The defense team of Bryan Kohberger has encountered several significant setbacks in his ongoing capital murder trial.
A recent decision by an Idaho judge has struck down attempts to eliminate the term “bushy eyebrows” from the case and ruled that Kohberger’s autism diagnosis cannot be used to explain his courtroom demeanor unless he testifies.
The Crime and Charges
Kohberger, a 30-year-old criminology PhD student, is facing the death penalty for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students.
On November 13, 2022, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves were tragically killed in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho.
The killings shocked the tight-knit community and sparked nationwide attention.
Judge’s Ruling on ‘Bushy Eyebrows’
One of the most significant developments came when Judge Steven Hippler ruled that the term “bushy eyebrows” would not be excluded from the trial.
This decision clears the way for crucial testimony from surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen, who is the only eyewitness to the murders.
Mortensen, who came face-to-face with the intruder, described the figure as tall, wearing all black, and sporting distinctive “bushy eyebrows” visible through a mask.
Despite the defense team’s attempt to discredit Mortensen’s testimony—arguing that she was intoxicated and unreliable—the judge found that her account remained consistent across all her interviews, making it highly relevant for the case.
Mortensen had described the intruder’s features as a white male, taller than her, with a thin build and unfamiliar voice.
The defense’s challenge to her credibility will be tested during cross-examination, but her description remains a key piece of evidence.
Autism Diagnosis and Courtroom Behavior
In another blow to the defense, the judge ruled that Kohberger’s autism diagnosis could only be presented if he chooses to testify in his own defense.
The defense had argued that his diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could help explain any awkward or inappropriate behavior he might exhibit in court, such as flat affect or intense eye contact.
However, the judge noted that Kohberger’s behavior in court had not demonstrated signs of being “odd” or inappropriate.
Without Kohberger’s testimony, the autism diagnosis is not considered relevant for the jury, as the court only allows evidence presented during the trial.
Evidence Against Kohberger
The prosecution continues to build a strong case against Kohberger, pointing to DNA evidence found on a knife sheath discovered at the crime scene.
This sheath, which bears a US Marine Corps seal, was linked to Kohberger through Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) and DNA traces.
While the murder weapon itself has not been found, prosecutors claim Kohberger purchased a similar knife, sheath, and sharpener from Amazon in March 2022, just months before the murders.
Additionally, cellphone records suggest Kohberger may have stalked the victims’ home multiple times before the murders, with his phone being turned off during the crime.
What’s Next for Kohberger?
As the trial progresses, Kohberger remains in custody awaiting his day in court.
His next pre-trial hearing is scheduled for mid-May, where further motions and evidence will be addressed.
If convicted, Kohberger faces the death penalty, and some of the victims’ families have expressed their support for this outcome.
The trial will continue to unfold, with more critical decisions expected in the coming months as the legal process moves forward.