Bryan Kohberger, the former criminology Ph. D. student, has been charged in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four students at the University of Idaho. John Henry Browne, who once represented the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, has questioned Kohberger’s Attorneys defense strategy.
Ted Bundy’s Lawyer Critiques Kohberger’s Defense Approach
John Henry Browne, who defended Ted Bundy, has questioned Kohberger’s approach in court. He says Kohberger’s lawyers should take a harder line. Browne stresses that a passive defense may be insufficient in high-profile cases like this. Playing offense is key to successfully countering the prosecution’s story.
Parallels Between Bundy and Kohberger’s Cases
Browne notes that the behavior of the 1980s serial killer closely parallels the accusations leveled at Kohberger. Specifically, Bundy fled a Colorado prison, where death was no longer a punishment, and went on to kill again in Florida, where capital punishment remains in effect. Kohberger is also accused of crossing state lines from Washington, where the death penalty is not enforced, into Idaho, where it is. Browne draws on this parallel, suggesting that it could have significant consequences for the defense strategy.
Defense’s Current Motions and Challenges
Lawyers for Kohberger have filed a motion seeking a so-called Franks hearing, a request to contest the validity of the search warrant affidavit. Browne points out that while such motions are rarely granted, they would significantly weaken the prosecution’s case if successful. He also notes that convincing just one juror of reasonable doubt can lead to a mistrial.
Prosecution’s Stance and Evidence
Prosecutors have fought the defense’s efforts to exclude significant evidence. They contend that investigators collected the evidence appropriately and have urged the judge to reject the defense’s requests. This protracted legal drama highlights what’s at stake, particularly with the death penalty hanging in the balance.
Implications for Kohberger’s Defense Strategy
Given the severity of the allegations and the possibility of a death penalty, Browne suggests that Kohberger’s legal team should recalibrate its strategy. He argues that a more proactive and offensive approach should be essential to challenge the prosecution’s case and safeguard Kohberger’s rights. Having handled his share of high-profile murder cases, this lawyer provides an invaluable perspective on the challenges of formulating a successful defense in a climate like that.
