An Idaho judge has denied a request to dismiss crucial DNA evidence against Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of murdering four University of Idaho students.
Kohberger is charged with the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, who were tragically killed on November 13, 2022, in their rental home near the university in Moscow, Idaho.
DNA Evidence Allowed in Trial
Judge Steven Hippler rejected Kohberger’s defense team’s argument that police violated his constitutional rights when they used Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) to identify him as a suspect.
“Even if DNA testing revealed personal details, there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in crime scene DNA,” Judge Hippler stated.
Authorities found genetic material on a knife sheath left at the crime scene. They used genetic genealogy to compare the DNA with profiles from public databases, ultimately linking it to Kohberger through distant relatives. This method is often used when a crime scene DNA sample does not match profiles in law enforcement databases.
Defense Challenges DNA Collection
Kohberger’s lawyers argued that police violated his rights by collecting his DNA without a warrant, claiming it was an illegal search and seizure.
However, Judge Hippler disagreed, stating, “Any privacy claim over this DNA was abandoned along with the sheath, which Kohberger does not claim as his own. Even if he did, there is no reasonable expectation of privacy for DNA left at a crime scene.”
Case Moves Toward Trial
The ruling, made nearly a month after a two-day hearing, ensures this key evidence will be used in the trial, which is set to begin in August. Legal experts believe prosecutors may seek the death penalty if Kohberger is found guilty.
Additionally, Judge Hippler announced a change to Kohberger’s defense team. Attorney Jay Logsdon, who had been co-counsel, will step down from his role. He will be replaced by Bicka Barlow, a forensic DNA specialist who previously worked for the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office.
Barlow had already consulted on Kohberger’s case and will now take a lead role in his defense. Logsdon will continue assisting as a consulting attorney but will not represent Kohberger in court.
With this ruling, the prosecution’s case moves forward without delays, keeping the trial on track for later this year.
