Idaho Quadruple Homicide: Judge Unseals Key Details in Bryan Kohberger Case

Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, listens during his arraignment hearing in Latah County District Court, Monday, May 22, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho.

Zach Wilkinson/Reuters

More than two years after the tragic slayings of four University of Idaho students, new details have emerged in the case against Bryan Kohberger. A judge recently unsealed the transcript of a closed-door hearing, shedding light on how investigators used forensic genetic genealogy to identify the suspect.

The defense team, led by attorney Anne Taylor, had argued that law enforcement overstepped in their use of genetic genealogy. However, the judge ruled against suppressing this evidence, setting the stage for Kohberger’s trial, which is scheduled for this summer. Prosecutors have made it clear—they intend to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is found guilty.

With a strict gag order in place, attorneys on both sides, as well as representatives for the victims' families, are barred from publicly discussing details beyond what has been made available in court records.

How Investigative Genetic Genealogy Led to Kohberger's Name

One of the most significant revelations from the transcript came from Moscow Police Detective Cpl. Brett Payne. He testified that he first heard Kohberger’s name on December 19, 2022—more than a month after the murders occurred.

“That was a result of investigative genetic genealogy being conducted by the FBI,” Payne stated in court.

Investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) is a technique that combines DNA profiling with public genealogy databases to trace potential relatives of an unknown suspect. Once authorities build a family tree, they can narrow down a list of potential suspects.

Why IGG Wasn’t Mentioned in the Probable Cause Affidavit

Despite its crucial role in identifying Kohberger, IGG was notably absent from the probable cause affidavit used to obtain a warrant for his arrest.

When questioned about this omission, Payne explained that the decision was a collaborative one among investigators.

“We made that decision in an effort to independently verify the information we received as a tip from the FBI, just as we would with any other tip in law enforcement,” he testified. “It was not meant to obscure any details—it was simply about validating whether Mr. Kohberger was involved or not.”

DNA Evidence on the Knife Sheath

Forensic testing played a major role in the case. The court transcript confirmed that DNA analysis of a knife sheath found at the crime scene detected a single DNA profile.

According to Rylene Nowlin, a forensic laboratory manager with the Idaho State Police, samples were collected from multiple parts of the sheath to test for "touch DNA"—minute traces of skin cells left behind when an object is handled.

“The analyst swabbed the entire leather strap, both top and bottom, as well as the underside of the button,” Nowlin stated. “She did not swab the top of the button, as that was a likely place for fingerprints.”

The Mystery of ‘Unknown Male B’

One of the more intriguing elements raised by the defense involved a separate, unidentified DNA sample. The defense pointed to a blood stain on a handrail inside the house, which lab testing linked to an individual referred to as "Unknown Male B."

When asked why authorities did not immediately pursue this unknown male, Payne responded, "At that point, we had already received Mr. Kohberger’s name."

He further explained that entering a second DNA profile into the national CODIS database could have removed the original one linked to the knife sheath, so authorities chose to hold off on additional DNA testing.

Idaho Authorities Traveled to Texas for DNA Analysis

The court also learned that Idaho investigators personally transported Kohberger’s DNA sample to Othram, a Texas-based forensic laboratory specializing in genetic genealogy.

According to Idaho State Police Laboratory System Director Matthew Gamette, he accompanied an officer from Boise to Houston, where they delivered the sample to Othram’s lab. Gamette remained in contact with the lab regarding the analysis process.

The investigation also required consent to search specific genealogy databases. FamilyTreeDNA and GEDMatch PRO are two such databases that allow law enforcement access, whereas popular sites like Ancestry, 23andMe, and MyHeritage prohibit it.

Did Authorities Use an Unauthorized Database?

One of the more contentious points raised by the defense was whether the FBI improperly accessed a database that does not permit law enforcement searches.

Defense witness Leah Larkin, a genetic genealogist, testified that the rapid timeline of Kohberger’s identification—just nine days after Othram halted its involvement—suggested that investigators might have used a restricted database.

“So going from low matches to a suspect ID in nine days tells me they accessed a database they weren’t supposed to,” Larkin said.

She also referenced court documents indicating that the FBI uploaded data to MyHeritage, a site that explicitly forbids law enforcement access.

CNN reached out to the FBI regarding this claim, but the agency has yet to respond.

What Comes Next?

Kohberger’s trial is set to begin in August 2025, and it is expected to last for several months. The families of victims Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin continue to await justice.

The Goncalves family, in particular, expressed relief that the court refused to suppress the IGG evidence, posting on Facebook:

“We are thankful to the court for a timely decision and appreciate the work [the] prosecution has put in thus far. In the big picture of life, justice is just moments away.”

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