Idaho prosecutors seek to limit Bryan Kohberger’s alibi evidence at murder trial
- M.R Mishra
- Feb 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 17
Case Update (March 17, 2025)
An Idaho judge reprimanded attorneys in the Bryan Kohberger case for excessively filing sealed documents, stressing the public’s right to transparency. Kohberger, charged with murdering four University of Idaho students
in 2022, faces a death penalty trial set to begin August 11, 2025, and livestreamed due to courtroom restrictions. Recent sealed motions include defense efforts to exclude the death penalty (citing autism spectrum disorder) and debates over using terms like “sociopath.” Prosecutors also addressed family member attendance during trial.
The judge upheld the use of genetic genealogy evidence, rejecting defense claims of constitutional violations. Victims’ families, including Kaylee Goncalves’ parents, argue the brutality of the crimes justifies the death penalty. The trial is expected to last over three months.
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Idaho prosecutors are seeking to restrict Bryan Kohberger’s defense from presenting alibi evidence or discussing psychiatric evaluations unless he testifies in his upcoming murder trial.
Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students—Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves—on November 13, 2022, near their Moscow campus. Prosecutors, who plan to seek the death penalty if he’s convicted, argue that Kohberger’s defense failed to provide specific details about his alibi or meet disclosure deadlines.
They also want to limit arguments about alternate suspects and certain expert testimonies. Kohberger’s defense claims he was driving during the time of the murders, supported by cellphone tracking evidence.
“It would be unrealistic at this late date to expect the State to effectively investigate and respond to any new or additional alibi-related disclosures,”
Thompson wrote, and so any alibi evidence should be barred unless it comes from Kohberger
The trial, set to begin August 11, involves thousands of pages of court filings as both sides prepare for the complex case.
What's the matter?
In the ongoing legal proceedings against Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of the November 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, recent developments have brought DNA evidence and mental health considerations to the forefront.
A pivotal moment in the case occurred when Judge Steven Hippler denied the defense's motion to exclude DNA evidence obtained through Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG).
The defense contended that the use of IGG infringed upon Kohberger's constitutional rights.
However, Judge Hippler ruled that there is "no reasonable expectation of privacy in identity" and that DNA left at a crime scene does not warrant such privacy protections.
This decision allows the prosecution to present DNA evidence purportedly linking Kohberger to the crime scene, including DNA found on a knife sheath at the scene.
Defense Cites Autism Spectrum Disorder
In a strategic move, Kohberger's defense team filed a motion titled "Motion to Strike Death Penalty RE: Autism Spectrum Disorder." This motion aims to remove the death penalty as a sentencing option, suggesting that Kohberger's alleged autism spectrum disorder should be considered a mitigating factor.
The details of this motion are sealed, leaving it unclear whether Kohberger has been formally diagnosed or if the defense is seeking such a diagnosis.
Alibi Evidence
Adding to the case's complexity, Idaho prosecutor Bill Thompson has filed a motion to restrict Kohberger's ability to present an alibi defense unless he testifies himself.
The defense claims that Kohberger was out driving during the time of the murders, supported by cellphone tracking evidence. However, the prosecution argues that the defense has not provided sufficient details or met disclosure deadlines for this alibi.
Bryan Kohberger's white Hyundai Elantra by 1122 King Rd right before the murders.
Tire marks were a perfect match to his car.
(Image source: JLR investigates)
The trial is scheduled to begin in August 2025, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted. Due to concerns about potential bias in Latah County, the trial has been moved to Boise to ensure an impartial jury. A gag order remains in place, and cameras are prohibited in the courtroom.
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