A surviving roommate's account of a masked intruder, coupled with forensic evidence collected from suspect Bryan Kohberger's apartment, forms the crux of the case against him in the tragic murder of four University of Idaho students. Newly released court documents reveal that the roommate described a tall, thin, white male exiting the house through the back door, possibly carrying a vacuum-like device. Although the witness admitted to a hazy recollection of the events, Judge Steven Hippler deemed her consistent description across multiple interviews sufficient for probable cause, particularly given corroborating evidence.
The photo above, shared on Instagram by Kaylee Goncalves the day before the murders, shows the victims, Madison Mogen (top left), Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle, alongside two other housemates.
The judge's decision to deny Kohberger's motion for a Franks hearing underscores the strength of the prosecution's case. This hearing would have allowed Kohberger to challenge the validity of the warrants used in the investigation. Hippler determined that the roommate's testimony, while potentially impacted by alcohol consumption and the trauma of the event, remained consistent in its core details. Furthermore, other evidence supports the timeline and suspect description provided.
Investigators searching Kohberger's Pullman, Washington apartment discovered a Bissell PowerForce vacuum, a black glove, and receipts. Criminal profiler John Kelly suggests the vacuum may have been used in an attempt to remove trace evidence. The absence of shower curtains and emptied trash cans further suggests an attempt to eliminate potential forensic clues. Authorities also recovered hair samples and blood-stained bedding from the apartment. Notably, no murder weapon has been found.
This image shows Bryan Kohberger at a court appearance in Pennsylvania following his arrest.
The recovered knife sheath found at the crime scene, allegedly containing Kohberger's DNA, serves as a critical piece of evidence. The judge also dismissed Kohberger's arguments regarding the investigative genetic genealogy techniques used to identify him as a suspect, stating that this information would only have strengthened the probable cause.
The gallery below showcases images from the search of Kohberger's apartment:
Additional images from the apartment search are available in the original article.
This is the floor plan of Kohberger's apartment.
With Kohberger’s trial slated for August, these developments mark a significant step in the legal proceedings. He faces the possibility of the death penalty if found guilty.
