Bryan Kohberger’s defense team is attempting to craft an “illusion” for future jurors by pushing to have certain evidence excluded from his upcoming trial, according to former FBI special agent Jonathan Gilliam.
Kohberger, accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, is facing first-degree murder charges and a felony burglary charge for the deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Ethan Chapin, 20.
Kohberger’s defense has filed motions in an effort to prevent specific pieces of evidence from being used at trial, including crime scene photos and audio from a 911 call made by a roommate of the victims.
While some motions have been successful, others have been denied.
In a hearing on April 9, Judge Steven Hippler partially granted a request to prevent prosecutors from using terms like “psychopath” or “sociopath” to describe Kohberger, but stated that the term “murderer” could still be used during closing arguments.
Hippler also noted that crime scene images would likely remain, as they are vital in depicting the “brutal and horrific” nature of the crime.
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Gilliam believes that the defense’s strategy isn’t about proving Kohberger’s innocence but rather sowing doubt in the minds of jurors regarding the strength of the prosecution’s case.
“It’s about showing or creating the illusion that the prosecution does not have a strong enough case to convict,” Gilliam said.
The defense has also sought to exclude Kohberger’s 2020 essay on crime scene handling and to have a redacted version of the 911 call presented in court.
As the trial moves forward, it appears that the defense will continue to push for various motions aimed at minimizing the impact of certain evidence.
The high-profile case remains under intense scrutiny, with Kohberger’s trial set to begin later this year.
