Connect with us

Idaho

Idaho quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger appears in court in bid to overturn indictment claiming ‘insufficient evidence’ and ‘juror bias’

Published

on

Idaho quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger appears in court in bid to overturn indictment claiming ‘insufficient evidence’ and ‘juror bias’


The man suspected of savagely knifing four college students to death last November will appear in court in Idaho today in a bid to have his indictment overturned due to ‘insufficient evidence’ and alleged juror bias.

Criminology student Bryan Kohberger, 28, was indicted by an Idaho grand jury who heard the evidence during a closed-door session in May and decided to send the case to a full trial.

Kohberger, who refused to make a plea and instead chose to ‘stand silent’ at a hearing the same month, now wants to void the decision and proceed to a preliminary hearing to test the evidence against him.

Should events go his way, prosecutors in Moscow, Idaho, would be forced to argue their case in a mini trial which could result in Kohberger’s release should a judge agree that police do not have enough evidence to secure a conviction.

Advertisement

The Washington State University PHD candidate was arrested last December and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one of burglary over the horror attack which left a scene so appalling, police described it as ‘the worst we’ve ever seen’.

Bryan Kohberger (pictured last month) will appear in Latah County Court Thursday for a two-part hearing where his attorneys will argue that his indictment should be dismissed

Kohberger is the only suspect in the quadruple murders of Maddie Mogen (top) Kaylee Goncalves (second from left) Xana Kernodle (second from right) and Ethan Chapin (center) - all students at the University of Idaho - who were knifed to death on November 13, 2022 in the quiet, college town of Moscow

Kohberger is the only suspect in the quadruple murders of Maddie Mogen (top) Kaylee Goncalves (second from left) Xana Kernodle (second from right) and Ethan Chapin (center) – all students at the University of Idaho – who were knifed to death on November 13, 2022 in the quiet, college town of Moscow

DailyMail.com visited the students' former home in Moscow, Idaho, which university officials plan to demolish, however it remained intact but boarded up on Wednesday

DailyMail.com visited the students’ former home in Moscow, Idaho, which university officials plan to demolish, however it remained intact but boarded up on Wednesday  

Best friends Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, and young couple Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, both 20, were all killed in their beds at the three women’s rented home.

The attack was so brutal, blood could still be seen dripping down the walls of gray-painted home days after the killing.

In the wake of the murders, the house was turned over to the University of Idaho which plans to knock it down to make way for a memorial to the murdered students.

When DailyMail.com visited on Wednesday, it remained intact but is boarded up and guarded by college security guards.

Advertisement

A hearing on Kohberger’s motion to vacate his indictment will be held at Latah County Court in two parts: a closed morning session and an afternoon session that will be open to the public and media.

In the morning session, Kohberger’s defense attorney Anne Taylor will argue that the indictment should be dismissed based on a ‘Biased Grand Jury, Inadmissible Evidence, Lack of Sufficient Evidence, and Prosecutorial Misconduct in Withholding Exculpatory Evidence’.

Like the hearing, the motion arguing the case is sealed and could not be reviewed by DailyMail.com.

The second part of the day will see Taylor argue for a dismissal based on an error in the instructions handed to the jury, saying that jurors were ‘misled’ on the standard of proof required for an indictment.

In a closed-door morning session Thursday, Kohberger's defense attorney argued that the indictment should be dismissed based on a 'Biased Grand Jury, Inadmissible Evidence, Lack of Sufficient Evidence, and Prosecutorial Misconduct in Withholding Exculpatory Evidence'

In a closed-door morning session Thursday, Kohberger’s defense attorney argued that the indictment should be dismissed based on a ‘Biased Grand Jury, Inadmissible Evidence, Lack of Sufficient Evidence, and Prosecutorial Misconduct in Withholding Exculpatory Evidence’

An afternoon session that will be open to the public and media will hear the defense's motion to dismiss on grounds of 'error in grand jury instructions'

An afternoon session that will be open to the public and media will hear the defense’s motion to dismiss on grounds of ‘error in grand jury instructions’ 

A small memorial paying tribute to the four college students is seen outside the home where the horrific murders took place

A small memorial paying tribute to the four college students is seen outside the home where the horrific murders took place

Kohberger’s bid for freedom comes 10 months after he was apprehended during a raid on his parents’ Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania home on December 30 before being flown back to Idaho in a small Pilatus PC-12 turboprop plane on January 4.

Advertisement

Since being returned to the Gem State, the alleged killer has been locked up at the Latah County Jail, with prison sources telling DailyMail.com he spends his time obsessing over TV coverage of the case and has turned to God – meeting with a local pastor every Sunday.

Kohberger has been locked up at the Latah County Jail since being flown back to Idaho on January 4

Kohberger has been locked up at the Latah County Jail since being flown back to Idaho on January 4

The November 2022 killings shocked the tiny college town of Moscow which had not seen a single murder for seven years when Madison, Kaylee, Ethan and Xana were found dead in their beds.

Police initially appeared to be stumped by the murders and issued a series of contradictory statements over whether the students had been targeted and whether the public was at risk.

Shortly before Thanksgiving, they released a photo of a white Hyundai Elantra and a plea for further information about the vehicle’s movements and owner.

The car turned out to belong to Kohberger who, in an extraordinary twist, was pulled over twice while driving the vehicle back to Pennsylvania in early December.

Advertisement

Since his arrest, it has emerged that loner Kohberger had battled heroin addiction in his teens and early twenties and was banned from a bar near his parents’ home due to his creepy behavior towards women.

Police sources have since said that following his move to Pullman, Washington, to pursue a PHD in criminology, he applied to work for the Washington State University police department – but was turned down.

The manner in which the killer navigated the three-story home to kill the four students – who were sleeping in separate rooms and floors – in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022 has raised questions about his motives

The manner in which the killer navigated the three-story home to kill the four students – who were sleeping in separate rooms and floors – in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022 has raised questions about his motives 

Investigators were seen in January removing a bloodied mattress from the home where four University of Idaho were murdered in November

Investigators were seen in January removing a bloodied mattress from the home where four University of Idaho were murdered in November

Fellow students said he took an unusual amount of interest in the Moscow murder case and described his ‘sexist’ attitude towards women in his classes.

As a result of his ‘rude behavior’ towards women and his penchant for grading them differently, he was fired by his professor at the WSU criminology department John Snyder on December 19 – just days before his arrest for murder.

Over the weekend, a Dateline report provided further evidence of his bizarre behavior with a female friend at WSU claiming he broke into her home a month before the murders and moved her possessions about to make her feel ‘uneasy’.

Advertisement

She also said she had asked him to set up security cameras to help her catch the person who had moved her belongings – only to belatedly realize he was the culprit and, chillingly, had enjoyed access to the footage.

Kohberger is believed to have meticulously planned the murders of Madison, Kaylee, Ethan and Xana, with a probable cause affidavit noting that he had repeatedly visited the area around their home prior to the killings.

The document also said his DNA was found on a KA-BAR knife sheath found next to the bodies of Kaylee and Madison, and that he was seen in the home by roommate Dylan Mortensen, 19.

Kaylee and Madison were discovered dead in bed next to each other, while Ethan and Xana were found on the floor below, with Xana discovered slumped over on the floor of her bedroom.

Kohberger, meanwhile, has maintained his innocence in the case, and due to a sprawling gag order, few details have emerged. He chose to 'stand silent' during his arraignment in May instead of entering a plea

Kohberger, meanwhile, has maintained his innocence in the case, and due to a sprawling gag order, few details have emerged. He chose to ‘stand silent’ during his arraignment in May instead of entering a plea

According to the document, survivors Mortensen and Bethany Funke heard something of what happened, with Mortensen telling cops she heard Goncalves say ‘there’s someone here’ at approximately 4am.

Advertisement

Ten minutes later, she heard a thud and crying from Xana’s room and a male voice saying ‘it’s ok, I’m going to help you’.

At 4:17am, a dog was captured barking loudly on a neighbor’s security camera. Around the same time, Mortensen said she opened her bedroom door again and saw a tall male with bushy eyebrows leaving through the sliding glass doors at the back of the home.

She described how she had been ‘frozen in shock’ as the black-clad male walked towards her and said she locked herself in her room after he left.

A shoe print was later found outside her door.

The affidavit also reveals that Kohberger’s white Hyundai Elantra was captured on camera near the scene before being seen driving rapidly away from the home towards Pullman at approximately 4.20am.

Advertisement

Police rapidly connected the vehicle to Kohberger and noted the similarity between his appearance and Mortensen’s description of the intruder at the rental home.



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Idaho

GALLERY | Hundreds gather for immigration protest in Idaho Falls – East Idaho News

Published

on

GALLERY | Hundreds gather for immigration protest in Idaho Falls – East Idaho News


A young Hispanic woman shares her message, “Fight ignorance!! Not immigrants!!” Video: Throngs of protestors overflow from both sides of a bridge in downtown Idaho Falls near the Japanese Friendship Garden and frozen waterfalls.| David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

IDAHO FALLS — More than 350 protesters packed onto the Broadway bridge on Saturday in an array of support for local immigrants whose family members could be targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. While many were Latino, others were expressing solidarity were from other races and backgrounds — and all had a unifying message.

Here is our photo gallery of the event. You can read a story about it here.

Advertisement

 Immigration protests in Idaho Falls

27.5 No one is illegal on stolen land

Don't bite the hands that feed you

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

2.1 Dont bite the hand that feeds you

27 Where is the love

Immigration protests - We're all immigrants

28 Families belong together

24.1 Protest

26 Will ICE make eggs cheaper

23 Mask

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration policy protest on Broadway bridge

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration protests in Idaho Falls | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

31 Mexican flag

30 We are the backbone of this country

26.5 I will debate anyone who agrees with illegal deportation

29 Subaru

28.5 My father works harder than you President

Hundreds gather on Broadway Bridge in Idaho Falls to protest possible immigration raids – East Idaho News

Hispanic kids hold signs stating "No human is illegal" and "Immigration reform." | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Immigration policy protesters congregate on the Broadway bridge in Idaho Falls on Saturday afternoon. | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

=htmlentities(get_the_title())?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=get_permalink()?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=htmlentities(‘For more stories like this one, be sure to visit https://www.eastidahonews.com/ for all of the latest news, community events and more.’)?>&subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20EastIdahoNews” class=”fa-stack jDialog”>





Source link

Continue Reading

Idaho

Hundreds gather on Broadway Bridge in Idaho Falls to protest possible immigration raids – East Idaho News

Published

on

Hundreds gather on Broadway Bridge in Idaho Falls to protest possible immigration raids – East Idaho News


Photo: Three Hispanic young women share messages about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) school raids and being raised by immigrant parents. The sign on the right says, “For my parents who came with nothing and gave me everything.” Video: Protestors thronged Broadway to voice opposition to federal U.S. immigration policy and tactics.| David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

IDAHO FALLS — Several hundred people overflowed both sides of the Broadway Bridge in Idaho Falls on Saturday. The rally was to support families who may be targeted or broken up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigration raids as the federal government takes new measures to enforce immigration policy.

One young mother with a baby boy spoke on condition of anonymity because her father is an undocumented immigrant.

“Immigrants are the root of America. My dad, he’s been here since I was born — a farmworker,” she said. “We live in fear. My dad, you know our family right now; it’s a tough time for our community. It’s a tough time for our people.”

Advertisement

The woman said after 25 years living in the United States, her father couldn’t attend the protest in person because he fears being deported.

“He picks our potatoes that we eat. You know, they want to send him back to Mexico. They want to to send him back. And that’s my dad,” she said, breaking down in tears. “I’m here today for him because he couldn’t be here. I had my sign. He put his handprint on my sign.”

An EastIdahoNews.com reporter counted more than 350 supporters at the peaceful protest, located adjacent to the frozen waterfalls and Japanese Friendship Garden along the scenic Snake River in downtown Idaho Falls. No counter-protesters were noted at the site.

Immigration policy protesters congregate on Saturday afternoon on the Broadway bridge in Idaho Falls. | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Signs such as: “School is for education, not deportation,” “They’re our neighbors,” and “Fight ignorance, not immigrants!” waved in the air, accompanied by cheers of “No fears! No hate! No ICE in our state!” and “Sí se puede!”

Other posters read: “We’re all immigrants,” “No human is illegal on stolen land,” “The Pilgrims were undocumented! #KnowYourHistory,” “We speak for those who can’t,” “Immigration reform,” and “Families belong together.”

Advertisement

Event organizer Shantelle Duran said Hispanics and other immigrants are “business owners, workers, students, friends and neighbors.”

“We are here today to stand against racial profiling and unjust immigration policies that target our communities,” she said. “… We contribute to this country just like everyone else. The American flag represents us, too, and we will not be intimidated into silence. Our message is clear — we are here, we are staying, and we will continue to fight for our rights.”

Protesters gather on the bridge as cars honked their support throughout Saturday afternoon in  downtown Idaho Falls. | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com
Protesters gather on the bridge as cars honked their support throughout Saturday afternoon in downtown Idaho Falls. | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

Idaho Falls City Councilman Jim Francis attended the event to better understand this part of our community.

“I’m a strong supporter of community policing in all of its full meaning — that anybody in this community should be secure from crime against persons and property,” Francis said. “So it’s not the primary responsibility of our police department to look at immigration status. It’s to protect all the people who live here.”

The Idaho Falls Police Department’s full policy on immigration violations is outlined in policy 414 (pages 216-218), which states that for immigration violations, “an officer is encouraged to forgo detentions made solely on the basis of a misdemeanor offense when time limitations, availability of personnel, issues of officer safety, communication capabilities or the potential to obstruct a separate investigation outweigh the need for detention.”

Local Idaho Falls officers inform a supervisor if anyone is “detained for a criminal immigration violation.”

Advertisement

In response to “federal immigration officials requests for assistance … the department may provide available support services such as traffic control or peacekeeping efforts.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement does operate throughout Idaho, but “I’m honestly not aware of anything locally that’s a massive raid,” Francis said.

Law enforcement in Bannock and Blaine counties recently released statements refuting rumors about ICE raids in their communities. Social media in eastern Idaho has been rife with raid rumors for the past several weeks, but there has been scant evidence of any large-scale operations in the area.

RELATED | Local sheriff issues statement about ICE conducting deportation ‘raids’

RELATED | Police debunk viral Facebook post claiming ICE detained and abused local man

Advertisement

The city’s police policy is designed to increase trust with the general public and minority groups.

“Because as soon as you create fear among community groups about law enforcement, then they won’t come forward and help you solve crimes, and that’s our job,” Francis said. “I don’t care if you’re a tourist here or somebody who’s lived here for your entire life; you deserve the same protection of law.”

The rally drew support from large numbers of cars who honked passing by.

Former Bonneville County Democrats Chairwoman Miranda Marquit said it’s the second-largest demonstration she’s seen in Idaho Falls in the past 10 years.

Despite little evidence of ICE raids in the area, many at the protest said its a very real fear for them.

Advertisement

The anonymous mother with the boy urged her fellow immigrants to be careful.

“There’s posts on the internet — if you’re undocumented, stay home. It’s just what’s best. … They can’t, they can’t do anything at your door,” she said. “Stay safe to all the immigrants out there, you know, not just the Hispanics, but the Portuguese — everybody — all the immigrants.”

Hispanic kids hold signs stating "No human is illegal" and "Immigration reform." | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com
Hispanic kids hold signs stating “No human is illegal” and “Immigration reform.” | David Pace, EastIdahoNews.com

=htmlentities(get_the_title())?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=get_permalink()?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=htmlentities(‘For more stories like this one, be sure to visit https://www.eastidahonews.com/ for all of the latest news, community events and more.’)?>&subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20EastIdahoNews” class=”fa-stack jDialog”>





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Idaho

From mist to magic: 8 iconic waterfalls of southern Idaho

Published

on

From mist to magic: 8 iconic waterfalls of southern Idaho


When considering places to see waterfalls, southern Idaho may not be the first place to come to mind. However, the region’s rolling hills, ancient volcanic formations, and deep canyons house some of America’s most unique waterfalls. Julie and I recently explored the area to discover its cascade wonders. We highlight eight waterfalls in southern Idaho that should be on your travel bucket list.

Shoshone Falls

Julie and I were apprehensive when we heard Shoshone Falls is dubbed the “Niagara of the West.” Well, seeing is believing. Much like Niagara, Shoshone Falls may not be the tallest waterfall, but you cannot deny its allure. Shoshone Falls quickly won us over with its raw power and sheer volume. In a word, we were mesmerized.

You will find the 212-foot natural wonder in Twin Falls, less than a two-hour drive southwest of the surreal . Shoshone Falls Park provides various vantage points along the rim and gorge where you can savor the view. We encourage you to try a few of the different perspectives.

Perrine Coulee Falls

A woman looking tiny in the photo stands next to the massive Perrine Coulee Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Our favorite waterfall on the list, Perrine Coulee Falls, gives you the rare opportunity to see the backside of water. That’s right. You can walk behind the plunging waterfall that drops nearly 200 feet over a cliff nestled in the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls. Be warned. You will get wet, but the experience and the views are worth it! Julie and I loved it so much that we went back to see it the following day.

As a bonus, the nearby stretches 1,500 feet across the Snake River, 486 feet above the canyon. Seeing the bridge and the Snake River Canyon took our breath. It is the only bridge in America where BASE jumpers can legally jump year-round. I encourage you to stop by the bridge early in the morning for the best odds of seeing BASE jumpers. It is something we will never forget.

Advertisement

Pillar Falls

Perrine Bridge over Snake River  at Twin Falls,  Idaho, USA

While in Twin Falls, be sure to check out Pillar Falls as well. The best way to reach the natural wonder is by a pontoon boat ride or kayaking from Centennial Waterfront Park, one of the many . Trust me—it is worth it. You gain spectacular views of the Perrine Bridge and the Snake River from the canyon. Keep a watchful eye on the bridge. We were fortunate to witness a BASE jumper during our voyage to Pillar Falls.

Massive rock formations create a unique landscape, resembling pillars that soar above a waterfall shelf. The timing of your visit will impact the size of the falls. Although the waterfall may not be tall during summer, the views and the overall experience are so rewarding that it is still worthwhile.

Minnie Miller Falls

The small town of Hagerman is home to Thousand Springs State Park, which consists of six unique units. One of those units, Ritter Island, sits between two natural springs along the legendary Snake River. Julie and I could not believe how crystal clear the water was in these springs. Surrounded by lush green plants and towering basalt cliffs, you cannot help but gaze in awe.

You will walk across a footbridge to reach the island. After a short stroll on the island, you will discover several streams cascading down a cliff covered with verdant vegetation. It is unique, if not peace-inducing. During your visit, spend a little time touring the historic dairy farm.

Lemmon Falls

Lemmon Falls in southern Idaho

After visiting Minnie Miller Falls, check out Lemmon Falls on the mainland across from Ritter Island. With a short walk, you will observe two gushing streams pour over a bluff, combining into a wide waterfall descending the cliff.

Lemmon Falls is the most impressive of the two waterfalls at Ritter Island. However, both are worth your time. Since these two are so close together, enjoy a morning or afternoon of exploring the natural beauty and history of Ritter Island and Minnie Miller Farm.

Niagara Springs

Part of Thousand Springs State Park, Niagara Springs, is reminiscent of Minnie Miller Falls with a closer vantage point. The drive into a 350-foot-deep section of the Snake River Canyon is half the fun of accessing this waterfall. Please note the narrow road is steep and full of curves. The drive eventually yields a roadside view of white rapids tumbling through lush green cliffside vegetation. Keep a watchful eye. The area is known to attract birds and wildlife.

Advertisement

Malad Gorge and Devil’s Washbowl

The Malad River winds through the famous Malad Gorge under a dramatic sky in southern Idaho.

Many consider Malad Gorge the crown jewel of Thousand Springs State Park. The Malad River, a 12-mile-long tributary of the Snake River, carves a canyon through basalt rock, tumbling over a cliff and into a deep basin called the Devil’s Washbowl.

Julie and I thoroughly enjoyed our time here. We marveled at the massive black rock gorge and spotted quails and yellow-bellied marmots. You can view the gorge by walking across a footbridge and from various overlooks along a short drive through the park.

Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve

Yet another section of Thousand Springs State Park, Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs, requires a hike into its namesake canyon. Along the way, you will savor spectacular views of the canyon. Your reward is a breathtaking scene of a 20-foot waterfall thundering over rocks into a crystal-clear pool of water.

Plan Your Southern Idaho Adventure

Whether you want to discover natural attractions on foot or by car, southern Idaho has it all. Julie and I enjoyed exploring the region’s deep rocky canyons and ancient volcanic formations. Although a surprise, the southern Idaho waterfalls made a lasting impression.

As you plan your adventures, check out our recommended . These are among some of our favorite lodgings throughout the country. Never stop exploring!



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending