The news of the arrest of Bryan Christopher Kohberger, 28, in connection with the murders of four University of Idaho students has left the public shocked and in disbelief. For many, it is hard to comprehend what might have led to such a heinous crime. According to statements made by Kohberger’s public defender, the suspect is “shocked” by the allegations against him and expects to be “exonerated.”
On November 13, 2020, the bodies of Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, were found in an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho.
Police Chief James Fry later confirmed that Kohberger had been arrested in Pennsylvania in connection with the slayings. What’s disturbing is that Kohberger, a Ph.D. student at Washington State University, is listed as the “Student Investigator” in a now-deleted post on Reddit, which asked ex-convicts to participate in a research project on emotions and psychological traits influencing criminal decision-making. He graduated from DeSales University in 2022 with a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Kohberger’s public defender, Jason LaBar, believes that his client will be exonerated. He claims that Kohberger is “shocked” by the allegations and is “looking forward to being exonerated”.
LaBar said Kohberger would likely waive his right to an extradition hearing in an attempt to get closer to his exoneration saying, “He’s willing to waive because he’s looking forward to being exonerated. Those were his words,” LaBar told The Washington Post. “Whether that means he’s innocent or not, it’s implicit in saying he wants to be exonerated that he’s innocent. He didn’t use the word ‘innocent.'”
However, due to Idaho state law, the probable cause affidavit cannot be released to the public until the defendant appears in court. Therefore, details about Kohberger’s suspected connection to the victims or why he’s been arrested are not available.
LaBar only represents Kohberger for the extradition procedures and will not be his attorney for the criminal case. LaBar told CNN, “We don’t really know much about the case. I don’t have any affidavit or probable cause. I didn’t want to discuss the case with him because I’m merely his representation for this procedural issue as to whether or not he wants to be extradited back to Idaho.”
The senseless murders of four young people have left their families and friends devastated. The Moscow Police Department has asked anyone with information about the killings to call 208-883-7180 or email [email protected].
