Bryan Kohberger defense claims 'alternate perpetrators' in Idaho student murders

Bryan Kohberger’s defense team on Thursday suggested there are “alternate perpetrators” and wants to include the theory during the trial.

At a pre-trial hearing on Thursday, Judge Steven Hippler disclosed that the defense for Kohberger has filed a motion indicating an alternative suspect. Kohberger is accused of first-degree murder in the deaths of University of Idaho students Xana Kernodle, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, and Ethan Chapin, 20, which occurred on Nov. 13, 2022.

Judge Hippler has yet to decide on whether Kohberger’s defense will be permitted to present their “alternate perpetrators” theory during the trial. He has requested additional evidence to back their assertion before making a ruling.

Bryan Kohberger's WSU portrait next to his victims

Bryan Kohberger, on the left, alongside his alleged victims, shown clockwise from the top left: Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves. (WSU/Instagram)

The former homicide detective said he thinks Kohberger’s defense team is presenting the possibility of another suspect in order to instill reasonable doubt in the eyes of jury members.

“When it gets before the jury, even if they can just get one juror and create reasonable doubt, that one juror could hang this trial and they’re doing all that they could to not have a guilty verdict against Bryan Kohberger,” he said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Kohberger’s attorney for comment.

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