During a recent pre-trial hearing, Bryan Coberger’s defense team introduced the idea of “alternative perpetrators,” suggesting there may be other suspects involved. This revelation came from Judge Stephen Hippler, who mentioned that the defense had put forth a potential alternate suspect. Coberger is facing first-degree murder charges related to the deaths of four University of Idaho students—Xana Kernodle, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, and Ethan Chapin, 20, all of whom were killed on November 13, 2022.
While Judge Hippler did not immediately decide whether this theory could be presented during the trial, he requested further evidence from the defense to substantiate their claims.
In a somewhat critical tone, Hippler remarked, “Please provide me with actual evidence to support these claims, not just claims. A lot of what you put there seemed to be quite…potentially pretty unfavorable…acceptable. So I’d like to see it.” A follow-up hearing on this issue is set for June 18, and Hippler has asked the defense to submit their supporting evidence by May 23.
Ted Williams, a former murder detective and a contributor to Fox News, characterized the defense’s maneuvers as a “Hail Mary,” indicating a sense of desperation in their strategy.
As for the timeline of the tragic events on November 13, here’s a brief overview:
- 4 am: Suspect arrives at the residence.
- Between 4 am and 4:17 am: Murders occur.
- 4:19 am: A roommate tries calling the three victims, but no one answers.
- 4:22-4:24 am: Surviving roommates send texts to each other from inside the house.
- 4:27 am: Roommate attempts to call the victims again, to no avail.
- 4:32 am: A text is sent by one of the roommates.
- 10:23 am: Roommate texts the victims again, but there’s no response.
- 11:39 am: Roommate calls their father.
- 12 pm: 911 is called from the roommate’s phone.
Williams further speculated that the defense might be pointing to another suspect to create reasonable doubt among jurors. “When we reach the front of the jury, we’re doing everything we can to ensure that one juror can hang this trial and not convict Brian Coberger,” he noted. For now, communication with Coberger’s attorney by Fox News Digital remains pending.
