.

What we still don’t know in Idaho murders case

Thursday 14 September 2023 20:25 , Andrea Blanco

Many questions remain about the case that shocked America.

No murder weapon has ever been found.

It is not known if the killer personally knew one or more of the victims or what the motive may have been.

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”.

Defence raised concerns about images potentially being manipulated

Thursday 14 September 2023 22:17 , Andrea Blanco

During yesterday’s hearing, the defence told the judge that while they know the media is doing their job, there are people on social media who take news images or videos and manipulate them.

The defence also said they do not like where the cameras are placed and said if the cameras are not removed, then they should be in a different location.

IN PICTURES: Smirking Bryan Kohberger appears in court

Friday 15 September 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

WATCH: Judge in Kohberger case concerned coverage could 'spin out of control'

02:00 , Andrea Blanco

Judge has yet to decide whether cameras will be allowed in the courtroom

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

An Idaho judge heard from both sides about whether cameras should be allowed in the courtroom for the Bryan Kohberger’s murder trial, but no decision was immediately made.

Both the state and the defence gave reasons for their desire to keep cameras out of the courtroom, but a media coalition also filed a motion - to “intervene”, requesting that a camera be present.

The defence told the judge on Wednesday that they are concerned the trial would be turned into a spectacle.

There was also concern about the images taken from the video being manipulated and shared on social media.

The defence suggested if a camera is allowed, it be positioned somewhere other than directly behind their team. The judge agreed and suggested moving it to the back of the room.

The state said the media plays an important role in the judicial process, but told the court their concerns over vulnerable witness testimony and graphic evidence being shown on camera.

The judge told the court he is taking the arguments into consideration and will issue a written ruling at a later date.

Xana Kernodle’s sister opens up about loss in upcoming special

06:00 , Andrea Blanco

Kernodle’s Jazzmin Kernodle spoke with CBS News’ Peter Van Sant for a special on the murders.

“I don’t know why it happened,” Ms Kernodle said in a teaser for the special. “I wish we knew. They were, all four of them were, just such great people and made such an impact on the lives around them.”

The episode will be aired on Saturday.

Defence raised concerns about images potentially being manipulated

08:00 , Andrea Blanco

During yesterday’s hearing, the defence told the judge that while they know the media is doing their job, there are people on social media who take news images or videos and manipulate them.

The defence also said they do not like where the cameras are placed and said if the cameras are not removed, then they should be in a different location.

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Speculation and rumour have swirled in the months following Bryan Kohberger’s arrest, as conspiracists and armchair detectives paint all manner of pictures of the accused killer.

But who really is the former PhD student?

The Independent’s Sheila Flynn reports:

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

Four students stabbed to death, a weeks-long manhunt but no motive

12:00 , Andrea Blanco

The murder of four college students in the quiet town of Moscow, Idaho, last November unravelled a months-long investigation that is now headed to trial.

The victims, all students at the University of Idaho, were ambushed in their rooms and stabbed to death with a military-style knife that has yet to be found. Police were called to the gruesome scene at the off-campus residence almost eight hours after the vicious attack.

For weeks, only scant details about the carnage were revealed as the community reeled from the tragedy and grappled with fears of a murderer on the loose. That changed with the December arrest of Washington State University student Bryan Kohberger, whose apartment, office and family home were raided and searched for evidence.

While more information has become public through the release of search warrants and arrest records in recent months, a gag order in the case remains in place and most aspects of the probe and its findings are still a mystery.

Here, The Independent takes a deep dive into the developments in the complex case:

What to know about Idaho murders and suspect Bryan Kohberger

Defence wants news cameras out of the courtroom

13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Attorneys for a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death late last year want cameras banned from the courtroom, contending that news coverage of the criminal proceedings has violated a judge’s orders and threatens his right to a fair trial.

Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the deaths at a rental house near the university campus in Moscow, Idaho, last November.

A judge entered a not-guilty plea on Kohberger’s behalf earlier this year. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson has said he intends to seek the death penalty, and the case is scheduled for trial this fall, although it could be postponed.

In a court document filed late last month, defence attorneys Anne Taylor and Jay Logsdon said the media pool photographers and videographers violated the judge’s orders to show a wide shot of the courtroom and avoid recording images of notes on the attorneys’ tables.

Kohberger’s attorneys pointed to photos showing their client walking into the courtroom and watching the court proceedings while seated at the defence tables, as well as more zoomed-out videos that included indecipherable white papers on the defence table and part of Taylor’s laptop screen. At the time, the laptop screen was displaying images from the in-court camera system, which were also being displayed on the large courtroom projector screen throughout parts of the proceeding.

“The cameras’ continued exclusive focus on Mr. Kohberger provides fodder for observers and purported ‘analysts’ on social media, who are not bound by notions of journalistic integrity and who have potentially an even greater reach than traditional media outlets,” the defence attorneys wrote, pointing out unflattering posts about Kohberger on X, formerly known as Twitter.

AP

Kaylee Goncalves’s father said she tried to escape murderer

14:00 , Andrea Blanco

Families of the victims spoke with CBS News’ Peter Van Sant for a special on the murders that will be aired on Saturday.

It comes just days after the sole suspect in the Moscow quadruple murders, Bryan Kohberger, appeared in court for a hearing where a judge heard arguments on cameras in the courtroom.

“There’s evidence to show that she awakened and tried to get out of that situation, [but] she was assaulted and stabbed,” Steve Goncalves said of his daughter, Kaylee Goncalves.