Check out the key milestones leading up to the trial:
– **June 9, 2023:** Media organizations and a victim’s family challenged a gag order in court.
– **June 23, 2023:** Judge John Judge revised the gag order to allow discussions on non-prejudicial topics.
– **August 2, 2023:** Kohberger’s attorneys planned to use an alibi defense.
– **October 26, 2023:** The judge refused to dismiss the grand jury indictment.
– **December 18, 2023:** A second motion to dismiss the indictment was denied.
– **February 28, 2024:** Defense requested to view sealed genetic genealogy evidence.
– **April 4, 2024:** The judge criticized Kohberger’s defense attorney for conducting surveys that could impact the trial.
– **April 17, 2024:** Defense planned to present a cell tower expert to support Kohberger’s alibi.
– **April 29, 2024:** Prosecution sought to limit additions to Kohberger’s alibi testimony.
– **May 2, 2024:** Defense requested an upcoming evidentiary process.
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During a recent court hearing, there was a debate over whether the testimony from witnesses should be made public or sealed, with the prosecution requesting it to be sealed. Ultimately, the judge decided to close the hearing to the public. Following the hearing, the family of one of the victims expressed frustration over the slow progress of the legal proceedings, describing it as a repetitive cycle of motions, hearings, and delays.
On May 23, 2024, the defense attorney questioned a Moscow police detective regarding the handling of visual cell phone logs and methods for searching specific videos, which were related to motions requesting the sharing of discovery with the defense. However, as the contents of the motions were sealed, the specific details of the requests were unclear.
On May 30, 2024, both the lead investigator and a defense expert testified that key evidence had not been provided to the defense in the case. The lead investigator mentioned the collection of extensive video surveillance footage in an attempt to locate a white Hyundai Elantra linked to the suspect, but noted a lack of centralized inventory for the videos. Additionally, the defense expert highlighted discrepancies in the cell phone geolocation data provided to them, emphasizing the importance of missing data for the defense’s case.
Subsequently, on June 7, 2024, the judge permitted unidentified “defense investigators” to access the investigative genetic genealogy evidence. A trial date was set for June 2, 2025, with approximately three months allocated for the trial process, including jury selection, the trial itself, and potential post-conviction hearings and sentencing.
In July and August, discussions arose about relocating the trial due to concerns about the ongoing publicity and potential bias in Latah County. The defense advocated for moving the trial to Ada County, while prosecutors argued against the change of venue, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a fair and impartial jury selection process.
Overall, the legal proceedings have been marked by debates over evidence disclosure, trial logistics, and venue considerations as the case continues to unfold.
The defense team in Kohberger’s case filed a request to change the trial venue from Latah County to Ada County. This request was supported by expert analysis, previous cases, and a survey in Latah County indicating a “mob mentality.” The defense argued that the town of Moscow, traumatized by the case, held strong prejudiced opinions of guilt.
During a hearing on August 29, 2024, four expert witnesses testified about potential biases in the local jury pool. The defense presented arguments against the death penalty, claiming it violated international human rights law, the right to a speedy trial, and constituted cruel and unusual punishment. They highlighted the challenges in obtaining the necessary drugs for lethal injection in Idaho.
Judge John Judge granted the motion to move the trial out of Latah County due to concerns of local prejudice. The trial was relocated to Ada County, surrounding Boise, the capital city. The new trial date was set to begin on August 11, 2025, with jury selection starting on July 30, 2025.
The defense team also filed motions to dismiss the death penalty, citing constitutional rights protections against cruel and unusual punishment and international law violations. The court promised written decisions on these motions at a later date. Additionally, motions were filed to suppress evidence obtained through various warrants, including cell phone records and car searches.
The team of investigators working on the case of Kohberger, who was found at his parents’ house using investigative genetic genealogy, has raised concerns about constitutional issues surrounding the method. The use of investigative genetic genealogy to pinpoint Kohberger’s identity has been a contentious point in the case from the beginning. The defense team has requested a hearing to address these concerns.
On November 20, 2024, Judge Hippler of Ada County ruled in favor of the prosecutors, allowing them to proceed with seeking the death penalty for Kohberger. This decision came despite the defense’s efforts to challenge the death penalty on the grounds of violating Kohberger’s constitutional rights and international law.
Moving forward to January 23 and 24, 2025, a hearing took place where Kohberger’s defense team argued for the suppression of evidence obtained through investigative genetic genealogy, citing privacy concerns. They also requested the suppression of cell phone records for similar reasons. Additionally, they called for a Frank’s hearing to investigate the possibility of false statements in the search warrant affidavit.
Defense attorney Anne Taylor highlighted crucial information that was allegedly omitted from the affidavit, including the presence of unknown male DNA at the crime scene not matching Kohberger’s genetic profile. Judge Hippler noted that while the unknown DNA does not definitively exclude Kohberger, it could suggest the involvement of another individual. The prosecution maintained that there was sufficient probable cause linking Kohberger to the crimes.
Judge Hippler refrained from making an immediate decision, as the potential presence of a false statement in the warrant could lead to the dismissal of Kohberger’s case. The outcome of this hearing could significantly impact the direction of the legal proceedings.
CNN reporters Jean Casarez, Jim Sciutto, Taylor Romine, Veronica Miracle, Jeffrey Kopp, Brammhi Balarajan, Cheri Mossburg, and Cindy Von Quednow have contributed to the coverage of this ongoing legal saga. To stay updated on this case and other news stories, sign up for CNN news and newsletters at CNN.com.
