Suspect in Moscow homicide to face second pretrial

MOSCOW — Suspect in the Moscow homicide, Bryan Kohberger, 28, was extradited back to Idaho the night of Wednesday, Jan. 4 after his arrest the morning of Dec. 30.

Kohberger’s had his first court appearance Thursday, Jan. 5, and the probable cause affidavit of the case was released to the public.

The affidavit was provided by Corporal (CPL) Brett Payne who is employed by the Moscow Police Department. The affidavit states that Payne was assisted by members of the Idaho State Police and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Payne states that on Nov. 13, 2022, at around 4 p.m. he and Moscow PD Sergeant Blaker responded to the King Road Residence to assist with processing the crime scene, and subsequently walked through it.

Reports say that upon entering the residence he entered Xana Kernodle’s room, where he saw her body laying on the floor. Kernodle’s body had wounds caused by an edged weapon. In the same room was Ethan Chapin with wounds caused by “sharp-force injuries.”

Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen were found on the third floor in Goncalves’ room in the single bed, with visible stab wounds, states the affidavit. Next to Mogen’s right side on the bed was a sheath for a “Ka-Bar.” Later a DNA sample was found on the button of the knife sheath.

Dec. 27, Pennsylvania agents recovered trash from the Kohberger family residence in Albrightsville, Penn., reports say. The DNA profile obtained from the sheath, identified the biological father of the suspect.

Payne then requested a warrant for Kohberger for felony burglary, and four counts of murder in the first degree.

Reports state that Kohberger is being held without bail at Latah County Jail, and has his next pretrial hearing Thursday Jan. 12 at 10 a.m.