Lawyers for Bryan Kohberger said the prosecution broke a rule of discovery by failing to include opinions and reports in expert disclosures.
Newsweek has reached out to the Latah County prosecuting attorney via email for comment on Friday afternoon.
Why It Matters
Kohberger, 30, is facing four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. He is accused of fatally stabbing University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus residence in the city of Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
Bryan Kohberger Idaho College Murders Trial Update
The defense filed a motion to compel material and for sanctions on December 27, 2024. In the document, Kohberger’s attorneys allege that the “bulk” of the state’s expert disclosure do not include opinions and reports.
“These inadequate disclosures greatly prejudice Mr. Kohberger who is obligated to submit defense guilt phase expert disclosures by January 23, 2025,” his lawyers wrote.
The defense is asking the judge to exclude the experts or issue an order compelling full disclosure and extending the January 23 deadline.
On December 18, 2024, prosecutors listed 25 experts they intend to call. The defense said it has received expert reports from only five of those experts.
The defense alleged that the prosecution is not adhering to Idaho’s Rules of Evidence. The rules require prosecutors to provide a written summary or report of any testimony intended to be introduced at trial or hearing at the defendant’s request.
What People Are Saying
Kohberger’s lawyers in their motion to compel: “This is a capital murder case and compliance with the rules of discovery are not optional. Mr. Kohberger is prejudiced by the State’s failure. It is impossible for him to confront unknown expert opinions, with his own expert disclosures by January 23, 2025.”
What Roommates Have Said About Idaho Murders
Roommates Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen also lived in the off-campus residence and were unharmed in the incident.
Funke told officials she was in the basement of the home at the time of the murders and did not witness the attack.
Mortensen told police that she opened her bedroom door several times shortly after 4 a.m. She said she woke up after hearing what she thought was Goncalves playing with her dog.
Mortensen said she thought she heard Goncalves say something along the lines of, “There’s someone here.”
She told officials she opened her door a second time after she thought she heard crying from Kernodle’s room. Mortensen said when she opened her door the third time, she saw a man wearing black clothing and a mask over his mouth and nose.
Bryan Kohberger Court Date
The next hearing in the case is currently scheduled for January 23. The prosecution and defense will present their arguments on various motions to the judge presiding over the case, District Judge Steven Hippler.
What Happens Next
Kohberger remains in custody at Ada County Jail in Boise, Idaho, as he awaits trial. He is facing the death penalty if convicted.
His trial is scheduled to begin on August 11, with jury selection to begin in late July.
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Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, enters a courtroom to appear at a hearing in Latah County District Court on September 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho….
Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, enters a courtroom to appear at a hearing in Latah County District Court on September 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger’s attorneys alleged that prosecutors failed to comply with the state’s rules of evidence by not providing opinions and reports in expert disclosures.
AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, Pool
Bryan Kohberger Prosecutors Broke Rule for Idaho Murder Trial, Lawyers Say
