Prosecutors in the Idaho student murders case are pushing back against Bryan Kohberger's attempts to invalidate search warrants used to gather evidence against him. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson argues that the warrants, which targeted Kohberger's parents' home, his vehicle, digital devices, and other locations, were justified by "substantial probable cause." While many details remain sealed, the prosecution is urging the judge to uphold the warrants.
Kohberger's defense team, however, contends that the warrants should be suppressed. Last month, they filed motions to exclude evidence obtained from these searches, including DNA, digital data, and physical items. The defense is requesting a Franks hearing, a rare legal proceeding that allows them to challenge the veracity of information used to obtain the warrants. They maintain that Kohberger is innocent.
Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and a felony burglary charge in the November 13, 2022, killings of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Prosecutors allege Kohberger entered the students' off-campus residence and fatally stabbed them. A surviving roommate reported seeing a masked man with "bushy eyebrows" after hearing a commotion.
Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University, was apprehended at his parents' Pennsylvania home weeks after the murders. Key evidence includes a knife sheath found at the crime scene allegedly containing Kohberger's DNA, his white Hyundai Elantra matching the description of the suspect vehicle, and cell phone data suggesting he deactivated his phone around the time of the killings and had previously visited the victims' residence multiple times.
Seasoned defense attorney John Henry Browne, who has represented high-profile clients like Ted Bundy, notes the rarity of Franks hearings being granted and their even lower success rate. He explains that while these hearings can be valuable for discovery, even if a judge determines that some information in a warrant affidavit was misrepresented, the warrant can still be deemed valid if sufficient probable cause remains. Judge Hippler has already instructed Kohberger's team to refine their motion for a Franks hearing, requesting clearer identification of the relevant exhibits within their extensive submission.
A closed hearing on this matter was held on December 11, with Kohberger's next court appearance scheduled for January 23. He is currently held without bail and could face the death penalty if convicted. The trial is slated to begin next year.
