Attorneys for Bryan Kohberger, accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, argued that the state’s death penalty pursuit violates the U.S. Constitution.
In 13 filings on Thursday, the defense referenced the U.S. and Idaho Constitutions to request the death penalty be removed as a possible sentence if Kohberger is convicted.
The filings claim that Kohberger’s legal process has failed to protect him from being arbitrarily selected for the death penalty.
Kohberger faces charges of first-degree murder and burglary, accused of breaking into a house near the university and fatally stabbing the students.
Prosecutors previously stated their intention to seek the death penalty in Kohberger’s trial, scheduled for next June.
To impose the death penalty, jurors must find aggravating circumstances, of which prosecutors identified five, including multiple murders and the crime being “heinous, atrocious, or cruel.”
The defense, led by Jay Logsdon, challenged these factors, arguing that multiple murders do not justify the death penalty and that the felony murder charge is inherent to the crime itself.
They also criticized other claims, such as “utter disregard for human life,” as vague and lacking clear standards for applying the death penalty.
In additional motions, Kohberger’s lawyers argued that Idaho’s death penalty system is unconstitutional, pointing to inhumane execution methods and arbitrary decisions, and that the death penalty no longer reflects modern societal standards.
They also argued that Idaho’s requirement for a speedy trial hampers adequate preparation in a death penalty case.
The defense further requested that the trial be divided into three phases: guilt, eligibility for the death penalty, and sentencing, to avoid confusing jurors.
The state has until October 10 to respond, with the next hearing set for November 7.
A motive for the killings remains unclear, though the state has linked Kohberger to the crime using DNA, cellphone data, and security footage. The defense has suggested an alibi and has also requested moving the trial to ensure fairness, citing a “mob mentality” in Latah County.
The family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the victims, expressed frustration over delays in the case, calling for the trial to proceed more efficiently.
