The defense team for Idaho college quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger plans to argue at trial that the knife sheath found at the crime scene was potentially planted by the real killer. Prosecutors revealed in a recent court filing that the defense’s expert disclosures suggest they will argue that the DNA on the knife sheath does not prove Kohberger was ever at the crime scene, and the knife sheath itself could have been planted by someone else. Idaho investigators found a three-person mixture of DNA under Madison Mogen’s fingernails after she and three friends were killed in her off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022.
The FBI traced the DNA to Kohberger after checking publicly accessible databases. He was arrested in connection with the deaths of Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Kohberger’s defense team has sought to undermine the credibility of investigative genetic genealogy research that led police to him. They plan to call an expert in forensic biology and DNA to testify about the DNA found on the knife sheath, which is a crucial piece of evidence in the case. Dr. Leah Larkin, a genetic genealogist, claimed that someone at the FBI violated policy and genealogy database terms to get the lead that led to Kohberger.
Defense attorney Bicka Barlow argued that testing of the DNA samples was inconclusive and could mislead the jury. Independent testing conducted for the defense ruled out Kohberger entirely as a contributor. Barlow also stated that the FBI admitted to using genealogy databases such as MyHeritage and GEDMatch, which law enforcement is not supposed to search without permission. The FBI defended their actions, citing a judge’s order that found no constitutional rights violations in the IGG searches. Kohberger’s trial is set to begin in August, and he could face the death penalty if convicted.
The defense’s argument that the knife sheath may have been planted by the real perpetrator raises questions about the DNA evidence linking Kohberger to the crime scene. The defense plans to challenge the conclusion that Kohberger was present at the scene based on the DNA found on the knife sheath. The case has been the center of legal maneuvering ahead of the trial, with both sides presenting expert testimony and arguing over the credibility of genetic genealogy research. The outcome of the trial will depend on how effectively the defense can cast doubt on the DNA evidence and question the methods used by law enforcement to identify Kohberger as a suspect.
The controversy surrounding the DNA evidence in the case highlights the challenges of using genetic genealogy research in criminal investigations. The defense’s attempt to discredit the DNA findings and question the methods used by investigators adds another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings. As the trial approaches, both sides will continue to present arguments and evidence to support their positions. The outcome of the trial will ultimately hinge on how the jury evaluates the DNA evidence and whether they find the defense’s arguments about possible evidence tampering persuasive. Kohberger’s defense team’s strategy of questioning the DNA evidence and suggesting that the real killer planted the knife sheath raises doubts about the prosecution’s case and sets the stage for a contentious legal battle in the courtroom.
