Bryan Kohberger set to appear in court as defense challenges DNA evidence

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, is set to appear in court hearings this week that could determine the admissibility of evidence in his upcoming trial.

Kohberger's attorneys asked the judge to dismiss key evidence, including DNA found on a knife sheath at the crime scene and items seized from his apartment, car and online activity.

Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), a DNA analysis method utilizing public ancestry databases to identify potential suspects, is a crucial piece of the prosecution's evidence. The defense claims this method violated Kohberger's constitutional rights.

Prosecutors argue the IGG techniques merely directed investigators toward Kohberger and traditional methods were still used to build the case against him.

Kohberger has pleaded not guilty to the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

A public hearing on evidence suppression is scheduled for Thursday morning at the Ada County Courthouse. Proceedings could extend into Friday. The hearings will be streamed live on the Idaho 4th Judicial District Court's YouTube page.