In a dramatic courtroom moment, Bryan Kohberger’s legal team suggested that other individuals—not their client—may have murdered four Idaho college students in 2022. Kohberger, accused of stabbing Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen to death, has maintained his innocence since his arrest.
Judge Steven Hippler reacted cautiously to the defense’s claim, sealing the filing and demanding concrete evidence. “It can’t just be an argument or speculation,” he said, setting a May 23 deadline for the defense to provide supporting documentation. Legal analysts say such theories are only effective if backed by credible leads.
Authorities built their case against Kohberger using surveillance footage of a white Hyundai Elantra circling the victims’ home, cell records placing him nearby, and DNA from a knife sheath allegedly linked to him. Additional evidence includes Amazon purchases of a Ka-Bar knife and sheath matching the crime scene findings.
With the trial set to be broadcast live—excluding testimony from surviving roommates—the defense’s bold strategy has injected fresh uncertainty into a case already shrouded in mystery.
