Idaho Murders: Judge Blocks Defense Witnesses in Bryan Kohberger Case

An Idaho judge has denied Bryan Kohberger's request to include defense experts as witnesses to counter the prosecution's arguments regarding his movements and Amazon shopping history. This decision could significantly shape the trial's trajectory, which has already drawn national attention.

Judge Steven Hippler ruled that the defense could submit written declarations from their experts, with the possibility of live-streamed testimony during the hearing if deemed necessary. This ruling effectively barred in-person testimony from two key figures the defense hoped to rely on.

One of the experts, David Howell, was expected to challenge the admissibility of Kohberger's Amazon shopping history and 'click activity.' Defense attorney Elisa Massoth argued that the prosecution's handling of these records was vague, incomplete, and unfairly prejudicial. She also pointed out that Amazon's AI algorithms, which influence user behavior, further complicated the interpretation of this data.

The prosecution has not publicly disclosed Kohberger's Amazon records, but reports suggest they could include a purchase of a Ka-Bar knife. Notably, a Ka-Bar knife sheath allegedly bearing Kohberger's DNA was found at the crime scene. While this claim has yet to be independently verified, it adds a chilling layer to the case.

The judge's ruling also affected Sy Ryan (possibly a reference to Sy Ray), a geofencing and phone data expert. Ryan was intended to counter FBI Agent Nicholas Ballance's analysis of Kohberger's phone tower and call records, which the defense has vehemently criticized as 'severely flawed.'

Both Howell and Ryan were initially slated to testify at a motion hearing on April 9. The defense has also requested that Ballance be disqualified as an expert witness, indicating that disputes over technical evidence will be a critical battleground in this trial.

Kohberger is facing trial on August 11 for the murders of four University of Idaho students—Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—who were tragically killed in a home invasion on November 13, 2022. Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University at the time, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

The case continues to grip the nation, with each legal maneuver scrutinized for its potential impact on the outcome. For now, the defense faces an uphill battle, as critical testimony from their chosen experts remains in limbo.