A new trove of secret documents in the Bryan Kohberger murder case could be made public in the coming months — including never-before-seen photographs of the victims.
The conclusion of the murder case against Kohberger, 30, after he was given four life sentences last month for the quadruple homicide, means previously sealed records could now potentially be made public.
Judge Steven Hippler said Monday he was opening up the lengthy unsealing process, starting with a first batch of 43 items. He’s given prosecutors and Kohberger’s lawyers two weeks to advocate for whether the records should be revealed or remain hidden from the public.
The records include “photographs of each of the deceased victims and a photograph of the six victims together.” The images of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin — who were killed on Nov. 13, 2022 — and surviving roommates Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen were included as exhibits during Kohberger’s July 23 sentencing.
It’s unclear whether the pictures are before or after the vicious stabbing deaths at the off-campus house in Moscow.
Many of the documents on the list were motions about what evidence jurors could be shown at trial — which had been slated to start this month if the criminology student hadn’t taken his surprise plea deal — including what witnesses should testify and whether Kohberger could put forth his alternate suspect defense.
Other records pertain to whether items should be kept confidential or are rulings on what would be sealed.
Hippler said he would be reviewing items for unsealing by taking the newest ones first and working backwards. The oldest record on the list is from June 2, suggesting the unsealing process could take months since additional batches must also still be reviewed.
A day after sentencing, troves of records were released in the gruesome case that captivated the nation — including details about the victims’ horrific injuries.
Kohberger stabbed Kernodle, 20, stabbed more than 50 times, including twice in her heart. She tried to fight Kohberger off during the attack in her second-floor bedroom.
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