Idaho Judge Rules DNA Evidence Admissible in Kohberger Trial

An Idaho judge has ruled against Bryan Kohberger's defense, allowing crucial DNA evidence to be used in his upcoming trial for the murders of four University of Idaho students. Judge Steven Hippler stated that police did not violate Kohberger's constitutional rights when obtaining DNA from the crime scene, and the defense's claims of misconduct were unfounded. The DNA evidence, discovered on a knife sheath at the crime scene, was linked to Kohberger through investigative genetic genealogy. Kohberger’s defense has also pointed out the presence of unidentified blood samples at the scene, which could provide a potential defense strategy, claiming these were not disclosed to the judge during initial hearings. His trial is set to begin in August, with prosecutors indicating they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted. The case continues to attract significant public and media attention as more developments unfold.