Latest news with #AnneTaylor
Fox News
2 days ago
- Fox News
How Bryan Kohberger's notoriously mum defense attorney is using the media to her advantage
Bryan Kohberger's lead defense attorney Anne Taylor may be avoiding news cameras, but she has shown she is able to use widespread attention to the case to her advantage in her courtroom maneuvering. Even before Magistrate Judge Megan Marshall issued the first gag order in the case, Taylor declined to comment when contacted by Fox News Digital. Since then, she has declined to respond to additional requests for comment. "It is unusual for defense counsel to avoid trying to grab the spotlight and possibly influence public opinion via press conferences, but there's more than one way to skin a cat," said Royal Oakes, a Los Angeles-based litigator and media analyst. In Kohberger's case, convincing evidence has already been made public — including the allegation that police found his DNA on a Ka-Bar knife sheath under 21-year-old Madison Mogen, one of the four victims, and surveillance video of a suspected vehicle coming and going at the crime scene. "You've got the car circling the victim's house," Oakes told Fox News Digital. "You've got the DNA. You've got the cell phone records. The strategy instead is to go kind of a technical route and question the science of the DNA and also to argue autism by the criminal defendant. That's a key factor, and that's not the kind of thing you necessarily go public with." Taylor used unflattering depictions of her client to have news cameras thrown out of the courtroom and to secure a change of venue, which moved Kohberger's upcoming trial out of Latah County, where the students were killed, to Boise. Defense filings have highlighted widespread news coverage, as well as social media discussions involving thousands of web sleuths and true crime followers. More recently, Taylor is arguing that two major media projects — a "Dateline" episode and a forthcoming book from bestselling crime author James Patterson and crime reporter Vicky Ward — should justify another postponement of her client's trial in the deaths of four University of Idaho students. In particular, she claims the May 9 "Dateline" episode contains damning material that could put Kohberger's right to a fair trial at risk. "The program includes details and materials, including video footage, cellphone records, and photographs of documents, that are not publicly available through official channels," she wrote in a motion to continue filed on May 20. "The show repeatedly emphasizes the non-public nature of this information, stating it was obtained from unnamed sources who are close to the investigation, and that the materials were obtained exclusively by 'Dateline.'" Some of it will be inadmissible at trial, she added. Furthermore, she asserted that "the leaked materials appear carefully curated to promote a narrative of guilt." "The defense strategy of delay and moving the trial is working beautifully," Oakes said. "She was able to change the venue. She gets some postponements, and now she wants further postponement." If she gets it, there are two key factors that would benefit the defense, he added. "No. 1, give her time to come up with something to overcome this amazingly strong physical evidence against him, and also maybe diminish the public anger," he said. "As the months and the years go by, people will forget how horrific the crime was, and maybe give her a better chance to get a good result at trial." "They are trying to keep it out of the court of public opinion," said David Gelman, a Philadelphia-area defense attorney and former prosecutor who is following the case. "How do you do that? Stay away from media." GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB However, that is tough in a case where many updates receive international attention. Kohberger is accused of killing Mogen, two roommates and another friend in a 4 a.m. home-invasion stabbing spree. There is no publicly known motive, but a concerning detail is that he was studying for a Ph.D. in criminology at the time of the murders. The other victims were Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. Jack Lu, a retired Massachusetts judge and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Massachusetts Lowell School of Criminology and Justice studies, said Taylor could consider trying to "humanize" her client — but anything else could be dangerous for the defense. "That case sends a chill down the spine of every professor in a school of criminology in the United States," he told Fox News Digital.
Fox News
09-05-2025
- Fox News
What went Bryan Kohberger's way — and what didn't — at evidence motions hearing
Bryan Kohberger's defense struggled with prosecutors over what evidence should and shouldn't be allowed in his upcoming quadruple murder trial at a full-day hearing in front of Judge Steven Hippler in Boise, Idaho, on Wednesday. Kohberger, 30, faces four charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. He also faces a felony burglary count. Hippler decided some motions from the bench but said he would announce other orders later in writing — including his findings on defense motions to strike the death penalty as a potential punishment due to Kohberger's diagnosis of autism and defense claims the prosecutors have missed key discovery deadlines. Defense attorney Anne Taylor cited the recent Lori Vallow case, in which the court threw out the death penalty over missed deadlines. Kohberger, however, has waived his right to a speedy trial, and Hippler asked Taylor why she hadn't raised the issue months ago or requested more resources, like a half-dozen additional paralegals to help her go through discovery. Deputy Latah County Prosecutor Ashley Jennings also flat out denied Taylor's accusations that prosecutors were slow-walking discovery and said everything the defense has asked for has been provided, a point that Taylor conceded in front of the judge. [It's] all incriminating evidence, that's why the state is offering it. "This motion is not about withheld discovery," she said. It was instead about a vast amount of data, dozens of terabytes, that she said will take years to go through. Hippler told her he expects most of it is irrelevant surveillance video that doesn't need to be gone through, but he said he would likely require the prosecution to certify that it has disclosed all potentially exculpatory evidence that it is aware of and that the defense has not already flagged. He said he would issue a written order later. After arguments over Kohberger's alibi, which prosecutors say cannot be corroborated by anyone other than the defendant himself, the judge and both sides appeared to agree that defense expert Sy Ray could testify about Kohberger's whereabouts at the time his phone was shut off, more than an hour before the murders. But Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson made clear that is not an alibi. "Who is gonna say he was out driving around looking at the stars?" Hippler asked Taylor. She said her client has a right to remain silent. "The question is whether you have a witness who is going to testify to that," Hippler said. Hippler partially agreed to a defense motion to block prosecutors from using the words "murderer," "psychopath" and "sociopath" in the trial, but noted that what the defense had asked for amounted to issuing "an order that says the state shall not commit prosecutorial misconduct." He said he expected the rules to be followed, that the term "murderer" could potentially be used during closing arguments, and that the words "psycho-" and "sociopath" could not be used unless an expert evaluation determined they accurately apply to Kohberger, something that has not happened as of Thursday. As for "inflammatory evidence" that the defense wants kept out of trial, like overuse of gruesome crime scene photos, Hippler said the murders were "brutal and horrific" and he expected the evidence to reflect that. In one key moment, Taylor claimed that the defense had uncovered a new lead regarding a potential alternate suspect and was investigating. In another, she said there are a hundred hours of interviews with people who knew Kohberger from Washington State University — and many of them had "unkind things to say about him." Kohberger was studying for a Ph.D. in criminology there. The campus is about 10 miles from the University of Idaho crime scene. Prosecutors revealed that they do not expect any of the inconclusive DNA samples under Mogen's fingernails to belong to Kohberger — because they believe the attacker wore clothes to sufficiently cover himself up. The defense sought unsuccessfully to have a 2020 college essay Kohberger wrote about crime scene handling for DeSales University, where he studied for a master's degree in criminal justice, excluded from the trial. Judge Hippler also took issue with a defense expert witness who he said accused prosecutors of severe misconduct involving discovery materials regarding Kohberger's phone tracking records without evidence. "I don't want theatrics," he told Kohberger's defense. "I don't want accusations that aren't supported." At issue are timing advance records, detailed location data from a phone that is only preserved for seven days. The prosecution's initial search warrant sought this information in November. Kohberger wasn't identified as a suspect until Dec. 19. Jennings said she did not have the records. Hippler asked Taylor what evidence she had that they even exist. The hearing touched on other issues, such as whether Kohberger's immediate family has a right to courtroom seating. Prosecutors noted that some relatives will be on the witness list, and as such, shouldn't be allowed to observe testimony in the case prior to taking the stand themselves. While Kohberger's defense attorney Elisa Massoth said the family has "no interest in helping" the prosecution and predicted that prosecutors would only call one relative, "at best," Jennings revealed that prosecutors intend to call "a few." The defense wanted the 911 audio blocked from being played before the jury. Hippler said he would likely allow it but redact some statements that could be considered hearsay. Similarly, he said he would consider redacting portions of a traffic stop in which Kohberger had a back-and-forth with the officer in the months before the murders. Prosecutors said they intended to use it to show his ownership of the white Hyundai Elantra. Massoth took issue with referring to Kohberger's car as the suspect vehicle. "You don't get to, and I don't get to, tell the state how to try their case unless they're violating the rules of evidence," Hippler said. Hippler appeared unsympathetic to the defense's opposition to including Kohberger's Amazon records, which show the purchase of a Ka-Bar knife and sheath set before the murders as well as searching the app for the same items after the murders. GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB "Maybe I'm completely out to lunch, but as I understand it, to buy something on Amazon, you gotta put it in your shopping cart and hit purchase," the judge said. Hippler said he would take a defense motion to block surviving roommate "DM" from using the phrase "bushy eyebrows" during her testimony. Taylor also revealed that in addition to DM's text messages and phone history that were released last month, the roommate's phone data shows she was also editing photos, saving new contacts, using social media and "a whole lot more." Hippler said that while older adults may pick up the phone and call someone, younger people are just as likely to reach out over social media. "I'll be interested to hear the testimony of the two young ladies," he said, referring to DM and the other surviving roommate, identified in court documents as "BF." Kohberger could face the death penalty if convicted, unless Hippler rules in his favor on one of the motions to strike it. A judge entered not guilty pleas on his behalf in May 2023. The trial is expected to begin on Aug. 11.
Fox News
09-05-2025
- Fox News
Bryan Kohberger prosecutors will let victims' families speak, no lay witnesses for sentencing if convicted
The prosecuting attorney in the case of Bryan Kohberger, accused of murdering four University of Idaho students, notified the court in a recent filing that the state does not intend to call lay witnesses during the penalty phase of the trial, if he is convicted. The prosecution wrote in the filing obtained by Fox News Digital that it "hereby provides notice that the State does not intend to call any lay witnesses during the penalty phase." The document was filed late last week in the District Court of the Fourth Judicial District in the State of Idaho. "Rather, the State intends to rely on testimony and evidence admitted during the guilt phase," the filing says. The state does intend to allow victim impact statements from immediate family members of the victims who are present for the potential sentencing hearing. Read the court filing: Kohberger is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of four students at the University of Idaho, including Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; and Ethan Chapin, 20. He is also charged with one count of felony burglary. The four students were killed in a home attack on Nov. 13, 2022, near the university's campus. The state will pursue the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted. His defense attorney, Anne Taylor, recently found herself the object of Judge Steven Hippler's scorn when she presented a motion to take the death penalty off the table in the case. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER She argued that the prosecution's discovery was so sloppy that Kohberger could not possibly review the evidence against him before his trial is scheduled to begin in August. GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB "[Kohberger] has been receiving discovery in the same manner for over two years," Hippler wrote. "[Kohberger] has not sought additional resources…to hire additional staff to review discovery or obtain litigation document control software to help organize and sort the evidence. His lead counsel insisted that she be allowed to take on a second high-profile capital case despite the voluminous discovery in this case." Hippler also added that Taylor, "indicated that her practice is to personally review all the discovery herself, rather than rely on associates and staff to review materials to cut through the less relevant information and point to what materials need review by lead counsel." Fox News Digital reached out to Taylor and to Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson's office.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
St. Johns County officials celebrate opening of new Mussallem Beachfront Park
The Mussallem Beachfront Park is officially open for business in Vilano Beach after $1.5 million and 18 months of work. The newly renovated park includes beachfront access, changing rooms, and plenty of shaded table space, as well as cornhole and a nature trail overlooking Vilano Beach's marshlands. The goal of the project is to provide plenty of recreational space for a county that finds its pride in its natural beauty. 'I hear all the time about beach access and people that live here do want to be able to enjoy our beaches and the fact that we got this amazing parking lot,' St. John's County Commissioner Anne Taylor told Action News Jax at Friday's ribbon cutting ceremony. 'Just so many things for the family, it could not be better.' Marcia Mussallem told Action News Jax the park also serves as a great honor to her late father and former mayor of St. Augustine, Eddy Mussallem. 'It's just a tribute to him and his legacy to have this now for so many people to come and enjoy,' Maria said. Read: First phase of renovations underway at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center The project also meets a growing need in St. Johns County, after St. Johns County commissioner Christian Whitehurst voiced serious concerns about the ability of the county to provide enough recreational space with its projected population growth over the coming decades. 'Look at where we live, it's St. John's County. It's wonderful and we're keeping it, we're keeping it going. And it's just wonderful,' said Board of County Commissioners Chairwoman Krista Joseph. Past story: St. Johns County opening first new park in over a decade, addressing booming population [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
The Independent
29-01-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Healthier food grows more expensive at twice rate of unhealthy options
Healthier food grew more expensive at twice the rate of less healthy options in the UK over the last two years, a study has found. Food that is lower in fat, salt and sugar is now more than twice as expensive per calorie than less healthy products, according to the Food Foundation's annual Broken Plate report. The most deprived fifth of the population would need to spend 45% of their disposable income on food to afford the government-recommended healthy diet, rising to 70% for these households that also have children, researchers found. Food Foundation"> The overall figure has fallen from the peak of the cost-of-living crisis in 2021-2022 – when the most deprived fifth needed to spend 50% to achieve a healthy diet – but remains higher than the previous year's figure of 43%. The study found more than a third (37%) of supermarket promotions on food and non-alcoholic drinks are for unhealthy items, and a quarter (26%) of places to buy food in England are fast-food outlets, rising to nearly one in three in the most deprived fifth of areas. Meanwhile, more than a third (36%) of food and soft drink advertising spending is on confectionery, snacks, deserts and soft drinks, compared to just 2% for fruit and vegetables. While children across all income groups are eating significantly more unhealthy food than is recommended for good health, children in the most deprived fifth of the population were found to be nearly twice as likely to be living with obesity as those in the least deprived fifth by their first year of school. Deprived groups were much more likely to be affected by type 2 diabetes, with those in the most deprived fifth of the population almost three times more likely to experience a lower-limb amputation than the least deprived fifth in 2022. Similarly, children in their last year of primary school in the most deprived areas were more than twice as likely to have experienced tooth decay in their adult teeth (23%) compared to those in the least deprived areas (10%). There is a tragic imbalance in the UK between the food that is marketed, available and affordable, and foods that are healthy and sustainable. Often it is the most vulnerable children in our society who suffer the worst consequences of this Anne Taylor, Food Foundation Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation, said, 'The Broken Plate report sadly shows that our food system is failing to provide large swathes of the population with the basic nutrition needed for them to stay healthy and thrive. 'There is a tragic imbalance in the UK between the food that is marketed, available and affordable, and foods that are healthy and sustainable. Often it is the most vulnerable children in our society who suffer the worst consequences of this. 'Not only can lack of nutrition lead to serious health conditions, it can also lead to children being unable to concentrate in school and have lasting negative impact on mental health, entrenching inequalities from a young age. 'The Government has recently announced that it has started working on a National Food Strategy. We hope that this will be seized as an opportunity to tackle these inequalities through cross departmental working, with acknowledgment that key changes to the food system can help to achieve Labour's missions, from economic growth, to breaking down barriers to opportunity to relieving pressure on the NHS.' Henry Dimbleby, the former government food tsar and author of the last National Food Strategy, said: 'This report couldn't come at a more critical moment. As the government rolls out its new food strategy, addressing the incentives that drive the sale and aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods must be a top priority. 'The human and economic toll is too great to ignore any longer.' If we can reshape the food environment, I feel confident we can improve people's experience so that everyone – whatever their circumstances – can get the physical and mental nourishment that comes from good food Professor Susan Jebb, Food Standards Agency Professor Susan Jebb, chairwoman of the Food Standards Agency, said: 'I'm very pleased to welcome the publication of the Food Foundation's new Broken Plate report. 'We need to find ways to deliver safe, healthy, sustainable food as the default across the food system. If we can reshape the food environment, I feel confident we can improve people's experience so that everyone – whatever their circumstances – can get the physical and mental nourishment that comes from good food.' Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner said: 'The Food Foundation's Broken Plate report highlights important issues with the UK's food system, with unhealthy diets driving obesity levels. 'That is why we will introduce a cross-Government food strategy to ensure our food system can continue to feed the nation, realise its potential for economic growth, protect the planet, and nourish individuals. 'We cannot do this alone, which is why we are working with those across the food sector, utilising their expertise, to transform the industry for good.'
