Defense attorneys representing Bryan Kohberger, who stands accused of murdering four college students in Idaho, are requesting that a judge compel prosecutors to disclose more evidence.
The evidence in question includes the specific data police utilized to apprehend Kohberger, such as cellphone tower data, and audio and video recordings of a white sedan seen near the crime scene. This is according to the Idaho Statesman.
Kohberger is facing four murder charges stemming from the November 2022 stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty should he be convicted.
An integral part of Kohberger’s defense is his cellphone data, which his legal team says supports his alibi.
According to Kohberger’s attorney, “Mr. Kohberger was out driving in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, as he often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars. He drove throughout the area south of Pullman, Washington, west of Moscow, Idaho including Wawawai Park.”
Kohberger’s defense argues that he was not near the house where the murders took place. However, investigators claim they have phone pings placing Kohberger near the scene.
Additionally, police assert that DNA evidence ties Kohberger to a knife sheath found at the crime scene. The defense is attempting to challenge the reliability of this evidence.
Investigators employed a DNA sampling technique known as investigative genetic genealogy, which leveraged distant relatives to link to Kohberger.
The families of the slain students are anxious for the trial to proceed, expressing frustration over the slow pace of the legal proceedings.
