A photograph taken hours after the fatal stabbings of four University of Idaho students has become a central piece of evidence in the ongoing murder trial. The image, described as a selfie, allegedly shows the defendant, Bryan Kohberger, smiling and giving a thumbs-up gesture.
According to legal filings, prosecutors intend to present the photo, reportedly retrieved from Kohberger’s phone on the morning of November 13, 2022. The timing of the image is considered significant by the state, which has announced its intention to seek the death penalty should a conviction be secured.
The introduction of the photograph is tied directly to the account of a surviving roommate, identified in documents as D.M. This witness reported encountering a masked male intruder in the home during the early morning hours, noting that only his eyes and nose were visible. The witness’s description to investigators specifically highlighted the individual’s “bushy eyebrows” as a memorable feature.
Prosecutors plan to juxtapose the selfie with the physical description provided by the witness. They also intend to submit Kohberger’s driver’s license, which lists his height, for comparison. The legal filings state that the question of whether Kohberger matches the description, including having bushy eyebrows, will be a factual matter for the jury to decide.
Kohberger, a former criminology student, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The victims were found at an off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho.
Authorities have previously detailed that investigative leads included DNA evidence recovered from a knife sheath left at the scene. After the DNA profile did not match any in law enforcement databases, investigators reportedly used public genetic genealogy resources. This process, followed by the collection of discarded items from the suspect’s family residence, allegedly produced a DNA match linking Kohberger to the sheath.
The case continues as the court prepares for trial proceedings.
