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Bryan Kohberger lawyer raises questions about Idaho murder roommate’s story

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Bryan Kohberger lawyer raises questions about Idaho murder roommate’s story


An attorney representing Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University Idaho students during a home invasion, questioned the credibility of one of two surviving roommates in court on Thursday, Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz reported.

Newsweek reached out for comment to the Latah County prosecutor’s office via email on Thursday night.

Why It Matters

Kohberger, 30, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. Prosecutors allege that he killed Idaho University students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin after breaking into their off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho in November 2022.

Judge John Judge, who presided over the case before retiring and being replaced by Judge Steven Hippler, entered a not guilty plea on Kohberger’s behalf after the defendant refused to enter his own plea during a 2023 arraignment hearing.

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Bryan Kohberger is pictured during a court hearing on the 2022 killing of four University of Idaho students in Moscow Idaho on October 26, 2023.

Kai Eiselein

What To Know

At a court hearing on Thursday, Kohberger’s lawyer, Anne Taylor, argued that the witness’ testimony could not be trusted because she has “memory problems” and was uncertain about whether or not she had been “dreaming” that she saw Kohberger at the residence just after he allegedly killed her four roommates.

“Eyewitness told police she was sure she heard one of the victims running down the stairs, diverging from the the [probable cause affidavit] narrative, Taylor says,” Ruiz wrote in a post to X, formerly Twitter. “That victim couldn’t have been on the stairs because she was killed in the upstairs bedroom.”

“She attacks the eyewitness’s credibility,” he added. “Says she admitted to memory problems, wasn’t sure if she was dreaming.”

Taylor also urged the judge to drop DNA evidence from the case during Thursday’s hearing, which was the first that Kohberger had attended in months. Taylor argued that admitting the evidence would violate her client’s privacy rights.

Idaho Deputy Attorney General Jeff Nye, one of the prosecutors, pushed back on the argument and accused Kohberger and his team of being “wishy-washy” about DNA evidence, according to the Associated Press.

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What People Are Saying

Taylor said in court on Thursday: “This is a situation where this identification was done in complete secret behind closed doors, and it’s been continued to be a secret, and that should raise red flags.”

Kohberger’s legal team said in a motion filed last month: “This is a capital murder case and nothing about it is clear cut.”

What Happens Next

Jury selection for Kohberger’s trial is expected to begin in late July, with the trial itself beginning on August 11. Kohberger could face the death penalty if convicted on all charges.



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Two dead after overdosing on fentanyl in Idaho Falls

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Two dead after overdosing on fentanyl in Idaho Falls


IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Three people overdosed from suspected fentanyl on Tuesday.

The Idaho Falls Police Department reports three people on the 500 block of Ridge Avenue and the 200 block of Short Street overdosed on fentanyl on Tuesday. Two of the overdoses were deadly.

East Idaho News reports police say the deceased individuals were identified as two women, a 24-year-old and a 63-year-old.

Police say they do not believe that the overdoses were connected to a “bad batch” of fentanyl, but rather that the users believed the substance to be a different drug.

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It is not clear what drug the fentanyl was mistaken for or made to look like.

According to the release, fentanyl can be found in several forms, including powder, and may appear in different colors and consistencies, making it difficult to identify.

“Because of this, individuals may unknowingly ingest fentanyl while believing they are using a different substance,” according to the release. “These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers fentanyl poses within our community.”

Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that is often mixed into other narcotics, sometimes without the user’s knowledge, says police. Even a very small amount can be deadly.

The Idaho Falls Police Department, along with community partners, is continuing to investigate these incidents and work to identify and disrupt the distribution of dangerous narcotics in our area.

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“We encourage anyone struggling with substance abuse to seek help immediately and urge friends and family members to check in on loved ones who may be at risk,” says the release.

Important safety reminders:

Never take pills or substances that are not prescribed directly to you.

Be aware that counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl.

Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing signs of an overdose, including slowed breathing, unconsciousness, or blue or gray skin coloration.

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Carrying and administering Narcan (naloxone) can save lives during an opioid overdose emergency.

Anyone with information related to narcotics distribution in the Idaho Falls area is encouraged to contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208) 529-1200 or submit anonymous tips through East Idaho Crime Stoppers.



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Idaho City woman arrested after meth was found during traffic stop

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Idaho City woman arrested after meth was found during traffic stop


A traffic stop along the Highway 21 corridor in Boise County led to the arrest of an Idaho City woman on methamphetamine and other drug-related charges, according to the Boise County Sheriff’s Office.

On May 21, 2026, at about 6:40 p.m., a Boise County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducting traffic safety enforcement saw a gray car traveling at a high rate of speed and initiated a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, the deputy recognized behaviors associated with drug activity.

K9 Sage was deployed for a free open-air sniff and alerted on the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.

Rochelle Kinney, 46, of Idaho City, was arrested on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

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“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to traffic safety enforcement and addressing drug possession that endangers public safety within Boise County,” the Boise County Sheriff’s Office said.



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Ford Idaho Center to host first amphitheater season kickoff party before Zimmerman show

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Ford Idaho Center to host first amphitheater season kickoff party before Zimmerman show


Concertgoers heading to see Bailey Zimmerman at the Ford Idaho Center on June 5 will be able to kick off the venue’s amphitheater season early with a tailgate-style pre-show party featuring a live DJ, food and drinks, prizes and giveaways, and photo opportunities.

The Ford Idaho Center is hosting its first-ever amphitheater season kickoff party ahead of Zimmerman’s show, partnering with CBH Homes.

Arielle McCormick, CBH Homes’ Director of brand and vision, said the company has long focused on making people feel welcome at community events.

“As Idaho’s number one home builder, we’ve been welcoming Idahoans home for 34 years,” McCormick said. “Making people feel welcomed and ready for fun at whatever event they are here for.”

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Organizers said the pre-show party will include a live DJ to keep the energy up before the concert, along with food, drinks, prizes, giveaways and photo ops. Gypsy Tattoo will also be on site offering free flash tattoos inspired by live music.

“I’ve heard they are real tattoos, real flash tattoos, first come, first serve,” McCormick said. “So get here at four-thirty on June 5th.”

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The kickoff party starts at 4:30 p.m., hours before showtime. The event is only for Bailey Zimmerman ticket holders. Tickets have not sold out, but organizers say supplies are limited.

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