An Idaho judge upholds crucial genetic evidence in the Bryan Kohberger murder case, dealing a significant blow to the defense’s attempts to suppress key DNA findings.
At a Glance
- Judge denies defense motions to suppress genetic and digital evidence
- Court rules police did not violate Kohberger’s constitutional rights
- Genetic evidence from a knife sheath links Kohberger to the crime scene
- Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted
- Trial set for August with key evidence intact
Judge Upholds Crucial Evidence
In a significant development in the high-profile University of Idaho murder case, Judge Steven Hippler has denied Bryan Kohberger’s defense motions to suppress key genetic and digital evidence. The ruling maintains the strength of the prosecution’s case against Kohberger, who stands accused of murdering four university students.
The defense had argued that the use of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) infringed upon Kohberger’s constitutional rights, claiming the process was illegal and should lead to dismissal. However, Judge Hippler determined that the genetic evidence obtained was within the legal framework and did not violate any constitutional standards.
DNA Evidence Remains Central to Case
The court’s decision allows prosecutors to use critical DNA evidence found on a knife sheath at the crime scene. This “touch DNA” led investigators to identify Kohberger as a suspect through IGG techniques. The judge stated that Kohberger had no legitimate expectation of privacy in the DNA left at the crime scene, effectively dismissing the defense’s claims of Fourth Amendment violations.
Judge Hippler also denied the defense’s request for a Franks hearing, noting that the inclusion of IGG information would have actually strengthened probable cause for the investigation. This ruling solidifies the prosecution’s ability to present a comprehensive case against Kohberger when the trial begins in August.
Digital Evidence Allowed
In addition to upholding the genetic evidence, the court denied motions to suppress digital evidence from Kohberger’s Google, Apple, Amazon, and AT&T accounts. The judge cited the “third-party doctrine,” indicating there is no privacy interest in information voluntarily shared with third parties.
Search warrants for Kohberger’s Google data and cell phone information were deemed legally sound, further strengthening the prosecution’s arsenal of evidence. This decision ensures that investigators can present a thorough digital trail as part of their case against the accused.
The Road to Trial
Bryan Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, as well as a burglary charge. The brutality of the crimes has shocked the community and drawn national attention to the case.
With the judge’s ruling following a two-day hearing, the prosecution’s case remains intact as they prepare for the August trial. If convicted, prosecutors have stated their intention to seek the death penalty for Kohberger, underscoring the gravity of the charges against him.
