Lawyers for quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger accuse the FBI of interfering with a genetic expert witness in his trial, claiming they questioned her at her home
- His attorney claimed that expert Gabriella Vargas was visited by two FBI agents
Lawyers for quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger have accused the FBI of interfering with a genetic expert witness in the trial by allegedly questioning her at home.
Kohberger, 28, is on trial for the fatal stabbings of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20, last November.
The defendant, who was charged with four first-degree murders and one burglary charge, recently remained silent while arraigned and the judge pleaded on his behalf for each charge.
His lead attorney Anne Taylor said genetic genealogy expert Gabriella Vargas, who recently spoke in court about DNA matching, was harassed by the FBI shortly after taking the stand. Radaronline reports.
“She was visited by two FBI agents and questioned about her testimony and the findings of her statement,” Taylor said.
Idaho quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger had his trial postponed indefinitely in October after waiving his right to a speedy trial
(L-R) Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee’s shoulders) Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle
“That, in our opinion, imposes on Kohberger’s rights to a fair trial and his right to a federal assistance attorney.”
Taylor also expressed an intention to file a motion regarding “what happens to witnesses after they testify in court.”
Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson responded in court that he contacted the FBI to investigate after Vargas questioned parts of her own testimony.
He added, “The FBI concurred, and Ms. Vargas alleged that she had inadvertently agreed to or signed part of the statement in her deposition without reading it in full.
“We’re documenting that so we can share it with Ms. Taylor.”
That’s what former FBI agent Tracy Walder said Law & Crime“It’s not something I normally hear about FBI agents going in and visiting a witness after they give evidence.
Although Kohberger was due to go on trial on Oct. 2, it has been postponed indefinitely after he waived his right to a speedy trial during his last appearance in court on Aug. 24 (pictured here)
“However, I think a lot of that has to do with perception and how Ms. Vargas felt during that conversation.
“I hope there are lots of notes being taken and I hope the FBI has a very good reason for that.”
While Kohberger was due to face trial on October 2, it has been postponed indefinitely after he waived his right to a speedy trial during his last court appearance on August 24.
No date had been set for the future trial, which could now be months or even years away.
Judge John Judge, along with Kohberger, affirmed whether he would waive his right to a speedy trial, to which the defendant replied, “Absolutely.”
Despite wanting to reach a solution as soon as possible, the prosecution did not object. She agreed that this was the best option at the moment, local news channel KXLY reported.