Podcast Summary: The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode 1002
Title: Shocking New Kohberger Case Details About DNA Match, "Unknown Male" Blood, and Witness, with Howard Blum
Host: Megyn Kelly
Guest: Howard Bloom, Journalist and New York Times Bestselling Author of When the Night Comes: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 1002 of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delves deep into the high-profile trial of Bryan Kohberger, the suspect accused of murdering four University of Idaho students. Joining her is Howard Bloom, a seasoned journalist and author who provides critical insights into the unfolding case. The episode focuses on recent pretrial developments, particularly concerning DNA evidence, potential legal missteps by the FBI, and the reliability of eyewitness testimony.
DNA Evidence and FBI Procedures
Howard Bloom sheds light on the pivotal role DNA evidence has played in the case against Kohberger. Initially, the FBI’s case hinged on a minuscule DNA sample—a "little speck of DNA" found on a knife sheath (03:17). Bloom explains:
“They used this speck of DNA...uploaded it to two websites, ancestry DNA websites that prohibit law enforcement from using this DNA.” (03:45)
This controversial move by the FBI to utilize genetic genealogy sites, which are typically off-limits for law enforcement, has raised significant legal questions. The defense argues that this breach violates Kohberger's Fourth Amendment rights, potentially rendering the obtained DNA evidence inadmissible.
Megyn Kelly summarizes the issue:
“If you go on there, it’s just like the cop violated a term of service of a private company...But I don’t see how that helps the defendant whose DNA was uploaded.” (27:48)
Bloom adds that while the FBI’s actions might breach protocols, it doesn't necessarily mean Kohberger’s DNA evidence will be dismissed. However, the possibility remains, especially with the judge considering a Frank's hearing—a judicial process where evidence might be excluded due to procedural errors (06:59).
Defense Arguments and Legal Implications
The defense, led by attorney Ann Taylor, is aggressively challenging the legitimacy of the DNA evidence and other prosecution claims. Taylor contends that without proper warrants, the FBI's methods were unconstitutional, arguing that all subsequent evidence derived from the initial DNA match must be suppressed (05:10).
Bloom elaborates:
“If they can get that thrown out, there’s really not much there.” (08:01)
This suppression could severely weaken the prosecution's case, leaving the DNA evidence as one of the few substantial pieces linking Kohberger to the crime.
Additional Evidence: Car and Cell Phone Data
Beyond DNA, the prosecution’s case includes cell phone tower triangulation placing Kohberger in the vicinity of the murders and the discovery of his white Hyundai Elantra near the crime scene (14:12).
Howard Bloom critiques this evidence:
“There are lots of white Hyundai Elantras around. They can’t make that connection directly.” (15:17)
Moreover, Bloom points out discrepancies in the cell phone data’s accuracy and the lack of a clear motive or direct connection between Kohberger and the victims. These gaps allow the defense to argue reasonable doubt, potentially undermining the prosecution’s narrative.
Eyewitness Testimony: Dylan Mortensen
A critical aspect of the trial is the testimony of Dylan Mortensen, a roommate who claims to have seen Kohberger on the night of the murders. However, her reliability is questionable. Initially, she described a man with "bushy eyebrows" wearing a COVID mask (30:03), but subsequent interviews revealed inconsistencies:
- Uncertainty and Memory Issues: Mortensen later suggested she might have dreamt the event or was too intoxicated to recall accurately.
- Failure to Identify: When presented with a photo of Kohberger, she could not confirm his identity as the intruder (31:25).
Bloom underscores the weakening impact of Mortensen's testimony:
“Not a very good witness.” (32:22)
These inconsistencies cast doubt on the prosecution’s case, as the principal eyewitness fails to provide a coherent and reliable account.
Blood Evidence and Possible Accomplices
During the hearing, it was revealed that blood from two unknown males was found at the crime scene—one on a banister and another inside a glove (21:25). This discovery introduces the unsettling possibility of accomplices, complicating Kohberger’s narrative of committing the murders alone. Megyn Kelly highlights:
“How did he get it to the point where there was no blood in the car?...That's a big mystery for me.” (19:40)
Howard Bloom theorizes that Kohberger might have deliberately planted additional blood to mislead investigators, pointing to the absence of his own blood elsewhere as suspicious.
Prosecutorial Challenges and Jury Considerations
The prosecution appears to struggle in countering the defense's mounting arguments. Key points where they conceded include the lack of blood evidence directly linking Kohberger to the crime scene and the questionable handling of DNA evidence. Megyn Kelly observes:
“They didn’t argue. They went along with that.” (37:02)
This apparent concession may erode the prosecution’s case, making it difficult to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Additionally, legislative changes in Idaho concerning the death penalty, shifting from chemical injections to firing squads, could influence jury perceptions and decision-making (34:42).
Conclusion and Future Prospects
As the trial approaches, the defense's mounting challenges to the prosecution’s evidence could significantly impact the outcome. Howard Bloom anticipates a highly contested trial with meticulous scrutiny of all evidence:
“It’s going to be a very interesting trial.” (40:31)
Megyn Kelly concludes with a poignant reflection on the victims and the quest for justice:
“These four beautiful college students...their families deserve justice.” (42:14)
The episode underscores the complexities of the Kohberger case, highlighting significant legal debates, procedural anomalies, and the critical role of reliable evidence and credible witnesses in ensuring a fair trial.
Notable Quotes:
- Howard Bloom (03:45): “They used this speck of DNA...uploaded it to two websites, ancestry DNA websites that prohibit law enforcement from using this DNA.”
- Megyn Kelly (27:48): “If you go on there, it’s just like the cop violated a term of service of a private company...But I don’t see how that helps the defendant whose DNA was uploaded.”
- Howard Bloom (08:01): “If they can get that thrown out, there’s really not much there.”
- Howard Bloom (15:17): “There are lots of white Hyundai Elantras around. They can’t make that connection directly.”
- Megyn Kelly (19:40): “How did he get it to the point where there was no blood in the car?...That's a big mystery for me.”
- Megyn Kelly (37:02): “They didn’t argue. They went along with that.”
- Megyn Kelly (42:14): “These four beautiful college students...their families deserve justice.”
Final Thoughts
The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Bryan Kohberger case, emphasizing the fragile nature of the prosecution's evidence amidst emerging defense strategies and potential legal missteps. As the trial date approaches, listeners gain valuable insights into the intricacies of criminal justice and the paramount importance of evidence integrity.