University of Idaho suspect Bryan Kohberger's alibi claims he was 'out driving alone' on night of killings
08/04/2023 3:52 pm PDT
MOSCOW, Idaho (TCD) -- Attorneys for Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students last winter, released his alibi in new court documents filed this week.
On July 27, the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to compel that would require Kohberger to "provide the State with notice of any alibi." Several days later, on Aug. 3, his public defenders filed an objection to the motion and noted Kohberger "has indicated he anticipates corroborating witnesses."
According to the objection, on the night of Nov. 12 and into the early morning hours of Nov. 13, Kohberger was allegedly driving alone. His attorneys argue, "Mr. Kohberger has long had a habit of going for drives alone. Often he would go for drives at night. He did so late on November 12 and into November 13, 2022."
The four victims, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Ethan Chapin, were found stabbed to death on the morning of Nov. 13, 2022, at a home on King Road in Moscow. All four were University of Idaho students.
According to Kohberger’s arrest affidavit, one of the surviving housemates told police she woke up at approximately 4 a.m. Nov. 13 and heard someone playing with a dog in an upstairs bedroom. Then, someone said, "There’s someone here."
Police said Kernodle was awake and on TikTok at 4:12 a.m.
The housemate reportedly "heard what she thought was crying coming from Kernodle’s room" and a man’s voice saying, "It’s OK. I’m going to help you."
A security camera next door reportedly caught audio of “voices or a whimper followed by a loud thud,” as well as dog barks.
The housemate opened her door again and allegedly saw a "figure clad in black clothing and a mask that covered the person’s nose walking toward her."
She described the man as 5-foot-10 and skinny with "bushy eyebrows." The man reportedly walked right by her and out of the home.
Prosecutors have charged Kohberger with four counts of murder. He has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty against Kohberger if he is convicted, which could result in execution by firing squad.
In addition to the alibi that Kohberger was "driving around," his attorneys wrote in the objection, "Corroboration of Bryan Kohberger NOT being at 1122 King may be brought out through cross-examination of the state’s witnesses. At this time, Mr. Kohberger cannot be more specific about the possible witnesses and exactly what they will say."
The statement reiterated he was "out driving alone" the night of the killings.
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