Harvard Law Professor Emeritus Alan Dershowitz, renowned for his role in O.J. Simpson’s defense team, recently drew parallels between the trial of Bryan Kohberger and the infamous 1995 Simpson case. 4k4w2n

In a May 2025 appearance on Fox News’ Fox & Friends, Dershowitz described the Kohberger case as “so reminiscent” of Simpson’s, highlighting similarities in defense strategies and the handling of DNA evidence.

The role of DNA in each case 1k6n4g

Dershowitz, who served as an appellate adviser on Simpson’s defense team, sees notable parallels between the two cases. In both, DNA evidence plays a pivotal role. At Kohberger’s trial, the defense team is expected to challenge the integrity of this evidence. Dershowitz emphasized that, as in the Simpson trial, the defense might argue that the DNA evidence was mishandled or contaminated. This could thereby create reasonable doubt, he said.

In the Simpson case, the defense successfully argued that DNA evidence was compromised, leading to Simpson’s acquittal. Dershowitz suggests that Kohberger’s defense might adopt a similar approach to undermine the prosecution’s case.

Furthermore, both the Simpson and Kohberger cases have been subject to intense media scrutiny. This can influence public perception and potentially impact the trial’s outcome. Dershowitz notes that media coverage can shape narratives and affect jury selection, making it imperative for defense teams to manage public relations carefully.

In high-profile cases, the court of public opinion can be as influential as the courtroom itself. Defense teams must navigate media coverage strategically to protect their client’s right to a fair trial.

The Kohberger Idaho 4 case: a brief overview 3a1t2r

Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University, stands accused of the November 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students: Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen. Arrested in December 2022, Kohberger faces a trial that has garnered national attention due to the brutal nature of the crimes and the circumstantial evidence presented by prosecutors.

Kohberger and the O.J. Simpson trial 2p34h

Dershowitz advocates for a defense strategy that begins with the presumption of guilt. He believes that by assuming their client’s guilt, defense attorneys can more effectively identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop strategies to counter them. This approach, he argues, allows for a more thorough examination of the evidence and the development of a robust defense.

In the context of the Kohberger case, this strategy would involve a meticulous review of the prosecution’s evidence, including DNA findings, cell phone records, and surveillance footage. By identifying potential flaws or inconsistencies, the defense can craft arguments that cast doubt on Kohberger’s guilt.

The family of one of the Idaho 4 victims, Kaylee Goncalves, is facing renewed controversy, not over the murder trial itself, but over a Facebook memorial page dedicated to Kaylee and her best friend, Madison Mogen. The page was reportedly removed after allegations surfaced that some posts may have crossed the line into incitement to violence.

The memorial page, reportedly run by Kaylee’s mother, was described by Reddit s as a heartfelt space intended to honor the lives of the slain students and provide a community of . One Redditor described the group as “a sweet page… to memorialize and share memories and pictures of Maddie & Kaylee.” They added, “They sometimes talk about feelings about the trial, but nothing reportable in any world. These people reporting them are absolutely going after victims’ families.”

Were “Kho-Bros” responsible? 676h5p

The Facebook page’s removal appears to have been prompted by allegations of inciting violence. According to posts circulating on Reddit and X, “Kho-Bros”—vocal online defenders of Bryan Kohberger—claimed the page was taken down because it included language about wanting to see Kohberger executed if found guilty. One Reddit summed up the controversy by quoting the Kho-Bros: “ … the Kho-bros say it was because they talked about wanting to help execute Kohberger post-conviction.”

Goncalves family: Kohberger “deserves to die” d5l27

It’s worth noting that the Goncalves family has been outspoken about the manner of justice they believe Kohberger should face if convicted. According to Reddit, the Goncalves family has said Kohberger should “die in the same manner as his victims,” a sentiment that has divided public opinion. According to CBS News, Goncalves’ mother said in court that if Kohberger is guilty, then “he deserves to die.”

Some view this reaction from grieving parents as understandable. Others have raised concerns about the potential implications of such statements, especially on public platforms.

This development comes amid an already emotionally charged legal process. Bryan Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student, is currently awaiting trial for the brutal November 2022 slayings of four University of Idaho students: Goncalves, Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Kohberger was arrested in December 2022 and charged with four counts of first-degree murder.

“IMHO the supposedly offensive posts were tame” 4z2p6i

ers of the family argue that the posts in question were made in the heat of grief and should be seen through that lens. “IMHO the supposedly offensive posts were tame given how their daughter died,” one Redditor commented, echoing the sentiments of many who frequent the memorial page.

Others argue that the platform should be cautious with posts that could be interpreted as encouraging violence, even when made by grieving families. Social media companies have strict guidelines about content that can be construed as violent threats or incitement, especially in high-profile criminal cases that attract intense public scrutiny.

The removal of the page has sparked renewed debate over the balance between free expression and responsible discourse, particularly in online spaces where emotions run high. For the Goncalves family, the page was not just a place to mourn but a vital outlet for sharing memories, coping with trauma, and staying connected with a community that ed them. “I have visited the page many times and it really seems like the really helps her mom,” noted another Reddit .

In a twist that could upend one of the most chilling murder cases in recent U.S. history, Bryan Kohberger’s defense attorney, Anne Taylor, is leveraging explosive revelations from NBC’s Dateline and demanding a crucial delay in his highly anticipated trial.

With the nation watching, new questions swirl over media leaks, potential jury bias, and the very foundation of the prosecution’s case.

Trial delay could be the defense’s trump card f1xd

Taylor, the lead defense attorney for Bryan Kohberger—the man accused of brutally murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022—is fighting to push the trial beyond its scheduled August 2025 start date. Citing a deluge of new evidence, media interference, and a looming book release that may breach the court’s gag order, Taylor asserts that the trial must be postponed to uphold Kohberger’s right to a fair defense.

Her motion contends that rushing to trial would violate Kohberger’s constitutional protections. According to the defense, new evidence has surfaced, requiring extensive review. More significantly, Taylor highlights the serious impact of the Dateline NBC episode, which allegedly aired confidential case details that neither the prosecution nor the defense had publicly released.

Judge Steven Hippler has responded by launching an internal inquiry into whether sealed case materials were leaked, demanding both parties identify who may have breached the gag order. This could not only delay the trial but also upend the credibility of the prosecution if media interference is confirmed.

Dateline bombshells shake the case 1t324v

The Dateline episode, which aired in early 2025, triggered immediate backlash and speculation. The special featured exclusive interviews, unseen footage, and shocking claims about Kohberger’s behavior and alleged planning before the murders.

One of the most controversial aspects was the inclusion of statements and case information that appeared to originate from undisclosed sources. Taylor insists these details—potentially prejudicial and unvetted—could poison the jury pool and infringe on her client’s right to a presumption of innocence.

Critics of the episode say it may have tainted public opinion just months before trial proceedings, and some legal experts warn that such media exposure could form grounds for mistrial if not handled swiftly and decisively.

Adding fuel to the fire is an true-crime book by a former law enforcement official closely following the case, which reportedly includes behind-the-scenes insights. Taylor has expressed concern that this publication, too, may violate the gag order and further complicate trial fairness.

The “alternative perpetrators” argument 11562n

In a move that could significantly reshape the courtroom narrative, Anne Taylor has also indicated plans to pursue an “alternative perpetrator” defense. This strategy suggests that someone else—possibly unknown parties—may have committed the murders, casting doubt on Kohberger’s involvement.

While specifics remain under wraps due to the gag order, legal filings reveal that Taylor is actively investigating other potential suspects and motives. Legal experts say this approach, if executed effectively, could plant reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors, especially if the defense can demonstrate that investigators overlooked or dismissed viable suspects in their rush to charge Kohberger.

In a stunning twist that could flip the entire case on its head, Bryan Kohberger’s defense attorney, Anne Taylor, has unleashed a bold legal maneuver that might just set the accused Idaho student killer free.

By introducing explosive “alternative perpetrator” evidence at the eleventh hour, Taylor has made a high-stakes gamble that could shatter the prosecution’s case and transform Kohberger from the nation’s most notorious murder suspect to a man acquitted of all charges.

Kohberger’s alleged crimes shocked the nation 492q5x

Kohberger stands accused of the vicious murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, four University of Idaho students whose lives were brutally cut short in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022.

The gruesome crime shocked the nation, triggering a massive investigation that ultimately led to Kohberger’s arrest. The case against him appears formidable, hinging on DNA evidence found on a knife sheath at the crime scene, cell phone data placing him near the house, and surveillance footage capturing his white Hyundai Elantra in the area that night.

But despite the mountain of circumstantial evidence, Kohberger has steadfastly maintained his innocence, setting the stage for a dramatic courtroom showdown.

In a move straight out of a legal thriller, Taylor has now thrown down the gauntlet, suggesting that someone else may be the real killer. Known as “alternative perpetrator” evidence, this tactic isn’t just a shot in the dark – it’s a calculated strike designed to sow the seeds of doubt in the minds of jurors.

Under the rules of criminal law, this approach requires more than mere speculation; Taylor must present a plausible alternative theory ed by credible evidence. If successful, it could gut the prosecution’s case, forcing them to scramble as the defense shifts the narrative in real time.

While the specifics of this evidence remain shrouded in secrecy, legal experts suggest that it could involve forensic findings, witness testimony, or digital footprints that cast doubt on Kohberger’s involvement.

Whatever the details, Taylor’s strategy is clear: convince at least one juror that the state’s version of events doesn’t add up, and Kohberger could walk free.

Judge Hippler said: Show me the evidence f4439

The move gained significant traction when Judge Steven Hippler, presiding over the case, ruled that Taylor’s alternative perpetrator evidence could be introduced at trial. This decision marks a critical victory for the defense, allowing them to fully explore this high-risk, high-reward tactic.

However, the judge made it clear that the defense must back up their claims with concrete facts, not just speculative theories. If Taylor overplays her hand, it could backfire spectacularly, potentially strengthening the prosecution’s case if the jury views it as a desperate Hail Mary.

This last-minute move has already shaken up the courtroom dynamics. If Taylor can present a compelling case that someone else could have committed the murders, the jury could acquit Kohberger, delivering a stunning blow to the prosecution and sending shockwaves through the legal community.

, the burden of proof lies with the state – they must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a daunting task if Taylor can introduce credible, alternative explanations for the crime.

Of course, this gambit carries substantial risk. If the alternative perpetrator theory fails to resonate with jurors, it could undermine the credibility of Kohberger’s entire defense, effectively sealing his fate.

As the trial approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the courtroom drama is only set to intensify as both sides prepare for a legal battle that could redefine the boundaries of reasonable doubt.

For now, Taylor’s bold maneuver has thrown the prosecution off balance and forced them to rethink their game plan. The question remains – will this daring strategy prove to be Kohberger’s lifeline, or merely the last gasp of a desperate defense team?

In the early hours of Nov. 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were brutally stabbed to death in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. 

The suspect, Bryan Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University, was arrested on Dec. 30, 2022, and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary.

A recent episode of NBC’s Dateline, which aired on May 10, 2025, introduced a compelling theory from prosecutors: Kernodle may have bravely confronted the killer. They suggest that upon hearing noises upstairs, Kernodle went to investigate, leading to a confrontation that caused the assailant to chase her back downstairs. During this pursuit, the killer allegedly dropped a knife sheath—a critical piece of evidence.

Despite fleeing the killer, Kernodle was brutally attacked and murdered. Her boyfriend, Chapin, was asleep in her bed, possibly ed out drunk, when he was killed with a blow to the artery, according to the Dateline episode. Dateline also says the suspects, who prosecutors allege is Kohberger, “carved” Chapin’s lower legs in the attack in a so far unexplained act of cruelty.

Another chilling detail revealed in the show is that prosecutors say the murderer sat in a chair in Kernodle’s room based on blood evidence discovered on the seat.

The knife sheath is a crucial piece of evidence 6c4p3

Kernodle sadly died, but if she hadn’t checked on her friends, the killer may have never dropped the knife sheath, greatly affecting the possible outcome of the case. The knife sheath, found at the crime scene, contained DNA that was instrumental in identifying Kohberger as the suspect. Investigators used genetic genealogy techniques to match the DNA on the sheath to Kohberger, providing a direct link between him and the murders. Kernodle’s courageous actions may have inadvertently provided the crucial evidence needed to bring her alleged killer to justice.

Kohberger’s trial is scheduled to begin on August 11, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, following a venue change due to concerns about local bias. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. He pleaded not guilty. The Dateline episode, titled “The Terrible Night on King Road,” offers in-depth coverage of the case, including interviews and analysis. It is available for streaming on Peacock and NBC’s digital platforms.

Newly released court documents have unveiled a chilling aspect of the ongoing investigation into Bryan Kohberger, the 30-year-old criminology Ph.D. student accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022.

According to an NBC News Dateline episode “The Terrible Night on King Road” premiering May 9, Kohberger’s internet search history included such as “drugged,” “ed out,” “forced,” and “sleeping,” suggesting a disturbing preoccupation with nonconsensual acts.

According to People, authorities also revealed that Kohberger conducted online searches related to infamous serial killer Ted Bundy, further deepening concerns about his psychological state leading up to the crimes. 

These findings were part of a broader investigation that included surveillance footage and cell phone data placing Kohberger near the victims’ residence multiple times before the murders.

The “Holly” text 6k2k4o

According to the Idaho 4 Dateline episode, Kohberger also sent a “peculiar” text to another graduate student at Washington State University.

That student, Holly, says she met Kohberger at a pool party in July 2022. During their conversation, Kohberger mentioned he had recently moved to the area to begin his Ph.D. studies. Holly, enrolled in a plant science graduate program, shared information about a hiking group she was part of, and the two exchanged phone numbers. 

The following day, Holly received a text message from Kohberger that she described as “peculiar” and “almost overly formal.” The message read, “Hey I am pretty sure we spoke about hiking trips yesterday. I really enjoy that activity so please let me know. Thanks!” Reflecting on the message, Holly noted that its tone was unusually formal for a casual follow-up after a social event.

The Idaho 4 case t604i

The victims—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were found stabbed to death in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. Police arrested Kohberger in December 202s. He has pleaded not guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. His trial will begin on August 11, 2025, in Ada County. 

The revelation of Kohberger’s internet search history adds a new layer to the prosecution’s case, painting a picture of a suspect with a potential fascination for control and violence. As the trial approaches, these details are expected to play a significant role in the courtroom proceedings.

Accused quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger has an alleged fangirl, according to TikTok: a woman several posts say is named Rochelle Boring who, at a recent Kohberger court appearance, threw heart hands and made kissy faces at Kohberger when someone took her picture.

Otherwise, it’s unclear who she is. It’s also uncertain whether she made those expressions at Kohberger or perhaps at the camera. TikTok is certain, however, that Kohberger — accused of the brutal quadruple murder of University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022 — is her target.

According to TikToker Mimifinglou, Boring sat behind Bryan for several days in court. Mimifinglou alleges Boring smuggled in “hard lemonades” or possibly energy drinks to the courtroom, and that she belongs to the Idaho 4 Case Discussion group on Facebook. Mimifinglou says in another post that Boring was asked to leave a recent Kohberger court appearance as several security guards escorted her.

@mimifinglou #greenscreen Meet Rochelle Boring #bryankohberger #idaho4 #kayleegoncalves #idaho #ethanchapin #xanakornodel #maddiemogen #rochelleboring ♬ original sound – MiMiF-ingLou

Boring might have some competition 3k4i5l

Who knows if what Mimifinglou says is true, but it wouldn’t be the first time Kohberger has had a secret irer, as strange as that seems. Shortly after Kohberger’s arrest, Kentucky single mother, Brittney J. Hislope, began posting extensively on Facebook about her feelings for him, referring to him as her “divine masculine,” “twin flame,” and “soulmate.” She claims to have sent him numerous letters and photographs, expressing deep emotional and romantic interest despite never having met him.

Hislope’s posts are often lengthy and introspective, detailing her thoughts and feelings about Kohberger. She has expressed concerns about whether her letters are reaching him and has discussed her desire for a connection with him. Her fascination with Kohberger has drawn public attention and commentary from mental health professionals. For instance, psychiatrist Carole Lieberman wrote an open letter to Hislope, suggesting that her infatuation may stem from personal emotional struggles and advising her to seek therapy. ​

This phenomenon, where individuals develop romantic feelings for accused or convicted criminals, is not unprecedented. Such attractions can be linked to various psychological factors. Those include a desire to connect with someone perceived as misunderstood or a fascination with the notoriety surrounding high-profile cases.

Kohberger’s April court appearances 4p6519

Judge rules prosecutors can seek death penalty against Bryan Kohberger if he is convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students, despite autism diagnosis. https://t.co/9HlSbIAPNV

— The Associated Press (@AP) April 24, 2025

Bryan Kohberger appeared in a Boise courtroom due to a change of venue in his trial. Originally set to take place in Moscow, Idaho. Judge Steven Hippler granted the defense motion, citing concerns over prejudicial media coverage potentially affecting jury impartiality, and the trial was relocated to Boise in September 2024. The trial is scheduled to begin on August 11, 2025, with jury selection starting on July 30.

In April 2025, Kohberger’s court appearances in Boise, Idaho, addressed several critical pretrial matters in preparation for his trial. Among other developments, Judge Steven Hippler ruled that prosecutors could pursue the death penalty against Kohberger despite his diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Bryan Kohberger stands accused of the brutal murders of four university students. However, new evidence has revealed shocking DNA evidence which could really help his defense in the trial.

The brutal slaying of the four students in Moscow, Idaho, occurred way back in November 2022. The mystery that ensued brought out every armchair detective on TikTok and they all had their own theories. After weeks of investigation Kohberger was arrested by police and charged with the murders after his DNA was found on the sheath of a knife at the murder scene. This gave police probable cause, and it’s ittedly a pretty solid piece of evidence. But there’s more to the story. 

Kohberger was due to stand trial way back in October 2023, but his defense attorney, Anne Taylor, has sought numerous extensions and many defense strategies, now it’s expected he will appear in court in August of this year. If found guilty he could face the death penalty, however, Taylor is confident that new DNA evidence will provide enough reasonable doubt to get him off the hook.

What is the evidence? 701o1k

The DNA of two unknown males were discovered in the house, and male DNA was also found on a glove outside the house. According to an article from the Idaho Statesman, these samples were not run through CODIS, the FBI’s national DNA database as they were apparently not eligible. Last month’s public court hearing revealed that the two samples in the house came from blood while the third male DNA sample is unclear.

The issue is that none of this was disclosed to the judge back in December 2022 when the warrant was initially sought for Kohberger’s arrest. Taylor argues that the decision effectively amounted to an omission of evidence that could affect the judge’s decision when deciding probable cause. The question is whether or not there’s enough reasonable doubt to allow Kohberger to avoid being prosecuted.

Could this new evidence really exonerate Bryan Kohberger? j561x

Kohberger’s legal team is challenging the search warrants and the evidence found with them in a Franks hearing, which is essentially a hearing that challenges the validity of search warrant affidavits. It essentially aims to find out if an officer lied in order to obtain the search warrant. Taylor argues that the omitted evidence proves Kohberger’s claims of innocence stating that the additional context throws doubt over the probable cause.

“It’s these other things that are withheld that create a context around it. … Do we want to have one thing with no context around it when there’s this other context that really matters?”

Of course, it’s hard to argue with the evidence that seems to directly connect Kohberger to the crime. Ada County District Judge, Steven Hippler claims that the new evidence changes nothing, “How does that, even if disclosed, preclude a finding of probable cause when there’s a DNA match between the DNA on the sheath and Mr. Kohberger?”

Kohberger’s attorney’s have also claimed that none of what was seized during the police searches actually connect him to the location where the crime took place. However, Hippler argues that none of this absolves Kohberger but it might suggest that there are more suspects who need to be investigated.

Idaho 4 murder suspect Bryan Kohberger has been investigated for another Moscow, ID area home invasion that happened months before four University of Idaho students were brutally murdered in their home.

Kohberger has been cleared in the earlier case, but legal experts say news of the investigation could create reasonable doubt that Kohberger is guilty of the Moscow crime.

According to ABC 7 New York, a woman in Pullman, WA, less than 10 miles from Moscow, reported a masked man broke into her home with a knife around 3:30am, a few months before the University of Idaho students were murdered in November 2022.

The woman told police she kicked him in the stomach, and he ran. Police were unable to find any evidence or name a suspect in the case.

Kohberger doesn’t match that intruder’s description 714n6o

Details of what the woman said happened are similar to what prosecutors allege Kohberger did when he broke into an off-campus home in Moscow and then stabbed and killed Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves.

The Pullman intruder, however, was described as around 5-foot-5-inches tall while Kohberger is 6 feet tall, and Kohberger had not yet enrolled at Washington State University in Pullman when the earlier break-in happened.

A Reddit comment noted, however, “[Kohberger] was listed as a person of interest because the school he attended was having enrollment events during that weekend.” But Kohberger had reportedly not yet visited the campus. The Pullman home invasion has been closed but remains unsolved.

Kohberger was linked to the Idaho 4 murder scene through DNA recovered from a knife sheath found at the home, a description from a surviving roommate inside the home when the murders happened that matched Kohberger, and security footage that showed the same kind of car that Kohberger owned near the crime scene around the same time the murders happened. Prosecutors say Kohberger turned his phone data off while in Moscow.

Casting reasonable doubt on Kohberger’s guilt 3sek

Referring to the Pullman home invasion, ABC News legal analyst Brian Buckmire noted while Kohberger was cleared, his defense would likely use the earlier home invasion report to cast reasonable doubt on Kohberger’s guilt, but there was no guarantee the judge in the case would allow it as evidence.

Despite the Kohberger evidence, many online insist he’s innocent. ” … [A]ll the prosecution has (that’s publicly available) is Kohberger near the scene of the crime and DNA evidence found on a knife sheath at the crime scene,” one Reddit comment said.

The comment also noted investigators never found a murder weapon, no DNA evidence in the car, no DNA evidence on his clothing, and no definitive evidence Kohberger was at the crime scene at the time of the murders.

The comment added, “Kohberger also has no motive for committing the crime and no known ties to the victims. A motive, either rational or irrational, is necessary to act; without a motive, there can be no action and the prosecution has yet to state a motive theory.”

Meanwhile, referring to the earlier Pullman break-in report, an X comment said, ” … Actually, it makes me think they got the wrong dude possibly now. Or at least leads me to question BK’s arrest more. Same everything 1 year prior.” Still, Kohberger is the only suspect so far named in the case.

Kohberger’s defense has offered an alibi for the night of the murders. “Mr. Kohberger was out driving in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022; as he often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars,” his defense team said.

However, according to the prosecution, “… [T]he State is aware that the defendant was driving around rural areas of Whitman County, Washington, and Latah County, Idaho, during the early morning hours of November 13, 2022. In fact, the defendant’s travels during that time are described in the original Probable Cause Affidavit ing the Criminal Complaint in this case.”

Kohberger never entered a plea but told the judge he looked forward to being exonerated. The judge entered a not-guilty plea on Kohberger’s behalf. Kohberger’s trial is expected to start in Boise, ID, in August 2025.

John “Jack” Showalter was arrested on Nov. 3 for “disturbing the peace” in Ada County, Idaho, where Boise is located. While the charges appear unrelated, Showalter was seen in food truck livestream footage near Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen the night the Idaho State University students were brutally murdered at their home in Moscow, Idaho.

Two years before Showalter’s arrest, Goncalves and Mogen, along with ISU students Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle, were viciously stabbed and killed at their Moscow home. The victims are now commonly known as the “Idaho 4.” Then-28-year-old Bryan Kohberger, a Washington State University criminology student in Pullman, WA, not far from Moscow, was arrested and charged with the quadruple murder.

Now known by some internet detectives as the “Food Truck Guy,” some think Showalter, now 24, may have followed Goncalves and Moden and even argued with the young women based on how some perceive his behavior in the food truck footage the same night the murders happened. No other evidence suggests that’s the case, and Showalter has not been charged with any crime.

Police have cleared Showalter 5d4l52

Multiple reports say police spoke with Showalter and cleared him of any involvement in the shocking ISU murders that rocked the nation, but unfounded online conspiracy theories have persisted that Kohberger is innocent and Showalter, among other potential suspects, could be guilty. Suspicions ran rampant enough that the unconfirmed theory was covered in mainstream media.

Moreover, debunked rumors spread online that Showalter left Moscow late that same night and then flew to Africa, but there are no official sources of information to if that’s true, and those two stories are now believed to be fake.

But furthering the speculation, Showalter’s recent arrest revealed his middle name is “Rodgers.” As those who have followed the Idaho 4 case will recall, “Pappa Rodgers” is a social media alias from someone who seemed to post information about the case before it was publicly available. Some have speculated that Kohberger could be “Pappa Rodgers.”

“A young guy doing something stupid” n2c5d

Despite what could be a coincidence as far as Showalter’s middle name — or as true-crime TikToker Matt Thibodeau speculates, something done intentionally by the person who established the Pappa Rodgers to throw investigators off his track — Rodgers doesn’t match the description of the surviving Idaho 4 roommate who said she saw the attacker with “bushy eyebrows.” Showalter’s alibi also checked out, multiple reports have said.

There’s no further publicly available information about why Showalter was arrested in Ada County, so there’s no reason to think it is related in any way to the Moscow murders. As Thibodeau points out, the likeliest explanation is that Showalter was “a young guy doing something stupid.”

The incident happened around 1:30am on Nov. 3, and it’s unclear if Showalter is still in custody. Disturbing the peace is a misdemeanor in Ada County. No one else besides Kohberger has been charged in the case. Kohberger was linked to the crimes through DNA evidence, and his trial is set to start next summer in Boise, ID.

The following article contains detailed descriptions of murder. Please read with caution.

The family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of four University of Idaho students brutally stabbed and killed in Nov. 2022, has spoken out about the crime scene where Goncalves and the others were found, and what it’s been like awaiting the trial of Bryan Kohberger, the man who stands accused of killing them.

The Goncalves family’s most recent comment came in an interview with ABC News. Goncalves’ mother, Kristi Goncalves, said the family was desperate for Kohberger’s trial to begin, adding that Goncalves’ relatives feel like they’re in limbo. According to Goncalves’ dad, Steve Goncalves, the gag order regarding the high-profile case only fueled online speculation and conspiracy theories.

Steve said, “[Information about the case] keeps being locked away from the people, and it encourages — it, pretty much, manifests — an environment where speculations and rumors and conspiracies thrive.”

Goncalves and the three other students were murdered in their off-campus home, and in Dec. 2023, the house was torn down. According to the Goncalves family, that decision destroyed “one of the most critical pieces of evidence in the case” (via ABC News).

Goncalves fought back, but was trapped 3hc6r

In their ABC News interview, Kaylee Goncalves’ parents also described the position of Goncalves’ body when it was discovered. She was trapped in the room, which was almost entirely taken up by the bed, and evidence suggests that Kaylee fought back against her assailant, her parents said.

Kaylee’s mom, Kristi told the outlet,

“The side where Kaylee was, was up against the wall. And if you can imagine, Kaylee, in an upright sort of position – up in the corner – slumped. I mean she was trapped … The bed was the entire room. You could barely open up the door without swiping the foot of the bed … The headboard was up against the wall.”

via the Independent

Steve Goncalves, meanwhile, told CBS News in Sept. 2023 that evidence suggested Kaylee woke up and tried to escape before she was assaulted and stabbed.

Goncalves mom thinks Kohberger didn’t expect two people to be there 5y5t1

In that same Sept. 2023 interview with CBS News, Kristi Goncalves went on to add that, in her opinion, Bryan Kohberger didn’t expect to find Kaylee Goncalves’ friend, Maddie Mogen, in bed with their daughter when he attacked. Mogen also died that night. Kohberger, meanwhile, had likely been inside the house before, Kristi said.

“I do think that his plan went awry. I do think that — you know — he intended to kill one and killed four … I think he at least had opened that door, went in, tested the waters, looked around,” she added.

Along with Mogen and Goncalves, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle, who were all in their 20s and students at U of I, were murdered that night. Two housemates were not attacked and survived. The judge in the case entered a not-guilty plea on Kohberger’s behalf. As of this report, the Idaho 4 murder case could go to trial in the summer of 2024. If convicted, Kohberger could face the death penalty.

In Jan. 2024, Bryan Kohberger was set to stand trial for the brutal murder of four University of Idaho students in their off-campus home. In Dec. 2023, TikToker and true crime expert Casey Lytle, an adjunct psychology and sociology instructor at Centralia College in Washington, weighed in on Kohberger’s guilt.

Shortly after Kohberger’s Dec. 2022 arrest for a crime that shocked the nation, discussions started on Reddit and social media about whether Kohberger did it. Among other evidence, DNA found on a knife sheath was declared likely to belong to Kohberger, according to the investigation. Meanwhile, some think Kohberger’s DNA was planted at the scene.

Kohberger, with no known connection to the victims in the case, is accused of killing Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Maddie Mogen in an early morning knife attack. Kohberger, a Ph.D. student at Washington State University near Moscow, Idaho, “stood silent” in court. The judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf.

Kohberger was held without bail 4o6a5r

While explaining his rationale for thinking Kohberger is guilty, TikToker Casey Lytle, a true-crime author and expert, explained that when Kohberger was arrested, he was held without bail. As far as innocent until proven guilty, when defendants are held without bail, “that whole thing is out the door. The only real question is what’s your punishment going to be unless your defense can get you out of it,” Lytle said.

All the evidence points to Kohberger 3q5e2b

Meanwhile, Lytle says all the evidence in the case says Kohberger did it, and no evidence has emerged that anyone else might have been involved. The Idaho 4 had housemates at home when Kohberger allegedly stabbed and killed the victims, and since their deaths, some think those acquaintances who were unharmed could know more than they’ve said.

According to online conspiracy theories, other possible culprits include a DoorDash driver, and some think there may be a drug connection. “The reason that any of that looks suspicious,” Lytle told TikTok, “is because we don’t have all the data that the police have. We just have what has been released to the general public.”

If the Idaho 4 case goes to trial, Lytle added, we’ll have all the evidence linking Kohberger to the crime, “and we’ll see why those things aren’t mysterious.”

Referring to the DNA evidence against Kohberger, his defense team has said:

“Presumably, the defense is expected to accept at face value that the sheath had touch DNA just waiting for testing by all the FBI’s myriad resources. Additionally, the defense is to guess whether the state focused its investigation on Mr. Kohberger via bizarrely complex DNA tree experiment or through its faulty identification of the vehicle involved in this case.”

via Fox 10 Phoenix

The death penalty is on the table 493g50

In Lytle’s opinion, prosecutors in the Kohberger case would also not have sought the death penalty, as they have, unless the case was, in their view, open-and-shut. Meanwhile, Lytle said Kohberger’s defense has acted as if they represent a guilty person. According to Lytle, Kohberger’s defense would have petitioned the court to set bail if there was “bombshell” evidence.

On Kohberger’s alibi, or some other revelation proving he didn’t do it, Kohberger’s defense team has stated:

“Evidence corroborating Mr. Kohberger being at a location other than the [murder scene] address will be disclosed pursuant to discovery and evidentiary rules as well as statutory requirements. It is anticipated this evidence may be offered by way of cross-examination of witnesses produced by the State as well as calling expert witnesses.”

via Fox 10 Phoenix

Did Kohberger have a partner? 6k6n5c

One popular theory related to Kohberger is that he had a partner in the gruesome string of murders, and on that topic, Lytle said, based on what we know about Kohberger, he is “not the type to play with others.”

On the multiple suspect theory, however, Porkncheeseblonde wrote on Reddit:

“As far as I’m concerned, [Kohberger’s] innocent until they disclose the second suspect that is likely being concealed due to his employment with the university … The employee was killed by SWAT in December, the same day BK [Kohberger] took off for PA and they began following him, so until all is on the table, nobody should be in custody.

“The only reason we aren’t hearing about the potential (to be proper) second suspect is because 1) he’s deceased and 2) to relieve the university of liability and business interruption which, is not a valid excuse IMO. So, I’ll wait for everybody to start being honest before pointing fingers at anyone.”

via Why Bryan Kohberger Is Not Guilty/Reddit

In Dec. 2022, about a month after the U of I murders, Spokane, Washington news outlet KHQ.com reported that 36-year-old Brent Kopacka was shot and killed by officers after an hours-long standoff near the Washington State University campus, where Kohberger was enrolled in a doctorate program in criminology. Authorities said at the time that Kopacka was not involved in the Moscow case.

On the topic of multiple suspects, however, Lytle told TikTok, “That’s been debunked long ago because when you think about that, who would have been around to hear that, and would it have been a person who ed that on to media?”

Before the murders, Kohberger had recently moved into the Moscow, Idaho area, Lytle added, and the “Kohberger-type would not have hooked up with anyone else to carry out anything like this,” he said.