Current:Home > BackMan accused of killing 4 university students in Idaho loses bid to have indictment tossed-LoTradeCoin
Man accused of killing 4 university students in Idaho loses bid to have indictment tossed
View Date:2024-12-23 20:10:39
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The grand jury indictment of a man charged with killing four University of Idaho students was conducted properly and will stand, a judge has ruled.
Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at a rental home near the university campus in Moscow, Idaho, last year. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted.
But earlier this year, Kohberger’s team of defense attorneys filed motions asking the judge to throw out the indictment, alleging that the prosecution improperly withheld evidence from grand jurors. Kohberger’s lawyers also said the jurors were biased and that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to justify the indictment. A document detailing the basis for some of the defense claims was sealed, and the judge closed the hearing on the matter to the public.
After reviewing transcripts, recordings and other evidence from the secret grand jury proceedings, Second District Judge John Judge rejected those arguments in a written ruling issued late Friday.
“The grand jury is not a trial jury. Its function is to screen whether or not there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial,” Judge wrote in documents uploaded to the state court website on Monday. He said the grand jury met that standard and the proceeding was held in accordance with Idaho case law and the state and federal constitutions.
In Idaho, grand jury proceedings are held in secret. Generally, the prosecutor presents evidence to the jurors, who have the power to call and question witnesses and seek other evidence. The grand jurors aren’t required to hear any evidence in favor of the defendant, and neither the defendant nor their attorney has to be informed of the proceeding.
Not all Idaho criminal cases are handled by grand juries. Often, prosecutors choose to utilize a preliminary hearing instead. Preliminary hearings are public, and defense attorneys are given a chance to present their own witnesses and evidence and challenge the case presented by the prosecutor. There are no juries in preliminary hearings — instead, a magistrate judge decides is there is enough evidence to justify the sending the case to district court for trial.
Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University, which is a short drive from the scene of the killings across the state border. He was arrested at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania, and the unusual details of the case have drawn widespread interest. Investigators pieced together DNA evidence, cellphone data and surveillance video that they say links Kohberger to the slayings.
veryGood! (2716)
Related
- Chipotle unveils cilantro-scented soap, 'water' cup candles in humorous holiday gift line
- Woman accuses Dak Prescott of sexual assault after Cowboys QB sues her on extortion claim
- Kentucky GOP moves to criminalize interference with legislature after transgender protests
- Another mayoral contender killed in Mexico, 6th politician murdered this year ahead of national elections
- The state that cleared the way for sports gambling now may ban ‘prop’ bets on college athletes
- Monica Sementilli and Robert Baker jail love affair reveals evidence of murder conspiracy, say prosecutors
- Get $95 Good American Pants for $17, Plus More Major Deals To Keep Up With Khloé Kardashian's Style
- Bhad Bhabie Gives Birth, Welcomes First Baby With Boyfriend Le Vaughn
- Jason Statham Shares Rare Family Photos of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Their Kids on Vacation
- Michigan fires basketball coach, 'Fab Five' legend Juwan Howard after five seasons
Ranking
- Mike Tomlin's widely questioned QB switch to Russell Wilson has quieted Steelers' critics
- British Airways Concorde aircraft sails the Hudson: See photos, video of move
- Man shot with his own gun, critically wounded in fight aboard New York City subway, police say
- Supreme Court rules public officials can sometimes be sued for blocking critics on social media
- Martha Stewart playfully pushes Drew Barrymore away in touchy interview
- Fulton County DA Fani Willis must step aside or remove special prosecutor in Trump case, judge says
- Savannah Chrisley Shares Why Parents Todd and Julie Chrisley Still Haven't Spoken Since Entering Prison
- Watch David Beckham Laugh Off a Snowboarding Fail During Trip With Son Cruz
Recommendation
-
Lunchables get early dismissal: Kraft Heinz pulls the iconic snack from school lunches
-
Barbiecore? Cottagecore? What does 'core' mean in slang and why can't we stop using it
-
Drew Barrymore, those menopause supplements she's raving about and what experts want you to know
-
These Republicans won states that Trump lost in 2020. Their endorsements are lukewarm (or withheld)
-
Veterans face challenges starting small businesses but there are plenty of resources to help
-
Another mayoral contender killed in Mexico, 6th politician murdered this year ahead of national elections
-
Barbiecore? Cottagecore? What does 'core' mean in slang and why can't we stop using it
-
Jimmie Allen and former manager agree to drop lawsuits following sexual assault claim