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Idaho judge denies Bryan Kohberger's 'bushy eyebrows' motion

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Idaho judge denies Bryan Kohberger's 'bushy eyebrows' motion


In a series of orders announced Friday on motions from both sides in the murder case against Idaho student stabbings suspect Bryan Kohberger, the judge said there was no basis to grant a defense request that the lone eyewitness be blocked from mentioning the “bushy eyebrows” she saw on a masked intruder during the murders.

“D.M.’s testimony about ‘bushy eyebrows’ is highly relevant in this case,” Judge Steven Hippler wrote in his order, using the witness’s initials. “D.M. is the only eyewitness to the intruder responsible for the homicides. It is the jury’s task to determine whether Defendant is that person.”

Kohberger’s defense has argued both that he does not have “bushy eyebrows” and that DM’s memory of what she saw may have been influenced by being drunk at the time and a wall covered in artwork and photos showing portraits, faces and prominent eyebrows.

IDAHO MURDERS CASE: BRYAN KOHBERGER SELFIE USED BY PROSECUTORS TO CLAP BACK AT ‘BUSHY EYEBROW’ DENIAL

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Prosecutors allege Bryan Kohberger took this selfie at 10:31 a.m. Nov. 13, 2022, about six hours after the murders of four University of Idaho students he is accused of committing. (Ada County Court)

“While she could not provide enough details for a composite sketch, it is unsurprising given her observation that the intruder was wearing a mask on his face,” Hippler wrote. “Moreover, while this description might or might not implicate Defendant, it will not result in unfair prejudice.”

Hippler agreed with prosecutors that the debate over whether Kohberger has “bushy eyebrows” should be decided by the jury. The state has also submitted a selfie Kohberger allegedly took hours after the murders as evidence.

IDAHO JUDGE ISSUES ORDER ON KOHBERGER’S BID TO HAVE HIS FAMILY GUARANTEED COURTROOM SEATING

DM is one of two surviving roommates. She came within three feet of a masked intruder moments after the murders, according to court documents that only refer to her by her initials.

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Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and two other housemates in Goncalves’ final Instagram post shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death. (@kayleegoncalves/Instagram)

After Kohberger’s arrest, she told police she did not know him and had not seen him before. Prosecutors have alleged he was unknown to the victims before the crime and committed the murders using a large knife.

They also pointed to a 2020 college essay he wrote about handling a murder scene for a criminal justice class, arguing that he was well versed in crime scene procedures and the concept of transferring evidence and knew how to avoid it. 

WHAT WENT BRYAN KOHBERGER’S WAY — AND WHAT DIDN’T — AT EVIDENCE MOTIONS HEARING

DM is the only known witness to have encountered the intruder and lived to tell her tale after she froze in shock and he walked toward a back sliding door. Recently unsealed text messages show she tried in vain to reach her murdered friends minutes after the intruder left.

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Bryan Kohberger arrives at the Monroe County Courthouse in Pennsylvania in advance of an extradition hearing. (The Image Direct for Fox News Digital)

Hippler also denied a defense motion seeking to have prosecutors blocked from describing Kohberger’s car as the “suspect vehicle.”

A defense motion to block an expert from the Idaho State Crime Lab was denied in part and granted in part. The expert will be allowed to testify, but witnesses for both sides will be instructed not to use the terms “touch DNA,” “contact DNA” and “trace DNA.”

Hippler also partly granted the state’s motion regarding evidence of Kohberger’s autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder diagnoses.

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Four University of Idaho students were found dead Nov. 13, 2022. (Angela Palermo/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Expert testimony about Kohberger’s autism diagnosis would only be relevant if it was necessary to explain his mannerisms after taking the witness stand in his own defense, Hippler wrote.

“At that point, Defendant’s demeanor — which goes to his credibility — is relevant evidence a jury can consider, which the State concedes,” the judge wrote. “However, prior to presenting testimony on the matter, Defendant must raise the matter with the Court outside the presence of the jury to discuss the permissible scope.”

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He reserved the right to rule on Kohberger’s purported obsessive-compulsive disorder at a later date.

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Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and felony burglary in the stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20.

A judge entered not guilty pleas on his behalf. Prosecutors have notified the court they intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.

The trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 11.



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Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

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Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules


Idaho takes pride in being a no-THC zone. Unlike our neighbors on all sides, the Gem State has taken a firm stance not to legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational use for years. This opposition long extended to the legalization of hemp, a plant relative of marijuana with far lower levels of the intoxicating chemical […]



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Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on Feb. 26, 2026

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The results are in for the Idaho Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 26.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

Day: 9-8-5

Night: 3-0-0

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

Day: 9-8-4-2

Night: 9-7-2-1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

04-21-25-30-34

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Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

03-14-22-50-57, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Idaho Lottery drawings held ?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 3: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
  • Pick 4: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:35 p.m. MT Monday and Thursday.
  • Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • 5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.
  • Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Idaho lawmaker proposes requiring daily recess in elementary schools

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Idaho lawmaker proposes requiring daily recess in elementary schools


A North Idaho lawmaker wants to require daily recess for elementary school students across the state.

Rep. Jordan Redman, R-District 3, introduced legislation Thursday that would mandate at least 20 minutes of daily recess for elementary school students and require unstructured activity time for middle school students.

Rep. Redman told lawmakers research shows recess improves students’ physical, cognitive and mental health. He said the time can also improve classroom focus and reduce disruptive behaviors. He added that the bill aligns with the national “Make America Healthy” initiative.

Under the proposal, schools would be prohibited from withholding recess as a form of discipline. If weather or other conditions prevent students from going outside, schools would still be required to provide the designated time indoors.

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When asked by a fellow lawmaker whether he was aware of schools not currently offering daily recess, Rep. Redman said he was unaware of specific instances. One committee member questioned whether the requirement should be dictated by the state rather than left to local school districts.

After discussion, the committee voted to introduce the bill, advancing it in the legislative process.



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