Bryan Kohberger bought black mask before Idaho murders: Documents

  • Court documents reveal more evidence in Idaho killings
  • Prosecutors: Defendant bought mask at sporting goods store
  • This could bolster a witness account at the crime scene

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(NewsNation) — The latest court document dump in the Idaho college killings case suggests defendant Bryan Kohberger bought a black face covering 11 months before he allegedly murdered four students as they slept.

Prosecutors say records show Kohberger purchased a black balaclava Jan. 10, 2022, at a Dick’s Sporting Goods while he was in Pittsburgh. The deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin happened Nov. 13 in Moscow, Idaho.

State prosecutors have previously disclosed they have online shopping records indicating Kohberger bought the murder weapon — a combat-style knife — as well as a sheath and sharpener eight months before the killings. A sheath with DNA linked to Kohberger was found at the crime scene.

Introducing information about the face covering could bolster the account of a surviving roommate who told police she saw a bushy-eyed stranger in the house who was wearing a black mask.

Bryan Kohberger charged with first-degree murder

Kohberger was a graduate student at Washington State University in nearby Pullman, Washington. He has been charged with first-degree murder, has pleaded not guilty, and is expected to go to trial in August.

Prosecutors say he drove the type of white Hyundai Elantra that was seen in the area during the time of the killings.

Smiling selfie of Bryan Kohberger disclosed earlier

Previous court documents also showed a selfie that Kohberger is said to have taken the morning of Nov. 13, 2022, hours after the killings. In the picture, Kohberger is seen smiling and giving a thumbs-up, possibly in front of a tiled shower.

  • Smiling selfie of Bryan Kohberger
  • FILE - Bryan Kohberger, accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, is escorted into court for a hearing in Latah County District Court, Sept. 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

Prosecutors have indicated they would like to use the photo of Kohberger to show jurors he has the type of eyebrows described by the roommate.

When is Bryan Kohberger’s trial?

Kohberger’s trial is set for August 11, 2025. A judge ruled in November 2024 that he is able to face the death penalty.

Defense attorneys asked a judge previously to dismiss most of the evidence in Kohberger’s case as they said it relies on a genetic investigation process they called unconstitutional. During a January hearing, Kohberger’s lawyers argued that the search warrants obtained were tainted by police conduct.

Crime

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