This browser does not support the Video element.
Bryan Kohberger's defense releases alibi
FOX News reports that, according to an alibi submitted by the defense, Kohberger, 29, claims he was out driving the night of the killings on Nov. 13, 2022.
Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho undergrads in a home invasion stabbing, offered up an alibi via his attorneys on Wednesday.
FOX News reports that, according to an alibi submitted by the defense, Kohberger, 29, claims he was out driving the night of the killings on Nov. 13, 2022.
"Mr. Kohberger was out driving in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022; as he often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars," his lawyers said in court documents filed that outline his alibi. "He drove throughout the area south of Pullman, Washington, west of Moscow, Idaho including Wawawai Park."
Kohberger — a former criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University in nearby Pullman, Washington — is charged with four counts of murder and burglary after he allegedly stabbed 20-year-old Xana Kernodle, 20-year-old Ethan Chapin, 21-year-old Kaylee Goncalves and 21-year-old Madison Mogen with a KA-BAR knife.
Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, walks past a video display as he enters a courtroom to appear at a hearing in Latah County District Court, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. ((AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, Pool))
He was arrested in late December 2022. Kohberger offered up the alibi, but it is not clear if he has evidence to back it up.
"He claims to like all these outdoor activities. So does he have pics on social media or his phone or just someplace showing this?" David Gelman, a criminal defense attorney and a former deputy district attorney, told Fox News Digital. "In his apartment, did the police find outdoor gear? This will all disprove the alibi he offers."
Kohberger frequently drove at night during the school year, which is supported by his phone showing him in the countryside in the late night hours on multiple instances, court documents said.
Bryan Christopher Kohberger was arrested the morning of Dec. 30, 2022, in connection to the murders of four University of Idaho students, a source told Fox News Digital. (Washington State University/Instagram)
"This is supported by data from Mr. Kohberger’s phone showing him in the countryside late at night and/or in the early morning on several occasions," the documents state. "The phone data includes numerous photographs taken on several different late evenings and early mornings, including in November, depicting the night sky."
Defense lawyers plan to offer an expert to prove that Kohberger's cell phone was south of Pullman, Washington and west of Moscow, Idaho on the night of the killings.
However, Gelman noted that Kohberger's DNA was found at the crime scene.
"The defense is doing a great job of muddying the waters because they are trying to show reasonable doubt, which is all a juror needs to vote not guilty, but DNA doesn’t lie," he said.
MOSCOW, IDAHO - MAY 22: Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for his arraignment hearing in Latah County District Court, May 22, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. (Photo by Zach …
A date for Kohberger's trial has not yet been set. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
MORE CRIME HEADLINES FROM FOX 13 NEWS:
Tacoma investing in controversial A.I. tech to crack down on gun violence
Suspect dead, Seattle officer grazed by bullet in Southcenter
Teens charged for robbing man in Renton with AK-style pistol: docs
Patrons subdue suspect after deadly bar shooting near Tenino
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX 13 Seattle newsletter.