Idaho suspect Bryan Kohberger showed signs of 'suppressed tension' during court appearance, expert claims
This article is based on sources and MEAWW cannot verify this information independently.
MOSCOW, IDAHO: Bryan Kohberger, who is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, exhibited signs of "suppressed tension" during his last court hearing, an expert claims.
Judi James, a body language expert, analyzed Kohberger's demeanor and claimed he was "alert and prepared for each response" during the trial, as he was supposed to answer "yes" or "no" to the judge.
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James also noted Kohberger's "small fidgets." "His shoulders slump forward, which could suggest a lack of anxiety, although as the camera closes in on his profile, there is a muscle working in his upper jaw to hint at suppressed tension. James also remarked upon Kohberger's eyes and said, "He sits quietly, his eyes fixed forward on the judge as he nods in agreement with words that are said."
"He looks forward most of the time with just some small fidgets and the mouth/ jaw movements as he listens," James continued. "When asked questions, he answers quickly, clearly, and curtly, leaning in towards the mic for a 'yes' or 'no' and then turning slightly in his chair after the answer." She added, "He looks alert and prepared for each response, nodding as the judge speaks to him." Kohberger appeared battered and had odd cuts on his face, and had a dead facial expression with baggy eyes, Express reported.
The trial
Returning to court, Bryan Kohberger informed the judge that he would challenge the prosecution's case in a preliminary hearing with the assistance of his counsel. According to Kohberger's attorney Anne Taylor, who spoke with Magistrate Judge Megan Marshall, Kohberger waived his right to have a fast preliminary hearing, which would have mandated that it happen within two weeks. As of now, the preliminary hearing will start on June 26 at 9.00 am local time, as reported earlier by MEAWW.
The arrest
Kohberger was apprehended in his native Pennsylvania on December 30. He was on a visit to spend Christmas with his family at the time. Kohberger is a PhD candidate in the criminal justice and criminology department at Washington State University. After being extradited from Pennsylvania to Idaho last week, he has made two court appearances so far. On his first appearance, police were authorized to issue an affidavit stating the evidence that led them to suspect him.
What the affidavit unveiled
According to the affidavit, Kohberger's phone was near the residence of the murdered students 12 times before the killings. Besides, after the killings, it reportedly pinged once not far from the murder scene. In addition, on November 13, 2022 at around 3.30 am, a white car that was later determined to be a Hyundai Elantra was seen near the residence before leaving the area "at a fast rate of speed" at about 4.20 am, as per reports.
Police discovered Kohberger's DNA on a leather knife sheath at the crime scene. They then made a DNA match by looking through his parents' garbage bin.
Survivor Dylan Mortensen described the intruder as "5'10" or taller, male, and not overly muscular but athletically built, with bushy eyebrows. The suspect moved by her and toward the home's sliding glass backdoor, she claimed. According to the affidavit, she had locked herself in her room, as reported earlier by MEAWW.