More than two years after four-year homicides destroyed Moscow, Idaho, the judge announced the transcript of the latest hearing against Bryan Kohberger, a man accused of stabbing four students Death in an off-campus house.
The hearing was inappropriate when defense attorney Anne Taylor claimed investigators used investigative genetic lineage to try to isolate the suspect.
Studying genetic lineages, or IgG, is a relatively new forensic technology that combines DNA analysis with genealogy research. Authorities can use the DNA profile of unknown suspects and upload it to a public database to understand the suspect’s family members. Investigators can use this information and other evidence to build a family tree and identify potential suspects.
But the defense’s attempt to get the judge to curb IGG evidence failed. Kohberger’s murder trial is expected to begin this summer – prosecutors will seek death penalty if they are convicted.
Due to extensive gag orders, in addition to what already exists in the records, prosecutors, defense attorneys and attorneys are prohibited from speaking publicly to the families of victims and witnesses.
Here are some new details revealed in the transcripts of the closed-door hearing:
Detectives learn Koberg’s name only after inheriting the genealogy
Moscow police detective CPL is the main detective in the case. Brett Payne said he didn’t hear the name of Bryan Kohberger until December 19, 2022 – the murder took place for more than a month.
“This is the result of an ongoing FBI investigation into the genetic lineage. We called that night and we were told the name of Brian Koberg.” Payne testified.
But IgG is not quoted in the affidavit of possible causes
Payne acknowledged that he did not mention the investigative genetic genealogy in Kohberger’s probable cause affidavit.
“What caused this decision?” Taylor asked.
“This decision was a cooperative decision.” “We made this decision to independently verify the information provided to us as tips provided by the FBI, just like any other tips we have in law enforcement So, this is not to be any way to confuse any information, we can simply verify Mr. Kohberger’s participation in this event, or we can’t. That’s it.”
“As a collective effort, did you decide to deliberately exclude it from the affidavit?” Taylor asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Payne replied.
Only one person’s DNA was detected on the scabbard
DNA tests on the scabbard parts detected a single source, said Rylene Nowlin, manager of the Idaho Police Forensic Laboratory.
The lab tested samples of “touch DNA” from the scabbard, which can appear in the form of skin cells that touch the object.
Nowlin testified that an analyst wiped “the entire leather part of the strap, both the top and bottom, and then the bottom of the button.” “She didn’t wipe the top of the button because it was determined that it was the most likely to find the fingerprint,” he said. place.”
“Unknown Male B” remains a mystery
The defense asked Payne for the blood spot on the handrail between the second and first floors of the house.
Taylor said lab tests link blood to “Unknown Male B.” The defense asked Payne why the authorities did not immediately look for the identity of an unknown male.
“Why don’t you pursue that person?” Taylor asked.
The detective replied: “At that time, we had already received Mr. Koberg’s name.”
“From my understanding, putting another DNA profile into Codis will eliminate the previous one we got from the scabbard,” he said. Codis is a national DNA index system that includes DNA profiles for convicted criminals, Unresolved evidence on crime scene and missing persons.
“So if memory is capable, the discussion is that we will postpone, we will stay with the scabbard; if needed, we can resolve unknown male B at a later time.” Payne testified.
It is not clear from the transcript whether the detective pursues the identity of unknown male B in the future.
Idaho authorities take DNA to Texas
Nolin said the Idaho State Police had a contract with Houston-based Ostrom Laboratory to perform certain types of forensic work. Othram specializes in the binding of DNA sequencing and family tree mapping.
“The DNA samples were delivered to the Oslam Laboratory by the Moscow Police Department themselves,” testified Matthew Gameette, director of the Idaho Police Laboratory Systems.
“I accompanied the officers from Boise to Houston to the Oslam Laboratory. I had no samples, but I was with the investigator.”
After Idaho authorities provided DNA samples, Gameette stayed in touch with Othram: “What kind of analysis we asked them to do, and what type of search type.”
“I remember they specifically asked for consent to do certain types of searches. We had to authorize work through memorandums and some searches, especially I believe they needed to authorize it to be FamilyTreedna,” Gameette said.
Many popular genealogy sites do not allow law enforcement searches
FamilyTreedna is one of two major genealogical databases that allow law enforcement searches, Payne said.
Genetic genealogist Leah Larkin testified that another genealogical database that law enforcement can use is GedMatch Pro.
“These are two databases of any significant size allowed [forensic investigative genetic genealogy] search. ” said Larkin.
“The ancestors forbid it, 23andme forbid it, myheritage forbid it.”
Many of the largest genealogy sites cater to customers who just want to know their ancestors and may not want law enforcement to use their DNA data.
In recent years, many companies have changed their terms of service after law enforcement has used some of the most popular genealogy websites for criminal investigations.
Experts claim authorities use unauthorized databases
Taylor said Othram, a Texas-based laboratory company, stopped working on the case on December 10, 2022. “The FBI took over, and we’ve heard that by December 19, nine days later, they’ve agreed.”
Larkin testified that the timeline is important.
She noted that Othram recommended testing of the four brothers “for more information.”
But “if you go out, if you approach these people, even if one of them says, yes, you can test my DNA, the test itself will take some time; give the kit to one person, get spit, put it Send to the lab and then perform analysis. This does not lead to a profile at the crime scene, because it is the wrong branch of the family. “Lakin testified.
“So, from low match to ID or at least one tip, no matter they are in nine days, no matter they are calling, there is telling me they have entered a database they shouldn’t be in.”
CNN has contacted the FBI in response to allegations of its improper use of the genealogical database. The prosecutor did not directly respond to the claim at the hearing.
Larkin said she also saw “screenshots of GedMatch” in the email communication.
Unlike the Pro, which is smaller and allows law enforcement searches, “GedMatch is just a super open database” that does not allow searches for criminal investigations, Larkin said. GedMatch has more users and “any suite in the system can see their matches.”
“So if you’re in GedMatch, and I’m in GedMatch, assuming we’re cousins, then I can go in and see my kit, I’ll see you in the match list, but I can also go into your kit , and then see me your match list,” Larkin testified.
In GedMatch Pro, law enforcement may not see the same game.
Ultimately, the FBI “accepted that they had uploaded to Myheritage” – Larkin said the law enforcement database was a forbidden database and referenced files shared with the court.
What will happen next
Kohberger’s trial is expected to begin in August and lasts for several months. Prosecutors said they would seek death penalty if Koberg was convicted.
Meanwhile, families of victims Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin continue to wait long to learn about the fate of the suspect.
But Goncavis’s family said the relief judge had no evidence of suppressing genetic lineage.
“We thank the court for its timely decision and for this work [the] So far, the prosecution has been filed. “The family posted on Facebook last week.
“In the overall situation of life, justice is instantly distanced.”
Taylor Romine and Eric Levenson of CNN Contributed to this report.
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