Bryan Kohberger’s defense team dropped a bombshell in court, suggesting that alternate suspects could be responsible for the 2022 murders of four Idaho students. Kohberger, the criminology student accused of the gruesome stabbings, has pleaded not guilty to killing Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen.
Judge Steven Hippler wasn’t convinced by the defense’s initial filing, calling for solid proof by May 23. “This can’t just be speculation,” he emphasized. Legal observers note that while alternate perpetrator defenses aren’t uncommon, they rarely succeed without hard evidence.
The prosecution’s case hinges on DNA from a knife sheath, cellphone records tracking Kohberger’s movements, and video of his white Hyundai Elantra near the crime scene. Amazon purchases of a Ka-Bar knife and sheath further bolster their argument.
With the trial set for limited live-streaming—excluding roommates’ testimonies—the defense’s bold claim has added another twist to a case that continues to shock and perplex.
