MOSCOW, IDAHO: In his most recent court appearance on Friday, Bryan Kohberger was allegedly mocked by a family member of dead University of Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves who wore a pro-death penalty t-shirt to the hearing
The defense team for the alleged quadruple murderer used the hearing to defend the alibi presented earlier this month—that he was driving by himself the night of the killings—and to raise issues with the methods the police used to collect DNA evidence.
Are firing squads legal in America?
Idaho is the newest state to allow firing squad executions. According to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center, four other states—Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, and South Carolina—also currently permit firing squad executions.
According to investigative reporter Kevin Fixler, one of Goncalves' family members was observed wearing a t-shirt endorsing the firing squad execution method during a break in the proceedings.
In June, prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty for Kohberger, and the country's difficulties obtaining lethal injection drugs may result in him being executed by firing squad, as reported by Daily Mail.
Fixler added that Kohberger appeared "relaxed" throughout the hearing and even grinned as witnesses made jokes about scientific terminology.
Who are the victims of the Idaho killings?
The killings of Goncalves, 21, and her friends Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, in their off-campus home close to the University of Idaho on November 13 are the subject of four first-degree murder charges against Kohberger.
Kohberger's attorneys argued on six motions at his most recent hearing on Friday, including the state's demand that he provide proof of an alibi for the murders.
Where was Bryan Kohberger during the time of the murders?
Although his defense claimed, "At this time there is not a specific witness to say precisely where Mr Kohberger was" on the night of the murders, prosecutors have insisted that he produce witnesses who can support his alibi.
Attorneys said, "He was out, driving during the late night and early morning hours of November 12-13, 2022," adding that he "is not claiming to be at a specific location at a specific time."
His alleged alibi has drawn more questions from the prosecution, who claim that the fact that he was "driving in the area" does not acquit him and instead places him at the crime scene.
The hearing, which took place before Kohberger's trial in October, saw both parties discuss several additional points of contention, including a demand from Kohberger's team to compel prosecutors to divulge the DNA profiles they will use in court.
Apart from these issues, his defense also requested a delay in court proceedings for them to investigate any procedural issues with the grand jury that charged Kohberger with murder on May 16.
Prosecutors, in retaliation, requested for the DNA profiles to be kept protected and insisted upon his alibi.
