A judge announced a series of rulings on Friday regarding motions from both the prosecution and defense in the murder case against Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho student stabbings. The judge stated that there was no valid reason to grant the defense’s request to prevent the only eyewitness from mentioning the “bushy eyebrows” she observed on a masked intruder during the killings.
Judge Steven Hippler emphasized the importance of the eyewitness, identified as D.M., testifying about the “bushy eyebrows” she saw. He noted, “D.M. is the sole witness to the intruder involved in the murders. It is up to the jury to determine if the Defendant is that individual.”
Kohberger’s defense team has contended that he does not possess “bushy eyebrows” and raised concerns that D.M.’s recollection might have been influenced by alcohol consumption at the time and the presence of a wall adorned with artwork and photographs depicting faces, portraits, and distinct eyebrows.
He reserved the right to rule on Kohberger’s purported obsessive-compulsive disorder at a later date.
Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and felony burglary in the stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20.
A judge entered not guilty pleas on his behalf. Prosecutors have notified the court they intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.
The trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 11.
