BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A judge in Idaho made a decision regarding crucial evidence in a murder case involving the deaths of four University of Idaho students. The judge, Steven Hippler, ruled against throwing out key evidence against the defendant, Bryan Kohberger. The evidence, which is central to the case, was obtained through a genetic investigation process known as Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG). Despite arguments from Kohberger’s defense team claiming violations of constitutional rights, Judge Hippler determined that the process used to gather the evidence was not unconstitutional.
The decision to uphold the evidence came after a two-day hearing on the matter, which took place nearly a month prior. This ruling removed a potential obstacle for the prosecution as they prepare for trial proceedings scheduled to begin in August. Kohberger faces four counts of murder in connection with the tragic deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, all of whom were killed in November 2022 at a rental home near the University of Idaho campus in Moscow.
During the plea hearing, Kohberger remained silent, leading the judge to enter a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Prosecutors have indicated their intent to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted of the charges against him. The IGG process, which played a crucial role in identifying Kohberger as a suspect, involves analyzing DNA samples when standard law enforcement databases yield no results. This method includes examining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in DNA samples and uploading them to genealogy databases like GEDmatch or FamilyTreeDNA to identify potential relatives of the individual linked to the crime scene.
In Kohberger’s case, investigators discovered touch DNA on a knife sheath recovered from the crime scene, which ultimately led to his identification as a possible suspect through the IGG process conducted by the FBI. Defense attorney Anne Taylor argued that law enforcement failed to obtain warrants to analyze the DNA evidence collected at the crime scene or the DNA of potential relatives submitted to genealogy databases. She contended that the IGG identification and subsequent evidence derived from it should be suppressed.
Judge Hippler addressed the defense’s arguments by emphasizing the need to establish a legitimate expectation of privacy in order to suppress evidence obtained through warrantless searches. He stated that any privacy interest Kohberger may claim in the DNA found at the crime scene was forfeited along with the sheath, which he disavowed any ownership or knowledge of. Furthermore, the judge ruled against three additional defense motions challenging the issuance of warrants and seeking to suppress evidence like cellphone data.
