Bryan Kohberger’s defense strategy revealed in new book, but accomplice theory doesn’t add up
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Summary
Takeaways
- ❖A new book, 'Broken Plea,' questions Bryan Kohberger's sole guilt in the Idaho murders, proposing chain of custody issues with DNA and an accomplice theory.
- ❖Host Brian Entin, who covered the case extensively, and criminologist Dr. Casey Jordan, strongly dispute the book's central arguments.
- ❖The Moscow police chief confirmed proper evidence handling, stating electronic barcodes, not handwritten logs, are standard procedure for chain of custody.
- ❖Kohberger's defense attorney, Anne Taylor, never raised the alleged chain of custody issues, indicating they were not considered viable for trial.
- ❖The accomplice theory is dismissed due to Kohberger's known lack of close friends and police statements confirming he acted alone.
- ❖Other compelling evidence includes Kohberger's car at the scene, cell phone pings near the house, and his phone being turned off during the murders.
- ❖The book reveals new details, such as letters from Kohberger to his family and dog, and excerpts from his mother's FBI interview, but these do not challenge his guilt.
- ❖Dr. Casey Jordan suggests Kohberger's motive was likely sexual and fantasy-based, aligning with a 'hedonistic lust killer' profile, though motive is not a legal requirement for conviction.
- ❖The ethical decision of the book's author not to contact the victims' families before publishing is criticized as disrespectful and irresponsible.
Insights
1New Book 'Broken Plea' Challenges Kohberger's Guilt and Unveils Defense Strategy
A new book by Christopher Wickcom, 'Broken Plea,' aims to dismantle evidence against Bryan Kohberger, suggesting either his innocence or the involvement of an accomplice. The book provides a glimpse into what Kohberger's defense strategy would have been if the case went to trial, including alleged chain of custody issues with the knife sheath DNA and claims about his lawyer's perspective on the plea.
Host Brian Entin introduces the book and its thesis, stating it 'attempts to dismantle the evidence and make the case that either Brian Coberger didn't do it or that Brian Coberger had an accomplice.'
2Chain of Custody Claims for Knife Sheath Disputed by Police and Experts
The book alleges a critical chain of custody issue with the knife sheath found at the crime scene, claiming police documentation was flawed and could have led to the DNA evidence being excluded. However, the Moscow police chief stated their agency uses electronic barcodes and green stickers for evidence tracking, not handwritten logs, and that proper procedures were followed. Legal experts also note that Kohberger's defense never formally challenged this specific issue.
Wickcom states, 'The crime lab said, 'We can't process it. There's no chain of custody.'' (). Moscow Police Chief Anthony Dolinger said, 'The local department has not documented evidence chain of custody with handwritten notes in a log for at least a decade.' (). Dr. Casey Jordan notes, 'This was not one of [Ann Taylor's motions for suppression].' ()
3Accomplice Theory Lacks Evidence and Contradicts Kohberger's Social Profile
The book suggests Kohberger may have had an accomplice, but this theory is strongly refuted. Police have repeatedly stated that Kohberger acted alone, and investigations into his communications revealed he had virtually no friends or associates outside his immediate family, making a secret accomplice highly improbable.
Brian Entin states, 'Police have said repeatedly that there was no accomplice.' (). He adds, 'Brian Coberger had no friends. No one seemed to really like Brian Cobberger besides his family.' (). Dr. Casey Jordan adds, 'If there was an accomplice, he would have ratted them out.' ()
4Kohberger's Guilty Plea and Other Evidence Remain Undisputed
Despite the book's attempts to create doubt, Bryan Kohberger's guilty plea, where he admitted to the murders, stands as a central fact. Other compelling evidence includes surveillance footage of his car near the crime scene, cell phone pings placing him in the area, and his phone being intentionally turned off during the time of the murders. These pieces of evidence, even without the DNA, were considered strong enough for conviction.
Brian Entin emphasizes, 'Brian Coberger plead guilty to murder. He is the murderer. He admitted guilt.' (). Dr. Casey Jordan notes, 'The cell phone evidence would have been compelling enough.' () and 'It's the cell phone being turned off that probably holds more weight.' ()
5New Personal Details from Kohberger and His Mother Revealed
The book includes previously unseen personal information, such as letters written by Bryan Kohberger from jail to his family and his dog, Scout. It also contains excerpts from an FBI interview with Kohberger's mother, Maryann, conducted after his arrest, where she expresses disbelief in his guilt and describes him as a 'homebody' and 'angel.'
Entin mentions, 'There's letters from Coberger to his parents from jail... There's FBI interviews with Coberger's mom.' (). He reads a letter from Kohberger to his dog, Scout (), and quotes his mother saying, 'My son would not do this. I will stake my life on that.' ()
6Criminological Perspective on Motive: Sexual and Fantasy-Based
Dr. Casey Jordan offers a criminological perspective on Kohberger's potential motive, conjecturing it was sexual and fantasy-based. She suggests his social isolation, lack of healthy relationships, and past struggles align with the profile of a 'hedonistic lust killer,' where predation begins with fantasy and escalates to stalking and the crime itself.
Dr. Jordan states, 'I think it was absolutely clear from behavioral analysis... that it was sexual in nature and it was fantasy based.' (). She adds, 'There's a lot of theorizing out there that he's an incel, which combined with the sexual, if you will, frenzy of the stabbing makes complete sense to me.' ()
Bottom Line
The book's author did not contact the victims' families, raising ethical concerns about journalistic responsibility in true crime narratives.
This omission highlights a critical debate in true crime media: the balance between investigative reporting and sensitivity towards victims' families. It can lead to accusations of sensationalism and re-traumatization.
For future true crime authors and journalists, this case underscores the importance of engaging with victims' families, even if their perspectives differ, to maintain ethical standards and ensure a more balanced narrative, potentially fostering trust and reducing harm.
The defense's decision to accept a plea deal, even if the client maintains innocence, can be a strategic move to avoid the death penalty in states like Idaho.
This reveals a pragmatic aspect of the legal system where avoiding the harshest penalty (death) can override the pursuit of acquittal, even if the defense believes they have arguments to challenge evidence. It shows the complex calculations involved in plea bargaining.
Legal analysts and true crime enthusiasts should consider the broader strategic context of plea deals, especially in death penalty states, rather than solely focusing on factual guilt or innocence. This understanding can inform discussions about legal reform and the pressures within the criminal justice system.
Key Concepts
Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine
This legal principle states that evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court. The book's argument about the knife sheath's chain of custody attempts to invoke this, suggesting if the DNA evidence was mishandled, all subsequent evidence derived from it (like the arrest) could be inadmissible. However, the host and guest argue this would not have applied here due to robust alternative evidence and proper police protocols.
Criminological Profiling (Lust Killer)
Dr. Casey Jordan applies criminological profiling to suggest Bryan Kohberger's motive. She theorizes his actions fit the profile of a 'hedonistic lust killer,' driven by sexual fantasy and obsession, especially given his reported social isolation and lack of healthy relationships. This model helps explain the 'why' behind the crime, even if motive isn't a legal element for conviction.
Notable Moments
The host recounts his extensive personal involvement in covering the Idaho murders, including living in Moscow, Idaho, and attending nearly every hearing, establishing his deep familiarity with the case details.
This establishes the host's credibility and expertise, lending weight to his critical analysis of the new book's claims, as he has first-hand knowledge and access to information.
The podcast details excerpts from Bryan Kohberger's letters from jail to his family and his dog, Scout, revealing his unusual and somewhat cryptic writing style.
These letters offer a rare, personal glimpse into Kohberger's mindset and communication style while incarcerated, providing psychological context that was previously unavailable to the public.
The discussion highlights the FBI interview with Bryan Kohberger's mother, Maryann, where she expresses unwavering belief in her son's innocence, calling him 'my angel' and 'not an angry person.'
This provides insight into the family's perspective and their struggle to reconcile the charges with their perception of Bryan, adding a human element to the narrative of a high-profile criminal case.
Dr. Casey Jordan critiques the book's author for 'taking pot shots' at the surviving roommates, implying they were drunk or high, and questioning why they didn't call the police sooner.
This moment underscores the problematic and often victim-blaming nature of questioning witness behavior in traumatic situations, reinforcing the importance of empathy and understanding of trauma responses in legal and journalistic contexts.
Quotes
"What the world does not know yet is that Brian Coberger's guilty plea may have negligently whitewashed one of the great travesties of modern jurisprudence."
"If that knife goes away, all the prosecution has is the white car and the cell tower pings in a death penalty case where you have to have proof beyond a reasonable doubt. So that that's a big deal. It's a real big deal."
"From my knowledge and experience, this is not a game ender for that piece of evidence."
"My son would not do this. I will stake my life on that. There's a mistake. Something is wrong somewhere. And that's what I believe and that's what I know in my heart."
"Motive is not necessary. It is not any element of a criminal conviction. It's interesting to jurors, but motive is just theory. It is not evidence."
"Everything we know about him fits the profile of somebody who would do this. So you don't really need a motive, but if you wanted a motive, it would be sexual. This is just a hedonistic lust killer."
"I don't know that going to trial would have made one bit of difference with the outcome, accept that by taking the plea, he would not be eligible for the death penalty."
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