Bryan Kohberger is fighting the charges as lawyers claim the prosecution is refusing to hand over evidence

Idaho murder suspect Brian Kohberger has filed court documents showing he can contest his charges, as his attorneys claim they are confident there is “exculpatory evidence” that would exonerate him from his charges.

Kohberger was indicted on May 16 on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary by a secret grand jury set by the state.

Kohberger’s legal team has since required the state to provide evidence that his defense says could prove his innocence of the accused’s quadruple murder. The state and defense have since battled over what grand jury material will be provided to Kohberger’s team.

The 28-year-old criminology graduate student was accused of stabbing to death four college students — Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin — last November in Moscow, Idaho, in a scene police describe as “the worst we’ve ever had.” ‘. ever seen’.

The defense now states that after six months of extreme media coverage in such a small community running such a high-profile case, they have the right to determine the grand jury selection process, as well as the disclosure of any exculpatory evidence presented to them submitted .

Kohberger is charged with the murders of Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin (pictured) in Moscow, Idaho, last November.

The home in Moscow, Idaho, where the four students were murdered in November. Police say DNA at the crime scene matches Kohberger 99 percent

The defense also alleges that since the death penalty is a possibility in this case and Kohberger has not waived his right to a speedy trial, the state’s failure to provide all of the requested materials hinders their ability to make a strong case on behalf of their client. defense, the defense said. Unpleasant CBSAustin.

Defense attorney Anne Taylor sent a motion to the court requesting that, if all such evidence is not turned over without delay, the court will temporarily halt the proceedings to allow sufficient time to review the grand jury’s proceedings appropriately.

The state’s response showed that State Attorney Bill Thompson acknowledged the significant amount of discoveries in this case and acknowledged that a major trial will take place within four months.

Thompson said he has no problem with a reasonable extension of time for the defense to meet its obligations under Idaho law, but asks the state for the same courtesy if the defense were to make an alibi report.

Kohberger declined to enter a plea for the charges in May, the first step in what promises to be a lengthy legal process. Just this week, his lawyers asked the judge for more time to decide whether alibi will be part of their defense strategy.

Kootenai County Public Defender Anne Taylor leads Kohberger’s defense team

Kohberger, 28, is charged with burglary and four counts of first-degree murder in the November murders

Kohberger has filed court documents showing he can contest his charges. Prosecutors preparing for trial of Idaho murder suspect Brian Kohberger (in court last week) are asking for a dramatic increase in funding to cover trial costs

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson asked for $135,000 for litigation costs in his latest annual budget request, instead of the usual budget of $15,000

The 28-year-old remained silent during his 10-minute arraignment as the judge pleaded not guilty on his behalf. Kohberger refused to waive his right to a speedy trial, so the judge scheduled it to begin Oct. 2.

This comes after Kohberger’s lawyers requested more time earlier this week to decide whether or not to submit an alibi as part of his defense.

In their latest court documents, his lawyers asked the court to postpone their decision on whether or not to present an alibi.

It was in response to a state law requiring attorneys to file their intent to provide an alibi before a trial begins.

They say the discovery in the case is “major” and “still ongoing,” and they need more time to “wade through” the evidence before finalizing their defense strategy and notifying the court.

The university where he worked was only eight miles from the murder scene

Kohberger’s lawyers asked for a delay before deciding whether or not to file an alibi as part of their defense

Also this week, prosecutors preparing for trial asked for a dramatic increase in funding of 12196461 to cover trial costs.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed his annual budget request with county commissioners on Tuesday, asking for $135,000 for litigation costs, instead of the usual $15,000 budget, the Lewiston Tribune reported.

Kohberger’s legal team filed a motion to force discovery in Latah County Court last Thursday. It repeats previous requests made on February 3 and March 24.

It recorded all body and dash cam footage of officers involved in his arrest in Pennsylvania; any audio or video evidence of his time in prison, including police interrogations; lab reports of the forensic evidence seized from his parents’ home and his Hyundai Elantra; and the training records of the agents involved in the case.

That legal filing came after it was revealed that police found traces of blood and a secret storage closet in his apartment in Pullman, Washington — a 15-minute drive from where the alleged murders took place.