'How do they stomach it?': Internet questions how attorneys defend murder suspects like Bryan Kohberger
This article is based on sources and MEAWW cannot verify this information independently.
MOSCOW, IDAHO: A gnarly crime unfolded on November 13 after four friends - Kaylee Goncalves, Maddie Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death. The police arrested Bryan Kohberger six weeks into the investigation. He was extradited and is being held without bail. All this while Kohberger's family has maintained his innocence and he is now being represented by the chief public defender Anne Taylor. The Internet is now asking whether Bryan Kohberger would have to tell everything to his attorney, and if yes, how do they stomach such a gruesome act?
Bryan Kohberger's DNA was found on the scene from a knife sheath that was discovered. The new affidavit also explains that one of the surviving roommates, Dylan Mortensen, saw Kohberger. The document claims that the quadruple-murder accused was "seen" by one of the survivors and she heard ‘chilling cries’. The gruesome crime has since shaken the city and the Internet as well. Kohberger, 28, was a PhD student at Washington State University in the criminology department. Now that he is in custody, one Redditor asked, "Assuming he is guilty: does Kohberger have to tell his defense attorney the truth about what happened? Do defense attorneys have to defend knowing their client is guilty ? How do they stomach it?"
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Internet asks how DAs representing suspects like Bryan Kohberger can stomach the truth
One user wrote, "He doesn’t have to tell his attorney anything. His attorney could withdraw if he has a basis to withdraw, with the permission of the Court. It is HIGHLY unlikely that a lawyer would withdraw on the basis that the attorney believes his or her client is guilty." Another user said, "He does not and most defense attorneys prefer to not know unless it’s in a case where someone had to use self defense. Regardless, think of it more as the defense has to make sure the prosecution works to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this is the guy who committed these crimes. Essentially they are working together to uphold Justice and make sure the right person is charged for these crimes"
One Redditor said, "He doesn’t “have” to. If he chooses to, any statements he makes to his attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege. The attorneys job is not so much to prove the client’s innocence but to prove the client is not guilty of the SPECIFIC charges. If there is a mountain of evidence against BK then the attorney will likely focus on keeping the death penalty off the table and argue BK is not guilty of murder in the 1st degree." Another user wrote, "The lawyer may not lie to the judge by specifically stating details about the defendant and how they did not do something, although the lawyer knows the defendant did. The lawyer cannot admit guilt if the defendant wishes not to. A good lawyer’s trial tactics should focus on the government’s failure to prove all of the elements of the crime."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.