Kohberger Case: Prosecutors Aim to Block 'Alternative Perpetrator' Defense

Police discovered unidentified blood at the scene of the Idaho student murders, specifically on a handrail inside the victims' home and on a glove found outside. These samples, belonging to two different men, have become a point of contention as prosecutors seek to prevent Bryan Kohberger's defense team from using them to suggest an 'alternative perpetrator' theory. Prosecutors are requesting that a Boise judge block Kohberger's defense from presenting this theory unless they can first demonstrate its relevance under Idaho's rules of evidence. Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students—Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—in their off-campus home. The victims were three housemates and Kernodle's boyfriend, Chapin, who was visiting for the night. Investigators have focused on a knife sheath found under Mogen's body, which allegedly has Kohberger's DNA on it. Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson argued in a recent court filing that the defense should not be allowed to introduce evidence suggesting an alternative perpetrator without meeting the state's evidence admissibility standards. Thompson cited an Idaho Supreme Court decision stating that evidence that merely misleads the jury or doesn't make the defendant's involvement more or less probable can be deemed inadmissible. Defense attorney Anne Taylor, however, argued that the unidentified blood samples could indicate Kohberger's lack of involvement in the crime. Edwina Elcox, a Boise-based defense attorney, anticipates that the defense will use this evidence to create reasonable doubt at trial. Kohberger's trial is scheduled to begin on August 11, and he faces the death penalty if convicted. He previously entered a not-guilty plea. Before a change of venue was granted, Latah County Judge John Judge entered not guilty pleas on Kohberger's behalf at his arraignment in May 2023.