The Idaho Murders | The Case Against Bryan Kohberger

By True Crime TodayNews True Crime News Commentary

Favorites
353
Followers
Typical duration
15 min
per episode
If it hooks
50%
finish an episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

The Idaho Murders | The Case Against Bryan Kohberger episodes

August 04, 2023 What Audacious Claim With Kohberger's Defense Make Next?
In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, Tony Brueski is joined by Deborah Ahrens, a former public defender and Professor of Law at Seattle U School of Law. They continue their intriguing conversation about the latest developments in the case of Brian Berger, who stands accused of murder. At the center of their discussion lies an audacious claim from the defense: the DNA found on the knife sheath, crucial evidence in the case, was allegedly planted by the police.

"Is this part of the process? Is this part of essentially trying to campaign for the potential jurors in Moscow?" Brueski asks Ahrens, trying to understand the logic behind this unexpected defense tactic. Brueski seems skeptical, especially considering the volume of evidence that seems to stack against Berger.

Ahrens proposes that part of the defense's strategy could indeed be an attempt to plant seeds of doubt in the potential jurors' minds. However, she elaborates on the increasing skepticism towards supposed scientific inquiries into guilt, as seen in shows like CSI or Forensic Files. Many methodologies, like footprint or bite mark analysis, have been debunked as "junk science" over the years, but DNA is a notable exception.

"DNA is not junk science. The actual underlying science behind DNA matching is really strong, robust, peer reviewed. You can't do much with it," Ahrens asserts. Therefore, if the defense wishes to challenge the DNA evidence, they must argue around the ideas of contamination or planting of evidence, rather than refuting the match itself.

Brueski finds the accusation that the police would plant evidence puzzling. After all, why would they try to frame Berger, an average Joe accused of a heinous crime, without any seeming motive? He asks Ahrens if such claims must be substantiated in court or if the defense could simply abandon this line if it proves unconvincing.

Ahrens explains that the defense could question the manner in which the DNA was transferred to the knife sheath, without necessarily having to claim it was deliberately planted. She suggests the defense could argue that the evidence may have been transferred accidentally or, more controversially, purposefully planted due to the public pressure on the police to resolve a horrifying quadruple murder case that has left the Idaho community in fear.

Brueski then brings up another intriguing aspect of the case: Berger's alleged alibi. He reads a statement from Ann Taylor, Berger's attorney, that suggests there is evidence corroborating Berger's presence at a location other than the crime scene. However, the use of the word "may" in the statement appears suspicious to Brueski.

In response, Ahrens clarifies that the defense is under no obligation to disclose all of its strategies, as long as they inform the court if they plan to claim insanity or present an alibi. She speculates that Berger might attempt to establish an alibi through the cross-examination of state witnesses rather than presenting his own, independent alibi witnesses.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

8 min
August 04, 2023 Did Kohberger Exhibit Warning Signs Growing Up?
In a riveting episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski explored the enigmatic case of Bryan Kohberger, a criminal justice graduate student accused of committing a heinous crime: the murder of four college students. To gain further perspective, Brueski invited Deborah Ahrens, a former public defender and current Professor of Law at Seattle U School of Law, to discuss the complex aspects of this case.

The striking narrative put forward by Ahrens draws an eerie parallel between the case and the plot of the 2002 movie "Murder by Numbers," in which two highly intelligent high school students devise the 'perfect' murder. Ahrens proposed a theory that Kohberger, deeply embedded in the study of criminal justice, may have attempted a similar tactic. She stated, "The state's theory it looks like is probably going to be that that's exactly what, what he was trying to do - get away with a perfect murder and try to use some of the knowledge he has about how police track people to evade detection."

Nevertheless, the burning question that both Ahrens and Brueski grappled with, a question that lingers in the minds of the public as well, is what led Kohberger down this chilling path. The discussion delved into the various breadcrumbs of Kohberger's past, such as his writings online and a growing sense of disconnection from family and friends. Yet, as Ahrens remarked, these signs do not definitively lead to such violent acts, given that the vast majority of people who feel isolated or disconnected never resort to violence.

The podcast episode further examined Kohberger's interactions within the academic world, where he was a master's student and teaching assistant. Ahrens suggested that the ways in which some people have described his interactions as being "off" might be more indicative of his attitudes, presenting yet another breadcrumb leading to the understanding of Kohberger's character.

One of the key topics of discussion was the early statement made by Kohberger's assigned public defender, Ann Taylor, who stated that her client looks forward to being exonerated. This sparked debate, with Ahrens questioning the choice to release such a strong statement so early in the process.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

9 min
August 04, 2023 Breaking: Kohberger Claims an Alibi?
In recent court filings, Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November, has asserted that he was on a routine drive when the killings occurred. Kohberger, aged 28, faces charges of four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.

Kohberger's attorneys objected to the state's request for an alibi of his whereabouts on the night of the murder. They explained that their client has a history of going for solitary drives, and he claimed to have been doing the same on the night and morning of the tragic incident. According to the court documents, Kohberger is not pinpointing a specific location at a particular time, as there are no specific witnesses to verify his exact movements during the hours between late night November 12, 2022, and early morning November 13, 2022.

The defense argued that corroborating evidence proving Kohberger's absence from the crime scene would emerge during the cross-examination of the state's witnesses. However, they could not provide further details on the potential witnesses or the specific statements they might make.

During his arraignment on May 22, Kohberger remained silent when asked to enter a plea, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf by the judge.

At the time of the murders, Kohberger was a Ph.D. criminology student and a teaching assistant at Washington State University's Pullman campus, situated only about a 15-minute drive from the location of the killings in Moscow, Idaho. Authorities believe the victims were likely asleep when the assailant attacked them, inflicting multiple stab wounds with a large, military-style knife.

Court documents in the case suggest that Kohberger's DNA closely matches the DNA found on a knife sheath discovered at the scene of the murders.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

3 min
August 04, 2023 Will Kohberger's 'OJ' Defense Strategy Work?
In the recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski engaged in an intense discussion with retired FBI Special Agent and Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, Robin Dreeke. The pair dived into the ongoing case against Bryan Kohberger, facing charges for the gruesome murder of four University of Idaho students.

Brueski opened up the discussion by presenting the controversial claims made by Kohberger's defense - allegations of planted DNA evidence and the absence of an alibi. Brueski critically referred to these allegations as the "OJ defense" and the "Shaggy defense," respectively, pointing out the audacity of these assertions.

Reflecting on these accusations, Dreeke expressed, "I think they're being very congruent with that arc of what they're doing is just trying their best to sow seeds of doubt."

When probed about Kohberger’s failure to provide an alibi, Dreeke plainly stated, "I think so... they're trying their best to sow seeds of doubt. It's hard to think of anything else they're reasonably trying to do."

Brueski echoed this sentiment, highlighting the choice of vague language by the defense, suggesting it was an attempt not to incriminate Kohberger further. He noted the specific use of the word "may" in their court filings, pointing out the absence of any definitive statements.

Dreeke suggested that the defense might focus more on generating an emotional response than a rational one. He expressed, "they're hoping that the judge gives instructions that allow some jurors to have some emotional leakage in there. That's their only hope."

As the conversation progressed, Brueski questioned whether the defense’s current tactics would eventually backfire, potentially adding to the perception of deceit in the trial. Dreeke's response was pragmatic, stating, "I think they wanna show as much due diligence as they possibly can, and also I think when it's such a rock-solid case as it appears...swing away and swing hard."

Addressing Brueski’s question about whether finding the murder weapon would change the perception of the case, Dreeke provided an insightful perspective. He reasoned that finding the sheath of the suspected murder weapon, with matching DNA, was akin to discovering the murder weapon itself.

He asserted, "So if you found the murder weapon but had no DNA on the murder weapon, how would you know it's a murder weapon? But finding a sheath of the suspected murder weapon with DNA that matches his and family...that is like finding the murder weapon to me."

The podcast episode serves as a deep dive into the current developments of the Kohberger case. With their expertise in behavioral analysis and forensic psychology, Brueski and Dreeke dissect the defense's tactics and strategies, offering a compelling perspective on a case that continues to captivate public attention.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
6 min
August 03, 2023 Intricate Tapestry of Forensic Evidence In Kohberger Case
In a recent episode of "Hidden Killers," a podcast hosted by Tony Brueski, a fascinating and complex discussion unfolded with Forensic Scientist and Professor Dan Krane. The focus of the conversation revolved around a quadruple homicide case and the implications of DNA evidence discovered on a knife sheath attributed to the suspect, Kohlberg.

Krane succinctly summarized the predicament, stating, "The presence of a DNA profile doesn't tell us anything about how or when that DNA came to be associated with what you've been testing." This highlights the conundrum that DNA, while compelling evidence, cannot establish a timestamp for its deposition or offer context on how it came to be at the crime scene.

Professor Krane stressed the inherent challenge in the prosecution’s narrative that Kohlberg's DNA was left on the knife sheath during the crime. He outlined how the defense might argue that the knife was discarded by the defendant long before the crime or taken by someone else, emphasizing, "The DNA test results by themselves are absolutely silent in terms of which of those competing hypotheses might be more likely."

The podcast hosts and Krane also delved into the technological future of forensic science, pondering the potential for establishing a 'timestamp' on DNA evidence. Although we are currently unable to determine the age of a DNA sample, Krane postulated that this might change within the next decade, possibly through an examination of associated proteins.

The conversation expanded to the implications of the growing DNA databases resulting from widespread genetic testing. Krane acknowledged the transformative potential of this trend for law enforcement, stating, "The increasing availability of DNA test results is going to be a very powerful tool for law enforcement." However, he also highlighted the ensuing ethical dilemmas, including issues around informed consent and the potential for casting suspicion on family members unaware of their genetic information being utilized.

Beyond DNA, Krane underscored that a crime scene offers a wealth of other potential evidence, such as blood spatter analysis, fingerprinting, fiber analysis, and computer investigations, among others. He labeled DNA as the 'gold standard' of forensic science but acknowledged that other techniques could provide crucial context and corroboration to DNA findings.

In the context of the Kohlberg case, Brueski and Krane discussed the possibility of DNA evidence accidentally implicating an innocent person. The high sensitivity of DNA tests could potentially detect samples from years ago, creating an open-ended interpretation that might mislead an investigation. "There's nothing about the DNA test results in themselves that would tell you which of two alternatives were more likely," Krane added.

Their compelling discussion concluded with the notion that DNA evidence, while an essential piece, is just one part of a complex puzzle in criminal investigations. "A great attorney said to me, I'm weaving together a symphony to entertain the jury with. I need you to deliver one note," recounted Krane, emphasizing the importance of integrating DNA evidence into a holistic investigative approach.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
18 min
August 03, 2023 Conspiracy Against Kohberger? We Think Not.
In the latest episode of "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski had an engaging discussion with former Federal Prosecutor and attorney, Eric Faddis, about the ongoing Bryan Kohberger case.

Kohberger, an average student at a university, is facing serious murder charges. His defense lawyers have yet to provide a strong alibi, which is causing widespread speculation about his innocence or guilt.

"I've thought about this case for a while," Faddis said during the discussion. He pointed out that if Kohberger had been elsewhere during the murder, there would likely be tangible evidence. "If he was at his place where he was living near his school and he was on the internet, his IP address would potentially show internet activity at that location," Faddis explained.

However, no such evidence has been presented. The lack of an alibi, coupled with a vague and non-committal filing from Kohberger's lawyers, led Faddis to conclude, "There probably isn't any ironclad alibi here."

Host Tony Brueski concurred, posing the question, "If you have something to exonerate your client with, then why are we not bringing it to the table right now?" The defense's half-hearted suggestion of an alibi doesn't necessarily disprove that Kohberger was at the scene of the murders, but it does signal a potential strategy to undermine the prosecution's evidence.

Moreover, the defense has made some bold claims, such as the allegation that the police planted DNA evidence on a knife sheath. Drawing parallels to the OJ Simpson case, Brueski and Faddis speculated about the defense's intentions. Could these audacious claims be designed to sow the seeds of reasonable doubt in a potential juror pool?

"It's a bold claim," Faddis acknowledged, referencing the allegation about planted DNA. He warned that making such a statement without solid support could be seen as "somewhat irresponsible." However, he maintained an open-minded perspective, suggesting the defense might have evidence to back up this audacious allegation.

The death penalty looms large in this case, and Brueski and Faddis explored its potential impact on both the prosecution and the defense. Faddis noted that the defense might be using this strategy to accumulate as many points of doubt as possible, with the goal of avoiding a death sentence for their client.

"In most states, all the defense needs is one person on that jury of 12 for a death penalty case. Who says, eh, I don't know. I'm not sure I'm in favor of death for this person," Faddis said. This tactic could stoke the ire of the prosecution, potentially leading them to push harder for the death penalty due to the audacious claims made by the defense.

As the Bryan Kohberger case continues to unfold, the truth remains elusive. However, one thing is certain: the strategies adopted by both the defense and prosecution will shape the outcome of this high-profile case. As they navigate the balance between presenting their narratives and maintaining the integrity of the legal process, audiences can expect more captivating discussions on "Hidden Killers."

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

10 min
August 02, 2023 Where's The Alibi? Kohberger Prosecution Pushing For Answers
The case of Bryan Kohberger took an interesting twist recently as his defense team made a bold move. They filed a motion seeking dismissal of his indictment because the grand jury had been misled regarding the standard of proof required for an indictment. The defense argued that the grand jury had been erroneously instructed with a standard of proof required for a pre-sentiment when they should have been informed that the standard was beyond a reasonable doubt.

Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer recently discussed these proceedings on their podcast, "Hidden Killers." According to Coffindaffer, the move is more than mere finagling of the language. "It's a smart move, they're really just finagling the language and I guess I should say Tony, it's a little bit more than finagling," she explained.

The podcast delves into the complexities of the U.S. grand jury system, revealing that the standard of proof is not identical across all grand juries. Coffindaffer believes that this could turn out to be good news for the prosecution. She reasons that the case was presented as "a probable cause, plus up to the point of believing that the evidence they presented would be indeed a beyond a reasonable doubt proof."

The expert also stressed that this motion could be a double-edged sword for Kohberger's defense. If the defense is successful and the grand jury is reconvened, the outcome could still potentially be the same. "If not, and they lose now, they've said, look, a jury of your peers has already convicted you basically. By finding a beyond a reasonable doubt standard at the grand jury level," Coffindaffer elucidated.

This move by the defense could potentially affect the timeline of the trial. If another grand jury has to be convened, then a new true bill or no bill would need to be returned. Kohberger would then have to plea for that bill, effectively restarting the speedy trial clock. This process, as Coffindaffer pointed out, would be akin to "round two."

Moreover, the motion by the prosecution, asking the judge to compel Kohberger's defense team to provide more information about an elusive alibi, came under discussion. The defense has so far stated that the alibi may be offered through cross-examination of the state's witnesses and through expert witnesses.

Coffindaffer called it "the most backhanded version of an alibi I've ever heard," criticizing the defense's non-committal approach. "They really gave no alibi because if they came up and said, yes, we have an alibi, you have to provide. Essentially what corroborates that so that the state would have time to cross examine or, to interview those witnesses," she pointed out.

The defense’s possible strategy, according to Coffindaffer, could be to present a different interpretation of existing cell phone and video evidence, attempting to prove that Kohberger was not at the crime scene. "I think what they're going to try to say is, they're going to get experts that will say, he triangulated to someplace else," she explained.

Coffindaffer, however, remained skeptical of the defense’s potential strategy, saying, "And that makes sense. I just don't think anybody is going to buy it. Judging from the amount of video and I think we haven't even seen it all yet." As the discussion came to an end, Coffindaffer and Brueski agreed that while the defense has presented a potentially clever strategy, the wealth of evidence against Kohberger might prove insurmountable.

The recent moves in the Bryan Kohberger case underscore the complexities of the legal process and the nuances of defense strategy. As the trial unfolds, it will indeed be interesting to see how these strategies play out in court and how they will influence the jury's decision.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

10 min
August 01, 2023 Attorney Neama Rahmani On Latest Claims From Kohberger Defense
In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski discussed the ongoing legal case concerning Bryan Kohberger with attorney and former Federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani. Kohberger's defense lawyers have been causing ripples within the legal sphere by filing a motion to dismiss his indictment, arguing that the grand jury was misled concerning the standard of proof required for an indictment.

"They say the grand jury should have been informed. By the standard of proof required for an indictment would be beyond a reasonable doubt," Brueski relayed. This erroneous claim posits the defense misled the grand jury into operating under a lower bar - the standard of proof required for a pre-sentiment, which merely requires reasonable ground for believing the defendant had committed the alleged offense. This misinstruction, they argue, is a violation significant enough to warrant a dismissal of the indictment.

However, Rahmani disagreed, arguing that this is a somewhat desperate attempt by the defense to set up an appellate issue down the line, especially given the severity of the death penalty cases involved. "It's a grand jury, right? The standard is probable cause. It's not a re beyond a reasonable doubt," Rahmani noted. "The defense, their appellate lawyers who are working on the case right now, [are] putting up those legal roadblocks. But this. The argument has really no legal merit."

The discussion between the two experts then transitioned to the mysterious 'alibi' put forth by Kohberger's defense. The defense vaguely alluded to an alibi but failed to provide concrete details. The hosts found this suspicious and dubious, especially since, as Rahmani pointed out, "if there was an actual alibi witness...that would've leaked by now."

Further, Rahmani predicted that the defense would likely attack the cell site evidence linking Kohberger's phone to the crime scene in Washington state and Idaho. The defense could potentially argue that the timing of the phone pings was off or that Kohberger's phone was not in the vehicle observed near the crime scene.

Rahmani also shared his thoughts on the defense's assertions that the DNA evidence might have been planted at the crime scene, doubting that this claim would be convincing to potential jurors in Moscow, Idaho. He posited that a better argument might be to claim that the DNA was transferred, as there was only a single source of DNA found at the scene, and multiple people had been coming and going from the crime scene, which was also a party house.

As the trial proceeds, legal experts and podcast listeners alike will be closely watching the defense's maneuvers. These legal twists and turns, while controversial, add layers of intrigue to an already gripping case. It remains to be seen how the courts and jurors will respond to these arguments in what is fast becoming one of the most significant trials of the year.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
7 min
August 01, 2023 Is Kohberger's Defense Rooted On The Lies Of A Mad Man?
In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski and guest forensic psychologist Kate Wallinga delve into the ongoing case against Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of the heinous murder of four University of Idaho students in 2022. They discuss the defense's latest allegations of planted DNA evidence and the failure of Kohberger to provide an alibi as demanded by the court.

Wallinga commented, "Clearly they are throwing spaghetti at the wall. Let's make anything, and that's the defense's job. Sure. The defense's job is to make sure that the police followed procedure to the letter."

Commenting on the defense’s strategy, Wallinga pointed out the approach seems to question everything, no matter how far-fetched the claim might appear. She equated Kohberger's silence on the alibi to his decision to prolong a game he thinks he can win. In response to the question on what it means for Kohberger not to produce an alibi, Wallinga unequivocally stated, "He doesn't have one."

She emphasized that for someone willing to stab four people to death, lying about an alibi is insignificant. She stated, "if you're willing to do that, then lying about an alibi is nothing. It's no big."

Drawing parallels with the case of Peter Porco and his wife, Wallinga highlighted the potential for false alibis and pointed out that if Kohberger had an alibi, he would have presented it by now. However, so far, there is no evidence supporting his claim of innocence.

She also pointed out the significant fact that despite Kohberger’s repeated claims about looking forward to exoneration, no evidence has been presented that supports his innocence. Wallinga commented, "I'm fascinated by the fact that with all of the press conferences and so on, all of the motions in court, they're not letting him speak." She further speculates that his silence is intentional, suggesting his words might be off-putting and unempathetic, which would not serve his defense well.

Brueski and Wallinga’s discussion offers listeners a deep dive into the intricacies of Kohberger's defense strategy, exploring the machinations behind the accusations of planted evidence and the conspicuous lack of an alibi. It paints a picture of a complex and high-stakes legal battle where the truth continues to be elusive, and the game, as Wallinga suggests, is far from over.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
7 min
July 31, 2023 Desperate Defense For Kohberger Claiming DNA Planted!
In the latest episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski engaged in a deep dive discussion with Shavaun Scott, a psychotherapist and author of "The Minds of Mass Killers," about the ongoing case against Bryan Kohberger, the accused murderer of four Idaho college students in late 2021. The primary focus was the defense's recent claim that the DNA linking Kohberger to the crime scene could have been planted, a strategy Scott deemed a "desperate attempt."

According to Scott, the defense's suggestion that DNA evidence could have been manipulated is a daring move aimed at deflecting attention onto police conduct. Despite understanding the defense's motivation to avoid the death penalty for their client, Scott expressed skepticism about the success of such an approach. She noted, "I don't really expect it to go very far."

The conversation also addressed the potential impacts of this claim on public perception. Scott agreed that even unfounded assertions like this could sow seeds of doubt in those already predisposed to mistrust law enforcement. However, she emphasized her belief that this strategy will unlikely gain significant traction.

Another focus point was Kohberger's termination from his teaching assistant position following altercations with his colleagues. Both Brueski and Scott agreed that this element might add to the public's perception of Kohberger, further reinforcing the image of a man with issues related to authority and his interactions with female colleagues and students.

Drawing upon her expertise, Scott commented on the noticeable change in Kohberger's behavior after the crime. Observations from his students about easier grading, a disheveled appearance, and aloofness, combined with details like his phone being off during the crime, were significant to her. She explained, "after the murder, he would have had a mood change... he would have been experiencing a different set of emotions. And we saw that reflected in his behavior after the murders."

In the end, Scott opined that the looming threat of the death penalty is probably influencing the defense's strategy, which she described as "let's throw everything at the wall and see what sticks." While it remains uncertain whether the defense is aiming for full exoneration or simply trying to avoid the death sentence, Scott highlighted that no mitigating circumstances like childhood abuse had been presented to explain Kohberger's actions.

As this fascinating case unfolds, it offers deeper insights into the minds of the accused and those seeking justice. The full conversation can be found on the "Hidden Killers" podcast.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
7 min

About The Idaho Murders | The Case Against Bryan Kohberger

From the publisher's feed

Get ready for a true-crime podcast that will leave you questioning everything with its relentless focus on the capture and prosecution of Bryan Kohbeger - the man accused of committing a quadruple…