Kohberger defense fails to suppress evidence in Idaho student murders case

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Judge Hippler has issued rulings on several motions filed by Bryan Kohberger's defense in the University of Idaho student murders case.

Kohberger's defense team filed nearly a dozen motions in November 2024, requesting Judge Hippler suppress evidence obtained in this case and requested a Franks Hearing. As Ryan Black, our legal expert on criminal cases explains, a Franks Motion is a motion where the defense says they believe they have evidence of law enforcement either lying or knowingly withholding relevant information from a judge in order to obtain a search warrant.

Had the defense been successful in its motions, the evidence that would have been suppressed would include DNA evidence, search warrants used to search Kohberger's car, house, electronic devices, and more.

Judge Hippler ruled Wednesday, denying all of the motions to suppress and the Franks Hearing, saying in part, "Defendant has not shown either prejudice or deliberate disregard of ICR-41(d). Further, as noted, the places to be searched are reasonably described so as to avoid any chance that a mistaken premises might be searched instead. Consequently, suppression is not warranted due to alleged problems with the search commands."

This is a developing story, we will continue to update you as we learn more.