(NewsNation) — Accused murderer Bryan Kohberger sought to purchase a “replacement” knife after he allegedly killed four University of Idaho students, according to court documents released this week.
Kohberger has been accused of killing Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin and Kaylee Goncalves in 2022. The four college students were stabbed while they slept.
Bryan Kohberger looked for new knife, sheath after Idaho killings: Documents
In the initial review of the material, it was widely reported that prosecutors say Kohberger purchased a combat knife, sheath and knife sharpener about eight months before the November 2022 murders at a Moscow, Idaho, apartment house.
Tucked away in the documents was another detail, NewsNation senior national correspondent Brian Entin told “Banfield” on Thursday — that after the killings, Kohberger was looking online for a replacement knife and sheath.
Entin said the information from prosecutors could prompt speculation that Kohberger was looking to restock the equipment after losing the original knife and sheath. A sheath with DNA linked to Kohberger was found at the murder scene, although the murder weapon was not found.
Bryan Kohberger selfie reportedly taken hours after Idaho killings
Also revealed this week was a selfie reportedly taken by Kohberger hours after the killings, in front of a shower. It depicts him giving a thumbs-up gesture.
Prosecutors have said they would like to use the photo of Kohberger to show jurors he has the type of “bushy eyebrows” described by a surviving roommate who said they saw a stranger in the house at the time of the killings.
A judge ultimately will decide what evidence is allowed at trial.
Mark Geragos weighs in on Bryan Kohberger trial
Mark Geragos, former defense attorney for Scott Peterson, also spoke with Banfield about the new evidence. About the replacement knife, Geragos told NewsNation, “The way it was buried leads me to believe it’s not as significant as the purchase before.”
Geragos also called the case a “circumstantial evidence case.” He said, “The law on circumstantial evidence in most jurisdictions is, if there are two reasonable interpretations… you must adopt the one that points toward innocence.”
Kohberger pleaded not guilty in the case and is set to go to trial in August.