An ongoing confidential Internal Affairs investigation into an officer connected to the case of alleged murderer Bryan Kohberger could potentially benefit Kohberger’s defense, according to legal experts. Kohberger was arrested late last year for the murders of four University of Idaho students who were found fatally stabbed in their off-campus residence.
He is currently being held at the Latah County Jail in Idaho as he awaits his preliminary hearing. Recent court documents filed on Monday revealed that Idaho prosecutors have “become aware of potential Brady/Giglio material related to one of the officers involved in the above-referenced case.” The documents further state that the material, obtained through a confidential Internal Affairs investigation, has been submitted to the court “in camera.”
Image of Bryan Kohberger in court
This development means that prosecutors are legally obligated to provide the defense with any information that could potentially exonerate the defendant, strengthen their case, or challenge the credibility of a witness. As Law & Crime Network host Jesse Weber explained on “Dan Abrams Live,” this could have significant implications for the case.
One possibility is that an officer involved in the investigation may have lied or withheld evidence, which could lead to that evidence being deemed inadmissible in court. Alternatively, the officer in question may have a history of misconduct that prosecutors are required to disclose to the defense before a potential cross-examination.
However, the details surrounding the officer and the potential Brady/Giglio material remain undisclosed as the case is currently under seal. Prosecutors have also requested that the judge issue a protective order to prevent the defense from publicly releasing the information.
Kohberger is accused of entering a residence located at 1122 King Road, Moscow, Idaho, on or about November 13, 2022, with the intent to commit the felony crime of murder.
Despite the gravity of the charges against him, reports suggest that Kohberger is closely following his case from jail, watching televised coverage. This behavior, while seemingly unusual, is not entirely surprising, according to Law & Crime Network host and public defender Brian Buckmeyer.
Buckmeyer likens it to checking social media for mentions or tags, stating that it’s natural for someone to want to stay informed about what’s being said about them, especially in a high-profile case.
Kohberger is currently being held in maximum security, separated from the general population at the Latah County Jail. Reports indicate that he has lost a significant amount of weight while incarcerated, despite having access to a television and one hour of outdoor time each day.
He is also permitted to have private prayer sessions with a religious leader. This spiritual inclination is not uncommon among those facing difficult circumstances, as people often turn to faith in times of crisis or when confronting their mortality.
In the aftermath of Kohberger’s arrest, his sisters, Amanda and Melissa, were reportedly let go from their jobs. Melissa worked as a mental health therapist, while Amanda was a working actress.
While none of his family members have visited him in Idaho since his apprehension, they do maintain contact through phone calls. Kohberger’s preliminary hearing, expected to span multiple days, is scheduled for June 26. Following this hearing, Idaho law dictates that Kohberger will enter a plea in relation to the murders.
