Ph.D. student specializing in criminology, Bryan Kohberger, found himself at the center of a quadruple murder case as he returned to an Idaho courtroom. His defense team alleged that crucial evidence provided by the prosecution during discovery had been altered.
In their pursuit of additional evidence through discovery, the defense sought access to the full surveillance video purportedly placing Kohberger's white Hyundai Elantra near the crime scene. Kootenai County Public Defender and lead defense attorney, Anne Taylor, revealed, "The public needs to know that they've withheld the audio."
The defense team advocated for Kohberger's next discovery hearing to be public, countering the prosecution's preference for a closed-door session. However, prosecutors argued that all proceedings related to the discovery hearing had been and would continue to be filed under seal.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ashley Jennings argued, "The defendant will get his day in court, and the public will have a right to see what evidence the state has." Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson dismissed defense claims of delay in discovery as "utter nonsense."
Taylor accused the prosecution of attempting to manipulate public perception by withholding evidence "in a vacuum." She contended, "Bryan's the one with the right. It's his Sixth Amendment right to a public hearing."
The judge appeared skeptical of Taylor's argument, stating, "I totally understand that Mr. Kohberger has a constitutional right to a public trial, but having a hearing is not a trial." He suggested holding a closed-door hearing and then releasing information afterward.
As the hearing grew heated, the judge urged both sides to "tone it down" and avoid personal attacks.
Legal experts suggested that the legal maneuvers may be part of a strategy to move the trial out of Latah County to a larger jurisdiction with a larger jury pool. Kohberger faces four charges of first-degree murder and another of felony burglary in connection with a November 13, 2022, massacre at an off-campus house near the University of Idaho.
Evidence tying Kohberger to the crime scene includes a Ka-Bar knife sheath with his DNA found under one of the victim's bodies, phone pings, and surveillance video of his car.
Taylor argued that the evidence presented so far favored the prosecution, while little potentially exculpatory evidence had been revealed. Both sides have agreed to a restrictive gag order on the case, avoiding questions from the press.
Judge John Judge entered not guilty pleas on Kohberger's behalf to all counts at his arraignment in May 2023.