BOISE, Idaho — Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, was back in court Thursday for a hearing focused on DNA evidence and other motions. The hearing was closed to the public until about 2 p.m.
Kohberger’s defense argued the DNA evidence—obtained by the FBI at his family’s Pennsylvania home—was improperly acquired. Defense attorney Anne Taylor claimed investigators used investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) without a warrant, violating Kohberger’s rights.
“This identification was done in complete secret behind closed doors, and it’s been continued to be a secret,” Taylor said. “That should raise red flags for your honor about privacy interests that are at stake.”
Taylor also referenced how authorities linked Kohberger to the crime scene using trash pulled from his family’s home without a warrant.
As previously reported by Idaho News 6, investigators collected trash from Kohberger’s home in December 2022. DNA from the trash was traced back to Kohberger through a public genealogy database, which led to an arrest warrant.
Prosecutors disagreed with the defense’s privacy concerns, arguing that there is no expectation of privacy for DNA voluntarily uploaded to public genealogy platforms.
“There is no greater privacy interest in DNA than in fingerprints, so long as law enforcement is limiting its activities to identification,” prosecutors said.
The defense also raised concerns about law enforcement’s actions, requesting a Franks hearing. They cited alleged omissions in affidavits and search warrants, including details from a car search where they said no blood was found.
Additionally, Taylor questioned the credibility of a concealed witness, claiming investigators withheld information about the witness’s memory issues, which were reportedly caused by alcohol use.
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