The case of the tragic murders of four University of Idaho students is taking an unexpected turn just months before trial.
Bryan Kohberger, the accused killer, has his defense team pushing a surprising new theory — that there might be another suspect entirely.
But the details behind this claim are now locked away under a court seal, leaving the public and media in suspense.
Defense Files Secret Evidence Pointing to Alternate Suspect
Earlier this week, Judge Steven Hippler agreed to keep secret a request by Kohberger’s lawyers to present evidence suggesting someone else could be responsible for the brutal killings.
The documents, filed under the title “Support of Offer of Proof RE: Alternate Perpetrators,” and the evidence behind it, have been sealed from public view.
What’s more mysterious is that nobody knows who this other suspect could be or what proof the defense has that might connect them to the crime.
The big question now: Will the judge let the defense introduce this alternate suspect theory to the jury during Kohberger’s capital murder trial?
Background of the Case and Kohberger’s Charges
Kohberger, set to stand trial in August, is charged with the November 2022 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
The victims were stabbed to death in a chilling home invasion at a three-story off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho.
Two roommates survived the attack, one of whom encountered the masked killer face-to-face during the horrifying incident.
Since then, the case has gripped the nation with its shocking details.
Defense Uncovers New Lead in Mountain of Police Tips
In an April court hearing, Kohberger’s lead attorney Anne Taylor revealed that among thousands of tips collected by police, she had discovered a potential lead pointing to another suspect.
The defense also plans to argue that Kohberger’s DNA may have been planted at the crime scene and that two perpetrators likely committed the crime together using separate weapons.
Judge Hippler set a May 23 deadline for the defense to hand over solid evidence backing these claims and warned that the court would scrutinize what is admissible in the trial.
On May 15, he challenged the defense to provide more than just allegations, asking for “actual evidence” that supports their theory.
Prosecution Prepares Response as Trial Approaches
The defense submitted their sealed documents by the deadline, and the prosecution now has until June 6 to respond.
Later this month, the judge will decide whether this alternate suspect theory can be presented during the trial.
Legal experts say if jurors hear this theory, it could dramatically impact the trial’s outcome.
Criminal defense attorney David Seltzer explained that introducing an alternate suspect could sow doubt among jurors, possibly saving Kohberger if even one juror believes someone else committed the crime.
Kohberger’s Connection to the Crime Scene
So far, prosecutors have tied Kohberger to the murders through DNA evidence found on a knife sheath at the scene.
Cellphone records also place him near the house multiple times before the attack, and surveillance footage captured a vehicle matching his car speeding away from the area.
For jurors, the possibility of another suspect gives them something concrete to consider beyond complex DNA evidence, which can sometimes be difficult to understand.
Defense Seeks Trial Delay After New Dateline Revelations
Adding to the drama, Kohberger’s defense recently asked to postpone the trial after a new Dateline episode aired fresh, sensitive details about the case.
The show revealed his phone records, online searches about notorious killer Ted Bundy, and surveillance footage of a suspicious vehicle fleeing the crime scene.
Judge Hippler responded with a sharp court order, suggesting that someone close to the case likely violated the gag order by leaking information.
He warned that this leak might make it harder to find an impartial jury, calling the distraction unfortunate for everyone involved.
Court Orders Investigation Into Information Leak
The judge launched an investigation to find and hold accountable whoever leaked the sensitive details.
Both the defense and prosecution have been ordered to preserve all relevant records and provide names of anyone with access to the information, including law enforcement and defense staff.
Trial Procedures and Witness Rules
In related court filings, the defense also asked the judge to let witnesses who will testify in the penalty phase attend the trial phase as well.
Usually, such witnesses are barred to prevent their testimony from being influenced by courtroom proceedings.
Judge Hippler has already allowed Kohberger’s immediate family members to be present in the courtroom throughout the trial for support, even before they testify.
Interestingly, prosecutors plan to call several family members — including Kohberger’s parents and sisters — as witnesses against him.
Jury Selection to Be a Careful and Extensive Process
A recent court order revealed details about jury selection.
Potential jurors will first complete questionnaires at the Ada County Courthouse to help narrow down the pool.
Because of the case’s high profile and the recent information leak, the judge will select eight alternate jurors instead of the usual six, making the full jury panel up to 20 members.
The jury selection is expected to begin in late July or early August, with the trial scheduled to start on August 11.
The Stakes Are High as Kohberger Faces Possible Death Penalty
If convicted, Bryan Kohberger faces the death penalty.
Thanks to changes in Idaho state law, the method of execution could be by firing squad — a grim detail highlighting the severity of the case and its consequences.