Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield
Episode: BREAKING: Bryan Kohberger's Smoking Knife and His DISTURBING Selfie ft. Brian Entin
Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield, host Ashleigh Banfield delves deep into the latest developments in the Bryan Kohberger case, one of the most high-profile true crime stories of recent times. Joined by News Nation’s national correspondent and esteemed crime reporter, Brian Entin, Ashleigh unpacks explosive new court filings that shed unprecedented light on the tragic University of Idaho student murders. This episode promises a comprehensive analysis of critical evidence, providing listeners with insights that go beyond what is typically reported on television.

Unveiling the Evidence

Ashleigh opens the discussion by highlighting newly released court documents that challenge Bryan Kohberger’s defense strategies. These documents reveal Kohberger’s Amazon purchase history, which includes a K-Bar knife, a corresponding sheath, and a knife sharpener—items directly linked to the crime scene.

Ashleigh Banfield [00:04]:
"If I were Bryan Kohberger, I wouldn't want anyone knowing what I was up to eight months before the murders. Because his Amazon purchase history shows he bought a K bar knife."

Brian Entin corroborates Ashleigh’s findings, emphasizing the significance of these purchases in establishing a timeline and potential premeditation.

Brian Entin [05:04]:
"These are absolutely explosive... This is definitely, I think, the biggest thing to come out of this latest document dump."

The Disturbing Selfie

One of the most shocking revelations discussed is a selfie taken by Bryan Kohberger hours after the murders. This photo shows Kohberger appearing relaxed and even triumphant, raising questions about his state of mind post-crime.

Ashleigh Banfield [10:31]:
"If he's guilty of these murders, this is the most obscene and foul selfie I have ever seen. He is literally celebrating to his own little camera."

Brian interprets the selfie as a potential indication of guilt, suggesting that Kohberger may have been attempting to portray innocence or satisfaction immediately after committing the crime.

Brian Enten [10:58]:
"He is so skinny... it's a creepy photo no matter what way you look at it."

Analysis of the White Elantra Driving Map

A critical piece of evidence discussed is a detailed map showcasing the movements of a white Elantra around the murder house. The car repeatedly circles the area, raising suspicions about Kohberger’s intentions and actions leading up to the murders.

Ashleigh Banfield [35:50]:
"The white Elantra is still driving at 4:07. So then the next one on Linda Lane has him driving by at 3:29."

Brian emphasizes how the repetitive circling behavior captured by multiple surveillance cameras suggests surveillance and premeditation.

Brian Enten [36:13]:
"It's almost like he's scoping things out. Have I really got the guts to carry out this perfect murder?"

Cryptic Text Messages: A Timeline of Fear

The episode extensively covers the timeline of text messages exchanged between the victims, Bethany Funk and Dylan Mortensen, during the night of the murders. These messages indicate escalating fear and confusion as the roommates realize something is terribly wrong.

Ashleigh Banfield [13:56]:
"At 4:19, Bethany calls Dylan. At 4:20, Dylan calls Zanna... she's really freaking out right now."

Brian and Ashleigh dissect the messages, pointing out the frantic attempts to contact each other and the eventual call to 911, which paints a harrowing picture of the chaos and terror experienced by the victims.

Brian Enten [21:22]:
"They're still trying to message Snap, Insta... nobody's answering. They're really not getting any help."

Defense Strategy and Psychological Reports

The discussion shifts to the defense’s attempts to present Bryan Kohberger as having certain psychological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and developmental coordination disorder. Ashleigh and Brian critically analyze the potential impact of these claims on the case.

Ashleigh Banfield [44:26]:
"He doesn't look around like a normal person, you know... If he has these conditions diagnosed, then I..."

Brian Enten [46:02]:
"I wonder if maybe they're trying to get the jurors to just feel bad for this guy."

The analysis suggests skepticism about the effectiveness of this defense tactic, especially in light of the substantial evidence linking Kohberger to the crime.

Critique of the Gag Order

Ashleigh fervently criticizes the lengthy gag order imposed on the case, which she argues has hindered transparency and allowed rampant speculation and misinformation to flourish online.

Ashleigh Banfield [43:11]:
"When I start seeing judges putting things into secret bags and secret drawers... I start to say, I smell a rat."

Brian supports this viewpoint, noting how the lack of information has fueled conspiracy theories and unfairly tarnished the reputations of the victims’ surviving roommate and others involved.

Brian Entin [43:38]:
"These document dumps happen. Imagine what we still don't know... it's not looking good for the defense."

Conclusion: A Case Unfolding

As the episode nears its end, Ashleigh and Brian reflect on the mounting evidence against Bryan Kohberger. The new information from the court filings significantly weakens the defense's position and suggests a damning narrative against Kohberger. Both hosts express anticipation for further developments in the trial, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance in following the case.

Ashleigh Banfield [49:48]:
"I feel like the picture of that night is really starting to get a lot more clear. And I don't think at this point it is good news for Bryan Kohberger."

Brian Entin [49:40]:
"It's interesting because we were in a black hole for a while, and now we're actually getting some real nuggets."

Ashleigh concludes by urging listeners to stay tuned and engaged as the case progresses, promising ongoing coverage and analysis.

Ashleigh Banfield [49:56]:
"I don't think at this point it is good news for Bryan Kohberger... subscribe and follow. I don't want you to miss any updates."

Key Takeaways

• Crucial Evidence: Bryan Kohberger’s Amazon purchases of a K-Bar knife, sheath, and sharpener are directly linked to the murder weapons found at the crime scene.

• Selfie Analysis: A post-murder selfie taken by Kohberger raises suspicions about his state of mind and potential involvement in the crimes.

• Surveillance Footage: Repeated sightings of a white Elantra near the crime scene suggest premeditation and surveillance of the victims' residence.

• Frantic Communications: Text messages between the victims’ roommates indicate escalating fear and confusion during the time of the murders, culminating in the 911 call.

• Defense Challenges: The defense’s introduction of psychological conditions may attempt to mitigate responsibility, though the overwhelming evidence poses significant obstacles.

• Transparency Issues: The lengthy gag order has led to misinformation and undue speculation, undermining the transparency essential for justice.

Notable Quotes

• Ashleigh Banfield [00:04]:
  "His Amazon purchase history shows he bought a K bar knife... and that's not all."

• Brian Enten [05:04]:
  "This is definitely, I think, the biggest thing to come out of this latest document dump."

• Ashleigh Banfield [10:31]:
  "He is literally celebrating to his own little camera."

• Ashleigh Banfield [43:11]:
  "I smell a rat... it's garbage that I've witnessed over there."

• Ashleigh Banfield [49:48]:
  "The picture of that night is really starting to get a lot more clear."

This episode of Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield provides an in-depth examination of the Bryan Kohberger case, uncovering pivotal evidence and offering critical insights that advance the understanding of this complex and tragic event. Ashleigh and Brian's meticulous analysis not only informs but also engages listeners, ensuring they are well-equipped with the latest information as the case continues to unfold.

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