Idaho Prosecutors Aim to Restrict Bryan Kohberger’s Alibi Evidence in Murder Trial

BOISE, Idaho—Prosecutors in Idaho have stated that a man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students should not be permitted to present an alibi defense unless he testifies himself during his upcoming murder trial.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson requested in a court document released on Tuesday that a judge restrict any alibi evidence from being introduced during Bryan Kohberger’s trial. He also urged 4th District Judge Steven Hippler to limit information regarding any psychiatric evaluations Kohberger may have undergone, as well as claims about an alternative perpetrator related to the crimes.

Kohberger faces four murder charges in connection with the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, four students who were killed early in the morning on November 13, 2022, at a rental house close to their campus in Moscow, Idaho. When asked to plead last year, Kohberger remained silent, leading a judge to enter a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Should Kohberger be convicted, prosecutors have indicated they will pursue the death penalty.

Numerous pages of court documents have been filed in this complex case as attorneys prepare to establish the parameters for what can and cannot be presented to jurors during the three-month trial scheduled to begin on August 11.

Last year, Kohberger’s defense team submitted a court document stating that he was “out driving in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022; as he frequently would to hike, run, or enjoy the moon and stars.” Additionally, the defense stated that an expert in cellphone tracking would corroborate these claims by testifying about Kohberger’s mobile device location during that time.

However, Prosecutor Bill Thompson noted in his motion that the defense has not provided sufficient detail about Kohberger’s claimed whereabouts and has missed deadlines for disclosure set by the judge.

“At this late stage, it would be unreasonable to expect the State to properly investigate and respond to any new or additional alibi-related information,” Thompson stated, adding that any alibi evidence should be disallowed unless it comes from Kohberger directly.

Thompson also requested that the defense be restricted from presenting arguments regarding other potential perpetrators unless the judge first determines that the evidence is pertinent and admissible in court.

“Throughout the investigation, law enforcement received thousands of tips about possible suspects. However, aside from information concerning the Defendant, none of these tips has been substantiated,” Thompson asserted.

He further requested that some testimony regarding Kohberger’s neuropsychological and psychiatric evaluations be excluded, arguing that such evidence does not comply with state regulations.

In contrast, defense attorney Anne Taylor sought the court’s approval to submit an extensive document that will include motions on various matters, including improperly disclosed expert testimony, references to “touch” and “contact” DNA, and “witness identification by bushy eyebrows.” The judge granted Taylor permission to file this document, although it has not yet been made public.

By Rebecca Boone