Prosecutors in Idaho dismiss Bryan Kohberger’s numerous challenges to search warrants

Idaho prosecutors have rejected a flurry of Bryan Kohberger’s motions to attack search warrants executed in connection with his arrest in the slaying of four college students, dissecting the defense’s claims and telling the judge that there was “substantial probable cause” to seize evidence from his parents’ home, his car, his devices, and other places.

Latah County prosecuting attorney Bill Thompson wrote in part of the nine objections to Kohberger’s defense efforts that the warrants in question were “based on substantial probable cause.” Much of the specifics remain under seal, but prosecutors are asking the judge to reject the defense motions and allow the warrants to stand.

Last month, the defense asked Judge Steven Hippler to suppress DNA evidence, searches on Kohberger’s devices and digital accounts, his car, his person, and his parent’s house.

If Kohberger can prove that investigators willfully disregarded or misrepresented the truth in their warrant affidavits, that information can be thrown out of the warrants, he told Fox News Digital. On the other hand, however, even if that long-shot effort is successful, the judge will weigh whether there is enough probable cause remaining in the warrant and could find it is still valid.

Hippler previously told Kohberger’s team to re-file the motion for a Franks hearing, telling his lawyers that it was unacceptable to send him 2,000 pages of exhibits without identifying which parts were relevant to their arguments. 

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson speaks with Wendy Olson, left, and Cory Carone during a motion hearing regarding a gag order for a case against Bryan Kohberger in Latah County District Court, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. (Zach Wilkinson/Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP, Pool)

A closed-door hearing was held on Dec. 11. Kohberger is due back in court on Jan. 23.

He is being held without bail and could face the death penalty if convicted. The trial is scheduled to begin next year.