Idaho murder suspect successfully gains access to police training records

Lawyers for murder suspect Bryan Kohberger have successfully argued for access to the training records of three of the police officers who worked on the University of Idaho murder case.

Latah County District Judge John Judge has given the legal team permission to access the records, in a victory for their attempt to undermine the credibility of the investigation.

Kohberger, 28, is accused of fatally stabbing college students Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison May, 21; Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, both 20, at their off-campus home on Nov. 13 last year.

His lawyers said they requested the training records of officers, who have not yet been named, who conducted “critical” interviews with witnesses and made decisions related to the investigation.

The defense said they are not on a “fishing expedition” but are looking for specific materials needed for an adequate defense.

Latah County District Judge John Judge has given the legal team permission to access the records

“There is a heightened standard now that the state has announced its intention to seek the death penalty … and these are very relevant pieces of information,” Kohberger’s defense said.

Prosecutors confirmed last week that they would seek the death penalty for the Washington State University criminology student.

If convicted, Kohberger could be executed by firing squad if the state cannot obtain the lethally necessary drugs.

Kohberger’s lawyers said the death penalty hanging over the case makes it even more important that the prosecution turn over all of their evidence.

The prosecution argued that they have already turned over everything, including 10,000 tips and 51 terabytes of audio and video information.

The judge decided to issue a gag order for law enforcement and detectives at the start of last week’s hearing.

During the final court hearing, the defense also asked for additional information about the FBI team that provided cell phone records used in the statement of probable cause. Prosecutors said they will hand over these items, but the defense wants to know a specific date.

Last month, the defense tried to poke holes in the charges by accusing prosecutors of “hiding their case” and not being transparent about the methods used to obtain DNA evidence and link it to the suspect.

Kohberger has pleaded not guilty to the murder of roommates Maddie Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20

Prosecutors had previously claimed that DNA found on a knife left at the scene of the murders is a “statistical match” to a cheek swab taken from the suspect.

The FBI said they used databases on public DNA sites similar to 23andMe.

But in documents filed Thursday, Kohberger’s lawyers claimed there was “no connection” between Kohberger and the students who were fatally stabbed in their off-campus home in Moscow.

The team of lawyers stated that there was a “total lack” of the victims’ DNA found in Kohberger’s apartment, office or vehicle.

Kohberger’s lawyers also stated that DNA from a second man was found in the Moscow home, and that police reportedly found DNA from a third man on a glove discovered outside the home.

“To date, the defense is unaware of what, if any, testing was performed on these samples other than the STR DNA profiles.”

The filing, an objection to the state’s motion for a protection order, argues that the defense team should have access to all records and genetic genealogy that led prosecutors to claim that Kohberger’s DNA, collected from a mouth swab, was a “statistical match.” was with the found DNA. on a knife scabbard discovered at the scene.