Idaho Judge Upholds Key DNA Evidence Against Kohberger

An Idaho judge has ruled against Bryan Kohberger's defense team, allowing crucial DNA evidence to be used in the upcoming trial for the murders of four University of Idaho students. The defense had sought to exclude evidence obtained through Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), arguing it violated Kohberger's constitutional rights due to the lack of warrants for DNA analysis. Judge Steven Hippler dismissed these claims, stating that Kohberger did not have a legitimate expectation of privacy for the DNA collected from the crime scene or his father's trash. The ruling is significant as it maintains key evidence linking Kohberger to the crime, which occurred in November 2022. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted. The trial is set to begin in August.