Defense Files New Motions in Bryan Kohberger’s Murder Case

BOISE, Idaho — In a series of newly unsealed court filings, attorneys for Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students, are presenting significant motions with implications for his trial, set for August 2025.

Kohberger, 30, has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the November 2022 killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin at an off-campus residence. As his defense team moves forward, they are seeking to exclude various pieces of evidence and specific descriptors from the trial.

Among the revelations in court documents is the assertion that Kohberger is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). His defense argues that this condition impairs his culpability under the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. They contend that executing him would be unconstitutional since he may not fully comprehend his actions or the gravity of the situation, as outlined in their motion.

“Due to his ASD, Mr. Kohberger simply cannot comport himself in a manner that aligns with societal expectations of normalcy,” his attorneys wrote, citing a neuropsychologist’s evaluation which indicated he exhibits rigid thinking, difficulty in social situations, and a lack of insight into his behaviors.

The defense also filed motions to prevent witnesses from describing Kohberger as having ‘bushy eyebrows,’ asserting that this term could bias a jury against him. They argue that the description is not only superficial but may also lead jurors to make unfair assumptions based on physical attributes rather than evidence.

“The description provided by [the witness] is unreliable and should be excluded,” said defense attorney Elisa Massoth. “This linguistic association will be as damaging as an eyewitness pointing to Mr. Kohberger in court.”

Additionally, Kohberger’s defense team has requested that various emotionally charged terms, such as ‘murder’ or ‘psychopath,’ be prohibited during the trial, claiming these labels undermine his right to a fair trial.

“To label Mr. Kohberger as a ‘murderer’ denies his right to be presumed innocent in the eyes of the jury,” the legal team argued.

Alongside blocking testimony regarding certain descriptors, Kohberger’s lawyers are contesting the admissibility of DNA evidence found under one of the victims’ fingernails. Defense attorneys are challenging the reliability of DNA testing methods used that reportedly yielded inconclusive results for Kohberger, arguing that any implication of his involvement should be excluded from the trial.

Attorneys have also referenced prior legal determinations where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the execution of individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, suggesting that a parallel could be drawn regarding defendants with ASD. “A diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder is as relevant to police and legal proceedings as a diagnosis of mental retardation or mental illness,” proclaimed Autism Speaks, a nonprofit advocacy group, reinforcing the defense’s stance.

As the trial approaches, the Idaho community remains attentive to developments that could influence public perception and ultimately the outcome of a case that has captured national interest. Kohberger is being held without bail and has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

The trial is set to begin with jury selection in August 2025, after numerous pre-trial motions aimed at shaping the legal landscape surrounding this high-profile murder case.