Idaho murders update: Possibility of Bryan Kohberger's 'party house' defense has prosecutors worried

Bryan Kohberger's lawyers may claim the crime scene was a 'party house' to explain DNA found, and reveal probable alibi during trial
PUBLISHED NOV 11, 2023
Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for his arraignment hearing in Latah County District Court, on May 22, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho (Getty Images)
Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for his arraignment hearing in Latah County District Court, on May 22, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho (Getty Images)

MOSCOW, IDAHO: Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the murder of four University of Idaho students, may claim during his trial that the home where the victims were discovered was a "party house" to explain why his DNA was found at the scene, reported the Daily Mail.

Federal agents went back to the off-campus home where Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Maddie Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, were stabbed to death on November 13 to collect more evidence and take precise measurements to make a 3D model of the rooms for trial.

The former criminology PhD student is presently being held at Latah County Jail, awaiting the trial day. A documentary on the case, titled 'The Case Against Bryan Kohberger' is set to air on Court TV on November 12.

What did the documentary reveal about Bryan Kohberger's probable defense?

Criminal Defense Attorney Jack Rice says in the documentary that Kohberger's defense team could claim the scene of the crime to be a wild party house frequented by many.

In a clip obtained by the New York Post, Rice is heard saying, "One of the most important parts of this case is that DNA, and what we know is that this is a party house. We know that there are hundreds of kids in this house – it could have even included him."

"And the thing is, if he was in this house, are you suggesting that these four know everybody who's been there? I doubt that. All of sudden, you might have a completely different trial."

Kohberger’s DNA was found on a knife sheath that was present along with the dead bodies.

The defense had stated that they would be contesting the notion that Kohberger's DNA was left at the scene on the knife sheath. The DNA from three unidentified men was also reportedly found at the scene of the crime.

The claim of lots of people being present at the scene has been verified by neighbor Jeremy Reagan, who added that the parties had slowed down just before the time of the murders.

"They did have more stuff going on there, but they were definitely nowhere near as loud, as crazy," he said.

Bryan Kohberger may have an alibi for murders

An alibi has not yet been presented by Kohberger's legal team, but they have certainly hinted at one.

Anne Taylor, Kohberger's attorney, reportedly said in July, "Evidence corroborating Mr. Kohberger being at a location other than the King Road address will be disclosed pursuant to discovery and evidentiary rules."

RELATED TOPICS BRYAN KOHBERGER IDAHO NEWS

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Before his shocking arrest, Manuel Rocha served under both Democratic and Republican administrations during his 25-year diplomatic career
Dec 4, 2023
Conflicting accounts emerged regarding the authorities' awareness, prompting a demand for a $1M settlement for William Vannasap's injuries
Dec 3, 2023
Annette Pershal was shot multiple times with a pellet gun and her injuries were non-survivable, said authorities
Dec 2, 2023
Christina Riggs became the 18th woman in the US to be executed and was the youngest woman to be put to death at just 28
Dec 2, 2023
A fire, initiated posthumously, has raised suspicions as Griffiths was found shot but the autopsy showed no signs of smoke inhalation
Dec 2, 2023
As per the lawsuit, Gabby Petito's parents allege that Brian Laundrie's parents knew about their daughter's death along with the location of the crime
Dec 2, 2023
Jeremy is 5’11, weighs 245 lbs., has brown hair that is greying, green eyes and a greying beard
Dec 1, 2023
Jovannie Vega is accused of picking up the little boy and slamming him down onto the floor multiple times
Dec 1, 2023
'I feel bad for the families because I know exactly what they're going through,' said Mark Jacobo, whose son was killed in a firearm incident
Dec 1, 2023