Idaho
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Idaho Transportation Department has quite a few large projects happening around the state. One of those is the replacement of the I84 interchange to Burley and Heyburn. The work began in 2024, and a new step in the progress begins this week.
There will be a number of bridge and ramp closures that will affect traffic on Interstate 84 this week while crews work. The closures will also impact access and traffic on State Highway 24, Centennial Drive, Highway 30, and State Highway 25 in the area.
Part of I84 Will Close This Week in Southern Idaho For Bridge and Ramp Work
The Idaho Transportation Department shared an update and the details of the closures today on social media. Drivers should be cautious and pay attention to signs regarding traffic changes during the closures, which are expected to last through Friday, May 15th.
Beginning on Monday evening, at 6 PM, crews closed Interstate 84 at exit 211 to work on the new bridge. Traffic in the area should use exit 211 to bypass the closure. Work should be finished by 7 AM on Tuesday, but it could still affect the morning drive for some travelers.
READ ALSO: 5 Injured in Southern Idaho Head-on Collision
On Tuesday, the Exit 211 on and off ramps will close intermittently while crews repave SH24. Centennial Drive will also close at some point during this work. The ramps will alternate closures for 6 to 8 hours, and work is expected to continue through Friday. The social media post shares suggestions on alternate routes for drivers during the closures.
Lane reductions are expected to last through June on State Highway 24. Details on the project can be found on the ITD website.
36 of the Worst Idaho License Plate Rejections From 2025
We have to admit that we don’t understand all of these, but the ones that we do really make us question why someone would want these on their car. This isn’t even all of them – we were sent 28 pages with 25 to 30 submissions on each page of rejected personalized plates from 2025.
Gallery Credit: Credit N8 Bird
There’s something special and timeless about the Costco food court.
Having a Costco Card doesn’t just mean you unlock your grocery shopping there but you now get to go to the best food court known to man: The Costco Foodcourt.
Everyone loves their great prices and great options. Whether you’ve wanted to get a pizza to share with your family or one of their beloved giant hot dogs everyone’s got a good reason to go to the Costco Foodcourt.
Costco has been adding a lot of new menu items recently including fun ice cream flavors. Now they have yet again added something new to their menu.
Idaho Costcos
Where to find Costcos in Idaho.
Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola
Costco has added a new menu item that everyone is already going crazy for. In a new viral Instagram reel an influencer revealed that Costco food courts around the country would be adding chicken strips to their menu! This feels like the perfect addition to the already extremely popular Costco food court and we can already see everyone going crazy over this new menu item.
Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds
As of right now it appears the chicken tenders are going to be 6.99 and include 5 chicken strips. They also seemingly have a new sauce that is going to be paired with these chicken strips and it looks delicious!
Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds
You’ll have to check out all of the local Idaho Costcos for when these hit stores because they just look delicious!
Look at those chicken tenders:
Costco Foodcourt’s New Item
It’s a Caramel Brownie Sundae!!!
Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola
Change Complete at Costco’s Food Courts
Who would have thought that an age old debate would bring out such a reaction in Costco shoppers!?
Gallery Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM
You’ve heard that our federal Constitution was made for a moral people. The line is attributed to the founding father and second President, John Adams. Notice he said “moral,” not “Christian.” One of my friends was a graduate of Liberty University, a prestigious Christian school. His mission in life was to evangelize, but he always cautioned his listeners that our founders spoke of a Creator, and not Jesus. Some of our early leaders were devout Christians. Many of them were also womanizers, drinkers, and gave religion no more than lip service. They were people who wanted to be left alone, and if they practiced faith, it was personal, and they didn’t believe it was the government’s role to dictate morality.
They Mock Good People of Other Faiths
I’m reminded of a story about the 2024 Republican National Convention. Harmeet Dhillon, a rising star in the party, spoke. She referenced her Sikh faith, and someone in the crowd felt compelled to shout “Jesus is Lord!” Now, maybe a majority believes that, but are you sure He wants you to taunt good and moral people? Or would God prefer a gentler approach? For instance, you could pray for conversions.
Where does the Great Commission instruct you to be rude to people of good moral character?
Idaho’s Glenneda Zuiderveld was an alternate delegate, and when a seatmate said the man was rude, the state senator dismissed the argument. “We’re all going to be judged,” she said. What’s a Senator’s purpose in politics?
The Pot Calling the Kettle Black
A few days ago, a local church had a men-only event for candidates. A group of liberal women demonstrated outside. I don’t know why they can’t organize their own event instead, but apparently, they would rather be confrontational. They’ve accomplished nothing more than preening and making a claim that they’re more virtuous, but the church is within its rights to hold a men-only event. If you want a women’s only event, I’m not bothered. Let me add a caveat. Some of the men involved believe that it’s okay to berate members of the LDS Church as they enter the temple. I wouldn’t say screaming at someone that they’re going to hell is a sign of moral people. Again, if you think they’re wrong, then pray for them.
Some people wonder why they’re called Christian nationalists. Do we need to draw them some pictures?
Brad Little Through The Years
Gallery Credit: Kevin Miller
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