Latest news with #UniversityofIdaho
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Idaho murder case runs into problems but suspect set for August trial
Bryan Kohberger, the suspect accused of killing four young University of Idaho students in 2022, is set to go to trial in August in a case that could see him sentenced to death. He is charged with the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin – who were together in the same house when someone broke in at night and stabbed them to death. But the case is running into problems, not least a failure by prosecutors to ascribe a motive for the killings, which terrified a region and shocked the US amid a media frenzy around the crime. Last week, Kohberger's attorneys requested a trial delay, citing in part intense publicity around the case generated in part by a recent NBC Dateline special they claim was prejudicial to their client because it contained apparent prosecution leaks in violation of a non-dissemination order. The leaks included information that the phone belonging to Kohberger connected 23 times in four months to a cellphone tower near the rented home where the four students were killed. And also that he searched the internet for information about serial killer Ted Bundy as well as for pornography with the keywords 'drugged', 'sleeping' and 'passed out'. The defense is arguing it now requires more time to prepare for trial because of the publicity around that information. Related: Judge bans use of 'psychopath' and 'sociopath' in Idaho student murder trial Further problems may arise in July with the pre-trial publication of The Idaho Four, by the crime writer James Patterson and the journalist Vicky Ward, who ran afoul of a judge in South Carolina after obtaining crime-scene photos and documents in a civil claim related to that state's notorious Alex Murdaugh double murder case. Kohberger's attorneys have said the blurb for the book 'suggests that the apparent Dateline leak was not the only violation of this court's non-dissemination order' and a delay might mitigate the 'prejudicial effects of such inflammatory pretrial publicity'. Idaho judge Steven Hippler has said he is open to appointing a special prosecutor to question people under oath to determine the origin of the leaks. But whether or not a delay is granted, a number of recent court rulings have been going against Kohberger, who has pleaded not guilty. His defense team has tried to keep considerable evidence, including a 911 call alerting police to the crime; the description of a man with 'bushy eyebrows' at the house around the time of the murders; and his Amazon shopping history, including the purchase of a knife similar to the one the alleged assailant was said to have used, out of the trial. Amazon records show that an account under Kohberger's name and email address bought a Ka-Bar knife, sheath and sharpener in March 2022, eight months before the murders, and had them shipped to his parents' home in Pennsylvania, where he was later arrested. A brown leather Ka-Bar knife sheath was found, police said, next to one victim's body and DNA on the clasp matched to Kohberger. Kohberger's defense team claims his Amazon purchase history was 'out of context, incomplete and unfairly prejudicial', but Hippler ruled it was 'highly relevant' and 'establishes significant connection between the defendant and Ka-Bar knife and sheath'. In another ruling against the defence, Hippler turned down a request to exclude the criminology student's 12-page master's essay from being presented as evidence in the trial. In it, Kohberger assessed how to handle a crime scene where a woman has been found stabbed to death. Other rulings going against the suspect involve evidence about his white Hyundai Elantra – a similar make and model of car that prosecutors say the killer drove and which was captured on security video near the home before the murders and leaving soon after. Nor has the judge allowed defense requests that the death penalty option be dropped because their client was once diagnosed with autism. Hippler instead ruled that the defense can only introduce the diagnosis if Kohberger testifies in his own defense or as a mitigating factor is he is convicted. But Hippler has also ruled that Kohberger's defense was permitted to keep a court filing 'in support of … alternate perpetrators' sealed from public view. It is not yet clear if defense claims of another perpetrator, or perpetrators, claimed to be in the documents will be permitted at trial. Absent from the prosecutors' filings to date are any attempts to ascribe a motive for Kohberger's alleged actions. Forensic psychiatrist Carole Lieberman has said she believes Kohberger's decision to study psychology and then criminology was because he was 'trying to calm the demons inside of him' and simultaneously 'trying to learn how to commit the perfect crime'. To the Guardian last week she went further, arguing that the bloody crime scene and use of a knife was evidence that Kohberger harbored rage against young women. Kohberger, she claimed, had held this rage since at least middle school, when he had a crush on a cheerleader – said to have looked like Kaylee Goncalves – only for her to reject him. 'I think that's why he stalked and killed them,' she said. Related: Man accused of murdering four Idaho students fights against death penalty According to some reports, Kohhberg followed Mogen and Goncalves on Instagram. The defence denies the claim and argues there is no motive to find because Kohberger did not commit the crime. Louis Schlesinger, a professor of psychology at John Jay College, said it should be noted that Kohberger's alleged crime was a targeted mass killing, not a serial killing, because there were two others in the home at the time, including a surviving roommate, who reported seeing an intruder with 'bushy eyebrows', and were not attacked. 'This seems to be situationally based, so you can rule out psychosis or impulsivity,' Schlesinger said, 'and it doesn't appear to be sexually motivated. It could be jealousy or a feeling of rejection or humiliation. But we really don't know the motive was.' But that doesn't mean a jury would not want prosecutors to at least imply a motive. 'Jurors want to hear a motive before they send someone to the execution chamber,' he said. 'They will want to know why he did it.'
Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Mike Balsamo
All Stories Kristi Noem said an immigrant threatened to kill President Donald Trump. The story quickly fell apart May 30, 2025 at 3:50 p.m. A claim by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that an immigrant threatened the life of President Donald Trump has begun to unravel. US investigating unauthorized release of classified documents on Israel's attack plans October 20, 2024 at 9:32 a.m. The United States is investigating an unauthorized release of classified documents that assess Israel's plans to attack Iran, three U.S. officials told The Associated Press. A fourth U.S. official said... Biden administration says Israel's use of US arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete May 10, 2024 at 4:25 p.m. Israel's use of U.S-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law, the Biden administration found in a new report. Suspect in killings of 4 Idaho college students arrested in Pennsylvania December 30, 2022 at 10:47 p.m. Authorities in Pennsylvania arrested a suspect in the killings of four University of Idaho students who were found stabbed to death in their beds more than a month ago, local Police Chief... Unclear where 12-year-old got gun that accidentally fired in Los Angeles classroom August 22, 2019 at 7:39 a.m. The semi-automatic handgun that fired accidentally inside a Los Angeles middle school classroom came from a 12-year-old girl's backpack and the single bullet tore through the wrist of another girl...
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Newsweek
Bryan Kohberger Trial Puts Financial Strain on Victims' Families
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The families of University of Idaho students killed in an off-campus apartment in 2022 are receiving help from the public to attend suspect Bryan Kohberger's trial. Three GoFundMe pages have been launched to help cover the financial costs of attending the trial, which is scheduled to take place in Boise in August. Why It Matters Kohberger's trial was moved from Latah County to Ada County last year after a judge granted the defense's request for a change of venue. The distance between the two counties is about 300 miles. The fundraisers state that the families will use the money to cover various expenses, including travel, lost wages, food, and lodging. Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022. He is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Bryan Kohberger attends a pre-trial hearing at Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho, on September 13, 2023. Bryan Kohberger attends a pre-trial hearing at Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho, on September 13, 2023. Ted S. Warren-Pool/Getty Images What To Know A GoFundMe page was recently launched to help Xana's mother, Cara Kernodle, attend the trial. The fundraiser has collected over $24,000 as of press time. "The trial is in August and there is no way she can afford to be there without help," organizer Lori Scott wrote. "She has overcome so much and just wants to be there to know the correct justice is served. No mother should have to deal with this but to not be able to afford to be at trial is unthinkable." Scott said Kernodle needs help with travel expenses, missed work and food costs. "She has friends and her church, but the cost of everyday living has to be considered as well," Scott wrote. "Please help this mom be able to honor her daughter and friends by being there for whatever happens at this trial." The Goncalves family is also receiving financial assistance to cover costs associated with attending the trial. A GoFundMe for the family has raised over $84,000 so far. Kristi and Steve Goncalves, the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, outside the Ada County Courthouse on November 7, 2024, after attending a hearing in the case of Bryan Kohberger. Kristi and Steve Goncalves, the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, outside the Ada County Courthouse on November 7, 2024, after attending a hearing in the case of Bryan Kohberger. AP Photo/Rebecca Boone Brooke Miller, the fundraiser's organizer, said the Goncalves family has not missed a single hearing in the case, and they would like to continue attending proceedings in Boise. "We are looking to find an Airbnb or a house for rent that will house all 10 Goncalves family members as well as their small pets for at least those three months," Miller said. "Since this will be a huge disruption to their work and life, we also would love to raise enough money for meals, loss of work, transportation, etc." A GoFundMe has been created for Madison's father, Ben Mogen. Organizer Brittany Westegaard said the money will help fund travel and lodging. The fundraiser has collected over $20,000 so far. "We would love to help Ben be able to attend the trial with a few people close to him for support and not have to worry about the finances to make it happen," Westegaard said. The Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program and the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association do not provide funding to relatives of victims for travel expenses, according to the Idaho Statesman. What People Are Saying Lori Scott, organizer of a GoFundMe for Cara Kernodle: "I spoke with her today and she has been stressing this. Let's help her not have to. Xana was a college student who loved her boyfriend, her sister Jazzmin, her little brother Elijah, her mom, and dad. Just a young woman who was well on her way to being a successful woman with a smile that would light the darkest night." Kristi Goncalves, Kaylee's mother, in a GoFundMe update: "My family of 10 are all going to be able to attend. It is so important to each one of us, to be there for each other. At times it feels like this tragedy is never going to end, but lifting this burden has made it easier for me to sleep at night." Ben Mogen, Madison's father, in a GoFundMe update: "We couldn't have made the trip without Brittany Westegaard and you all. It's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for us. Ever." What Happens Next Kohberger's trial is set to begin on August 11, with jury selection starting in late July. Kohberger's attorneys submitted a motion on May 20 to postpone the trial's start. The judge has yet to rule on the motion. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘Maddie May Day' honors life of murdered Idaho student
This weekend, friends and family celebrated the life of Madison Mogen, one of four University of Idaho students who was stabbed to death inside an off-campus home in 2022. In her memory, they've dubbed May 25 'Maddie May Day.' 'Maddie May lived her life spreading joy to all who knew her,' a social media post from the Made With Kindness Foundation reads. 'On her birthday, we invite you to carry on Maddie's legacy and do a random act of kindness in her name.' The Made With Kindness Foundation is dedicated to honoring the memory and legacy of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, and Xana Kernodle. Madison would've been 24 this year. The man accused of killing the students, Bryan Kohberger, is currently awaiting trial. He's pleaded not guilty. Jury selection is scheduled to begin in July, and his trial is set for August 11. Kohberger's attorneys have asked for it to be delayed, but the judge has not yet made a ruling.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Mom of slain Idaho victim Xana Kernodle asks for help attending Bryan Kohberger trial
The Brief The trial for accused quadruple-killer Bryan Kohberger is scheduled to begin in a couple months. Families of the victims are facing financial impacts of temporarily relocating to Boise for the trial. Friends and families have started GoFundMe pages to help. We spoke with the family of Xana Kernodle about what is next for them. IDAHO - The mother of one of the four University of Idaho students murdered is now asking for financial help to attend Bryan Kohberger's trial, the man accused of killing her daughter. In November of 2022, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were stabbed to death. A friend of Xana's mom, Cara Northington, started a GoFundMe to make sure Cara can make the 400-mile journey from North Idaho where she lives to Boise, where the trial is scheduled to happen this summer. "She's hurt, and all of these families are hurt," Lori Scott, who started the GoFundMe said. The trial is expected to last three months. What they're saying "Everybody had, like, people raising money for them, and I just noticed that she hadn't asked for anything," Scott said. "The loss of my beautiful daughter Xana has been the hardest thing I never thought I would have to endure. If you are not able to donate, prayers are even more appreciated. My hope is that truth and justice through God will be accomplished," Xana's mom said in a statement. "Even though I've lost my child, I can't imagine losing a child in the way that she has even more than me, and I just wanted to make it so she could be there for the trial, because that's important, that she be able to see for herself that justice is being served," Scott said. She told Fox 13, Xana's mom has been blown away by the support. "She's just really sweet and appreciative," Scott said. "The people that are donating for this are actually the heroes, they're helping her get there, and it means the world to her. it really means the world to her." She adds, the ultimate goal is to raise $50,000. Those funds will cover any and all of Cara's expenses as she takes off from work and relocates from North Idaho to Boise during the duration of the trial. The family of Kaylee Goncalves also has a GoFundMe to help them attend the trial. Madison Mogen's family also has a GoFundMe to help them attend the trial. Sunday, May 25th also marked Madison Mogen's birthday. Her loved ones have deemed it 'Maddie May Day.' It's a day dedicated to spreading kindness in her honor. On Facebook, the Goncalves Family said: "Maddie is the funniest, most genuine, kindhearted, & loving person. Her laughter is so contagious I can still hear it sitting here now. Maddie taught me the power of an open heart & true kindness. Maddie never held back on love & I hope one day I can be more like her. Thank you for everything, Maddie. I love you. I miss you more every day. Happy birthday sister." What's next Jury selection is scheduled to begin on July 30th. Kohberger's trial is expected to start on August 11. The Source Information in this story came from original FOX 13 Seattle interviews. Luxury Seattle hotel sues 'nuisance' building next door Firefighters in western WA train for possibility of 'above average' wildfire season Shawn Kemp lawyers claim bias in Tacoma Mall shooting case as trial nears Federal judge blocks Trump's dismantling of the Department of Education 'Where is Teekah?': Mother speaks out after Tacoma, WA cold case Activist marks 2 weeks in tree to protest logging near Port Angeles Driver arrested after deadly crash in Kent, WA To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
