During the two days of hearings on defense motions in Bryan Kohberger’s quadruple murder case, no official decisions were made. However, new details were brought to light in anticipation of his upcoming trial this year.
One revelation from the defense was the acknowledgment that Kohberger was allegedly seen wearing rubber gloves in his parents’ kitchen when he was apprehended by tactical officers. Additionally, a crucial witness was challenged for potential memory issues, drinking habits, and providing conflicting testimonies.
The defense also disclosed that Kohberger began his studies at the University of Idaho in Pullman, Washington, in June 2022. Furthermore, the judge delivered a stern warning to both parties regarding their responsibility for expert disclosures moving forward.
Judge Steven Hippler said he would take the arguments under advisement and issue his decisions later. Here are some key developments from the two-day hearing.
Bryan Kohberger arrives at the Monroe County Courthouse in Pennsylvania in advance of an extradition hearing. (The Image Direct for Fox News Digital)
Hippler said he had not yet decided whether the defense will receive a Franks hearing but told both sides to send him a list of available dates within the next three weeks.
His decisions on most of the other motions are expected to be announced in the near future. In response to a defense request that the court either order prosecutors to hand over additional expert witness disclosures or face sanctions, Hippler said both sides should “over-disclose.”
“A word of caution,” he said. “Sometimes there’s dissonance between what an expert thinks they’re gonna talk about and what the lawyer understands from that expert.”
The King Road home before its demolition. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Kohberger is scheduled for trial later this year in the home invasion murders of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20.
At the time of the murders, Kohberger was studying for a Ph.D. in criminology at nearby Washington State University, about 10 miles across the state line. The victims were all undergrad students at the University of Idaho.
Latah County Judge John Judge entered not guilty pleas on Kohberger’s behalf at his arraignment in May 2023. He could face the death penalty if convicted.
