Lawyers to use cellphone tower data to challenge accusations in Idaho student stabbing case
Bryan Kohberger's lawyers aim to prove his innocence using cellphone data, asserting he was elsewhere during the Idaho college students' murders.
Lawyers for Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of the brutal murder of four Idaho college students in November 2022, are using a unique strategy to prove his innocence. They plan to present an in-depth analysis of cellphone tower data to demonstrate that Kohberger was not present at the crime scene during the time of the killings, as asserted by the police.
Kohberger's legal team intends to contest the prosecution's case by utilizing expert analysis of cellphone tower data. Their analysis suggests that Kohberger was not only absent from the location where the tragic incident took place, but he was also actively driving in a different area at the time.
"Mr. Kohberger was out driving in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022, as he often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars. He drove throughout the area south of Pullman, Washington, west of Moscow, Idaho," Kohberger's lead attorney, Anne Taylor, stated in the court filing.
Exploring the Alibi
After moving to the area in June 2022, Kohberger's lawyer explained that his passion for running and hiking led him to explore the region. However, as the school year became more demanding, these explorations evolved into late-night drives. The defense claims that data from Kohberger's phone, including numerous pictures of the night sky, supports this alibi.
This alibi also includes Wawawai Park, a remote location along the Snake River, approximately 20 miles from Kohberger's apartment at the time and around 28 miles from the off-campus home where the tragic event unfolded.
Supporting Evidence
To bolster their alibi, Kohberger's legal team plans to present their own expert testimony. They aim to demonstrate that Kohberger's mobile device was situated south of Pullman, Washington, and west of Moscow, Idaho on November 13, 2022. Additionally, they assert that his device did not travel east on the Moscow-Pullman Highway during the early morning hours, refuting any connection to the area where the crime occurred.
Furthermore, the defense seeks to provide additional details about Kohberger's whereabouts with the assistance of their expert. They emphasize the critical nature of this evidence in corroborating Kohberger's alibi, expressing concern that it may not have been adequately preserved or disclosed by the State.
Reinforcing the Defense
These legal developments align with previous statements from the defense regarding Kohberger's activities on the night of the murder. They assert that his solo nighttime drives were a consistent habit and emphasize their intention to challenge the allegations against him based on the data and testimony they plan to present.
Following his indictment in May 2023, Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. Despite declining to offer a plea at his arraignment, a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf. If convicted, he could potentially face the death penalty.
After a six-week search, Kohberger was apprehended in December 2022 at his family's residence in Pennsylvania. Investigators have indicated that they relied on cellphone tower records and surveillance footage to identify him as the prime suspect in the students' murders.
As the legal proceedings continue, the defense's innovative use of cellphone tower data and expert testimony will be a crucial component in determining the outcome of this high-profile case. A trial date has yet to be scheduled, but the defense's meticulous preparation and determination to prove Kohberger's alibi are poised to significantly impact the proceedings.
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