Idaho murders case: Suspect Bryan Kohberger's lawyers visit crime scene ahead of off-campus house's planned demolition

Ahead of the off-campus house's planned demolition on December 28, Bryan Kohberger's defense lawyers got access to the crime scene of the Idaho murders
PUBLISHED DEC 16, 2023
Brayn Kohberger's defense plans to gather crucial evidence before the house faces demolition (David Ryder/Getty Images)
Brayn Kohberger's defense plans to gather crucial evidence before the house faces demolition (David Ryder/Getty Images)

MOSCOW, IDAHO: The defense team for Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing four University of Idaho students, gained access to the off-campus house where the tragedy unfolded.

His lawyers are reportedly working tirelessly to gather essential documentation before the rental house, located just a block from the university campus in Moscow, Idaho, is razed to the ground on December 28, as per CBS

Kohberger's defense team apparently accessed the home on Thursday, December 14, and was expected to do so again on Friday. 

(David Ryder/Getty Images)
Four University of Idaho students were found dead in an off-campus rented property on November 13, 2022 (David Ryder/Getty Images)

Notably, the university's decision to demolish the house stems from the desire to mitigate the impact of the tragic deaths on the surrounding student community.

C Scott Green, the president of the University of Idaho, emphasized the house as a "grim reminder of the heinous act that took place there."



 

Bryan Kohberger pleads not guilty to the murder of the University of Idaho students

Kohberger faces four counts of murder in connection with the deaths of University of Idaho students - Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20 - who were fatally stabbed in an off-campus house on November 13, 2022.

(Monroe County Correctional Facility via Getty Images)
Bryan Kohberger is suspected to have killed four students of the University of Idaho (Monroe County Correctional Facility/Getty Images)

He was apprehended after his DNA was allegedly found on a knife sheath at the crime scene. Moreover, according to a court document, Kohberger's cellphone pinged close to the house about 12 times before the murders.

A not-guilty plea was entered on Kohberger's behalf earlier this year, while Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson expressed his intention to seek the death penalty. However, a trial date has not yet been set.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, were murdered on November 13 (Instagram)
Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, were murdered on November 13, 2022 (Instagram)

Victim's family pleas to delay demolition of house connected to the University of Idaho murders

Goncalves' family has vehemently opposed the demolition, asserting the house's importance in the case against Kohberger.

In a statement, their attorney, Shanon Gray, said, "The home itself has enormous evidentiary value as well as being the largest, and one of the most important, pieces of evidence in the case."

A judge has imposed a gag order, preventing the prosecution, defense attorneys, and law enforcement officials from discussing the case.

Additionally, the judge has restricted media and public access to cameras and audio recording devices in the courtroom, although a live stream will be available on the court's YouTube channel.

MORE STORIES

Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby said that the conditions during Tyler Robinson's arrest were relaxed and comfortable
Sep 18, 2025
DeCarlos Brown Jr, who is accused of fatally stabbing Iryna Zarutska, confessed the reason for the attack in a phone call from jail to his sister
Sep 11, 2025
The former Centerville Mayor is facing three class A felony murder charges, each carrying a minimum sentence of death or life imprisonment
Jun 1, 2024
In a recent interview, Oregon murder suspect Jesse Lee Calhoun's ex-girlfriend, Krista Sinor, recalled his fits of rage
May 19, 2024
Michael Francis described John-Paul Miller as someone who tried to buy love and expected something in return for his favors
May 19, 2024
Ryan Babcock has been indicted on charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, three counts of reckless endangerment, and vandalism
May 19, 2024
A student at Kennesaw State University in Georgia was fatally shot by an armed intruder on May 18
May 19, 2024
Jaylin Brazier admitted he panicked and disposed of Zion Foster's body in a dumpster after she died suddenly while they were smoking marijuana
May 19, 2024
Devin Montgomery drew a firearm and discharged it several times at officers who were trying to engage him on May 16 at an apartment complex
May 19, 2024