MOSCOW, IDAHO: Bryan Kohberger, the prime suspect in the Idaho murder case, was identified using genetic genealogy after investigators linked his DNA to the knife sheath found at the crime scene. The brutal stabbing incident in November 2022 resulted in the tragic deaths of four University of Idaho students, identified as Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21.
According to the unsealed probable cause affidavit, law enforcement collected DNA from the trash of Kohberger's family home in Pennsylvania, days before his arrest on December 30, 2022. The DNA analysis showed a high probability that it belonged to the biological father of the individual who left male DNA on the button snap of the knife sheath found on a bed next to two of the victims' bodies, as per Radar Online.
The knife sheath was found next to the bodies
According to a motion filed with Idaho's Second Judicial District Court, law enforcement officials discovered the knife sheath on the bed next to the bodies of Madison and Kaylee. The sheath was positioned face down, partially under Madison's body and partially concealed by the bed's comforter.
Kohberger's DNA was obtained through a cheek swab, enabling law enforcement to perform a direct DNA comparison using technology similar to popular genealogy services like Ancestry.com and 23andMe, as stated in recently filed court documents. Utilizing investigative genetic genealogy, investigators utilized the DNA sample found on the sheath to construct a family tree of potential relatives, leveraging publicly accessible genetic data. This approach allowed law enforcement to explore potential familial connections and ultimately identify Kohberger as the suspect.
Kohberger's DNA revealed a high statisical match to the knife sheath
"The product of the genealogy conducted by the FBI was a family tree that contained the name, birthdate, and death date (if applicable) of hundreds of relatives as well as their familial connections between each other and the suspect," the documents said. After analyzing the cheek swab directly taken from Kohberger, a comparison revealed a highly significant statistical match. "The STR profile is at least 5.37 octillion times more likely to be seen if Defendant is the source than if an unrelated individual randomly selected from the general population is the source," the documents said.
Kohberger is currently incarcerated in Latah County, Idaho, where he is being held without bail following his extradition from Pennsylvania. Court documents have provided extensive information about the investigation, which prosecutors argue connects Kohberger to the murders. Surveillance footage reportedly captured a white sedan resembling one owned by Kohberger repeatedly passing by the rental home located on a dead-end street during the period of the killings. Additionally, investigators claim that Kohberger's cellphone was detected near the victims' residence on multiple occasions prior to the murders, although it appeared to be turned off during the time of the early-morning attack.
Meanwhile, the October trial date for Kohberger is likely to be delayed, according to legal experts.
