Idaho Murders Suspect Bryan Kohberger ‘Could Walk Free’ Due To Bombshell DNA Evidence

The defense lawyers for Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger are optimistic that newly uncovered DNA evidence will help prove his innocence.

The genetic materials were found on a handrail at the home where the crime was committed, while the other was discovered on a glove.

Bryan Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin at their off-campus in Moscow, Idaho.

DNA Evidence Not Belonging To The Suspect Was Found At The Crime Scene

In the wake of the fatal stabbing of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, Bryan Kohberger was identified as the main suspect by prosecutors and charged with four counts of first-degree murder.

He was also charged with a count of felony burglary over breaking into the Moscow off-campus home where the University of Idaho students lived.

However, what seemed like an open-and-shut case took a new twist with the discovery of DNA from two other males at the crime scene, per the Idaho Statesman.

One genetic sample was found on a handrail in the home, while the other was discovered on a glove just outside the same residence. Both pieces of evidence were blood-related, and their owners have yet to be identified.

Given the discovery, Kohberger’s lawyer, Anne Taylor, argued at a hearing last month that the unidentified DNA might prove that Kohberger did not fatally stab the four students.

She also pointed out that police failed to disclose the unidentified blood samples when they sought a warrant to arrest Kohberger.

Bryan Kohberger’s Legal Team Faced A Pushback From The Case Judge

Unfortunately for Kohberger, his DNA was found on a leather sheath for a fixed-blade knife found in the bed of the stabbing victim.

As a result, when Kohberger’s legal team requested a Franks hearing to contest multiple search warrants and the evidence collected by authorities, they faced resistance from the presiding judge, Steven Hippler.

“How does that, even if disclosed, preclude a finding of probable cause when there’s a DNA match between the DNA on the sheath and Mr. Kohberger?” the judge asked Taylor. “Isn’t that probable cause every day and twice on Sunday?”

In response, Taylor told Hippler that probable cause shouldn’t be considered in a vacuum and that his ruling on the matter could have broader implications for the entire criminal justice system.

Experts Say Defense Will Try To ‘Muddy The Waters’ At Trial With The New DNA Evidence

Whether or not Hippler grants a Franks hearing, the defense introducing the new DNA evidence has given a hint at the strategy they intend to use during the trial.

According to criminal defense attorney Edwina Elcox, they will likely use the unidentified genetic materials to try to “muddy the waters,” thereby creating reasonable doubt in the mind of the jury.

“That evidence could be any variety of things: It could be something, or it could be a lot of things that are nothing,” Elcox told the outlet. “There’s at least something to be made of it, and it’s better than having nothing as a defense.”

Elcox went on to say that regardless of the defense’s best effort, they would find it challenging to explain to jurors about the knife sheath DNA.

“That’s the thing that squarely puts [Kohberger] there,” she added. “The magnitude of that evidence to the state’s case is critical, and cannot be understated.”

One Of The Victims’ Dad Claimed The Murder Suspect Was Being Given Special Treatment

Steve Goncalves, a parent of one of the victims, opened up to Fox News in 2023 on his belief that the murder suspect was being given preferential treatment while awaiting trial.

He received alleged information that Kohberger had privileges like special food and internet access in jail.

Goncalves said, “I’ve been told that his privileges before the trial, like having five suits, access to video and a computer, and getting special vegan meals, are like nothing we’ve seen in Idaho’s history.”

The father of the victim, Kaylee, added that he “personally saw” the moment when the police “decided not to handcuff” Kohberger during a court hearing.

Bryan Kohberger’s Trial Is Set For August

Kohberger’s trial is set for August this year and will take place in Idaho’s capital, Boise.

It was initially meant to be held in Moscow, Idaho, where the killings occurred, but was moved due to his defense claiming that he would not get a fair trial there.

First, the 30-year-old will be tried to determine his guilt or innocence regarding the charges against him.

Afterward, there will be another trial to determine whether he should receive the death penalty if he is found guilty.

Due to the trial potentially having two phases, it is expected to last until November. Jury selection is set to begin in late July after all pretrial motions have concluded.

In the meantime, he has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held without bail until his trial date.