Prosecutors Aim to Block Kohberger's 'Mystery Man' Defense in Idaho Murders Case

Idaho prosecutors are seeking to prevent Bryan Kohberger's defense team from presenting an "alternative perpetrator" theory, which suggests that unidentified blood found at the crime scene points to another individual responsible for the murders of four University of Idaho students.

The blood samples, discovered on a handrail inside the victims' home and on a glove found outside, belong to two different, unidentified men. Prosecutors argue that this evidence should be inadmissible unless the defense can first demonstrate its relevance to the case under Idaho's rules of evidence.

Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in a house near the University of Idaho campus. The victims, who lived in the six-bedroom house, were known to host parties.

Prosecutors emphasize that the unidentified blood samples are less significant than the knife sheath discovered beneath Mogen's body. They claim the sheath had Kohberger's DNA on the snap.

Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson argued in a recent court filing that Kohberger should be barred from presenting or arguing alternative perpetrator evidence without first meeting the relevance and admissibility standards outlined in Idaho Rules of Evidence 401, 402, and 403. These rules pertain to the relevance and admissibility of evidence.

Thompson cited an Idaho Supreme Court decision stating that evidence tending to mislead the jury or lacking relevance in establishing the defendant's involvement should be deemed inadmissible at the trial court's discretion.

Defense attorney Anne Taylor contended that the unidentified blood samples could suggest Kohberger's lack of involvement in the crime, a point she raised at a hearing last month before Ada County Judge Steven Hippler.

Edwina Elcox, a Boise-based defense attorney, believes the defense will use this evidence to create reasonable doubt at trial.

Kohberger's trial is scheduled to commence on August 11. He faces the death penalty if convicted. Judge John Judge previously entered a not guilty plea on Kohberger's behalf during his arraignment in May 2023, before a change of venue was granted.