Bryan Kohberger: Father of Idaho murders victim says she was ‘trapped’ as judge considers camera ban
Both the defence and the prosecution have asked to restrict cameras as the case of the brutal slayings of four University of Idaho students continues to attract national attention
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The father of a University of Idaho murder victim has claimed there was evidence that his daughter tried to escape her murderer.
Families of the victims spoke with CBS News’ Peter Van Sant for a special on the murders that will be aired on Saturday. It comes just days after the sole suspect in the Moscow quadruple murders, Bryan Kohberger, appeared in court for a hearing where a judge heard arguments on cameras in the courtroom.
“There’s evidence to show that she awakened and tried to get out of that situation, [but] she was assaulted and stabbed,” Steve Goncalves said of his daughter, Kaylee Goncalves.
On Wednesday, both the defence and the prosecution asked to restrict cameras as the brutal slayings of four university students continue to attract national attention. The hearing ended with no decision on the matter.
Latah County District Judge John Judge said other trials with cameras have “spun out of control” and that what is happening is “not entertainment, [but] a tragic issue.”
Mr Kohberger, the former criminology PhD student, was indicted earlier this year in the November 2022 killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.
Who is Bryan Kohberger? The criminology graduate charged with the Idaho college murders
Speculation and rumour have swirled in the months following Bryan Kohberger’s arrest, as conspiracists and armchair detectives paint all manner of pictures of the accused killer.
But who really is the former PhD student?
The Independent’s Sheila Flynn reports:
Who is Bryan Kohberger?
Speculation and rumour have swirled in the months following Bryan Kohberger’s arrest, as conspiracists and armchair detectives paint all manner of pictures of the accused killer. But who really is the former PhD student? Sheila Flynn reports
Bryan Kohberger’s defence claims media are ‘focusing on his crotch’
On 24 August, Mr Kohberger’s attorney Anne Taylor argued that past footage from his court appearances had focused heavily on his crotch.
“Mr. Kohberger is entitled to defend himself against capital criminal charges without cameras focused on his fly,” his attorney wrote, adding that the media had been previously warned not to focus solely on Mr Kohberger but “failed” to comply.
A group of media outlets have pushed back on the defence’s request motion, asking the judge to allow cameras to remain. They argued that no photographic or film coverage had focused on his fly.
“Although Mr. Kohberger argues that he is ‘entitled to defend himself against capital charges without cameras focused on his fly,’ that assertion misstates the role that courtroom camera coverage played in the X social media post that appears at page 3 of his motion. No photographs or camera coverage focused on Mr. Kohberger’s ‘fly,’” it states.
Kaylee Goncalves’s father said she tried to escape murderer
Families of the victims spoke with CBS News’ Peter Van Sant for a special on the murders that will be aired on Saturday.
It comes just days after the sole suspect in the Moscow quadruple murders, Bryan Kohberger, appeared in court for a hearing where a judge heard arguments on cameras in the courtroom.
“There’s evidence to show that she awakened and tried to get out of that situation, [but] she was assaulted and stabbed,” Steve Goncalves said of his daughter, Kaylee Goncalves.
What we still don’t know in Idaho murders case
Many questions remain about the case that shocked America.
No murder weapon has ever been found.
It is not known if the killer personally knew one or more of the victims or what the motive may have been.
Authorities have refused to reveal who made the 911 call and will not release the audio. It is unclear what the roommates and “other friends” discussed in the call and what led them to describe a victim as merely “unconscious”.
Defence raised concerns about images potentially being manipulated
During yesterday’s hearing, the defence told the judge that while they know the media is doing their job, there are people on social media who take news images or videos and manipulate them.
The defence also said they do not like where the cameras are placed and said if the cameras are not removed, then they should be in a different location.
IN PICTURES: Smirking Bryan Kohberger appears in court
WATCH: Judge in Kohberger case concerned coverage could 'spin out of control'
Judge has yet to decide whether cameras will be allowed in the courtroom
An Idaho judge heard from both sides about whether cameras should be allowed in the courtroom for the Bryan Kohberger’s murder trial, but no decision was immediately made.
Both the state and the defence gave reasons for their desire to keep cameras out of the courtroom, but a media coalition also filed a motion - to “intervene”, requesting that a camera be present.
The defence told the judge on Wednesday that they are concerned the trial would be turned into a spectacle.
There was also concern about the images taken from the video being manipulated and shared on social media.
The defence suggested if a camera is allowed, it be positioned somewhere other than directly behind their team. The judge agreed and suggested moving it to the back of the room.
The state said the media plays an important role in the judicial process, but told the court their concerns over vulnerable witness testimony and graphic evidence being shown on camera.
The judge told the court he is taking the arguments into consideration and will issue a written ruling at a later date.
Xana Kernodle’s sister opens up about loss in upcoming special
Kernodle’s Jazzmin Kernodle spoke with CBS News’ Peter Van Sant for a special on the murders.
“I don’t know why it happened,” Ms Kernodle said in a teaser for the special. “I wish we knew. They were, all four of them were, just such great people and made such an impact on the lives around them.”
The episode will be aired on Saturday.
Defence raised concerns about images potentially being manipulated
During yesterday’s hearing, the defence told the judge that while they know the media is doing their job, there are people on social media who take news images or videos and manipulate them.
The defence also said they do not like where the cameras are placed and said if the cameras are not removed, then they should be in a different location.
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