The Megyn Kelly Show: Detailed Summary of Episode 973

Title: What To Expect From Bryan Kohberger's Defense at Trial in 2025 - A "True Crime Christmas" Special
Host: Megyn Kelly
Guest: Howard Bloom, Author of When the Night Comes Falling
Release Date: December 26, 2024

Introduction

In the "True Crime Christmas Special" of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delves deep into the upcoming trial of Bryan Kohberger, the alleged murderer from Idaho. Joined by Howard Bloom, the author who has extensively reported on the case, Kelly unpacks the complexities surrounding the defense strategies, the evidence at play, and the anticipated courtroom dynamics as the trial approaches in August 2025.

Trial Scheduling and Venue Change

The episode begins with Kelly informing listeners that Bryan Kohberger's trial is now scheduled to commence on August 11, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, moving from the original venue in Moscow. This shift aims to ensure a fair trial by potentially selecting a jury less influenced by local media coverage.

• Megyn Kelly [01:03]: "The big news is a trial is scheduled and it's now just months away."

Howard Bloom adds that the new judge, referred to humorously as Judge "Hipner," might bring a fresh perspective to the proceedings, potentially more sympathetic to the defense's arguments.

Defense Strategies: Raising Doubts and Questioning Evidence

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the defense's likely approach to the trial. Bloom emphasizes that the defense, led by Ann Taylor, will aim to "raise as many questions as possible" to create reasonable doubt.

• Howard Bloom [04:31]: "Even though every time the defense appears in the courtroom, Ann Taylor... says, 'I believe 100% in his innocence,' what she has to do is raise questions."

Key areas the defense is expected to target include:

1. Genetic Genealogy Evidence:

   • The prosecution's reliance on DNA evidence from the knife sheath, which they claim ties Kohberger to the crime scene, is under scrutiny.

   • Bloom suggests that the defense will argue the possibility of investigative overreach, questioning whether the FBI accessed genetic databases beyond legal boundaries.

   • Howard Bloom [07:11]: "Did the FBI go into a database where they shouldn't have? That seems to be a question that they're trying to cover up."

2. Cell Phone Data:

   • The prosecution has cell phone data placing Kohberger within a 13-mile radius of the crime at different times, but the defense may argue discrepancies in this data.

   • Howard Bloom [24:53]: "He's within a 13 mile radius at different times. That's not being at the same place as a crime."

3. Surveillance Footage Inconsistencies:

   • Surveillance videos of a white Hyundai Elantra resemble Kohberger's car, but the defense will highlight inconsistencies and lack of clear identification of the driver.

4. Confidential Sources and Evidence Sealing:

   • Both prosecution and defense have cited the need to protect confidential sources, limiting public access to certain evidence.

   • Howard Bloom [27:14]: "Both agree on this. They said that this has to be covered up."

Genetic Genealogy and Its Implications

CC Moore, the pioneer of genetic genealogy, is referenced to explain the methods used to identify Kohberger. The conversation touches upon the use of public databases like GEDmatch and the legal boundaries of FBI access.

• CC Moore [19:25]: "GEDmatch was started by two friends back in 2010-11... we could do cross company comparisons."

Bloom raises concerns about whether the FBI may have overstepped legal boundaries in accessing genetic information, which could potentially render some evidence inadmissible.

Prosecutor's Perspective and Rebuttal

To balance the defense's points, Matt Murphy, a seasoned prosecutor from California, is brought in to provide professional insight.

• Matt Murphy [23:52]: "Even if they detected Kohberger's dad by doing something untoward... the prosecution's chances remain strong because they used more than just DNA from the knife sheath."

Murphy underscores that Kohberger's DNA from the cheek swab is robust and less susceptible to challenges, making it a cornerstone of the prosecution's case. He also dismisses the defense's attempts to suppress DNA evidence, predicting that the court will uphold its admissibility.

Potential Witnesses and Confidential Informants

The trial may feature new witnesses, including potential confidential informants whose testimonies could sway the jury. Bloom speculates on possible identities, including Dr. Ramslin, Kohberger's former criminology professor, who has been in contact with the victims' families.

• Howard Bloom [38:56]: "Dr. Ramslin... she may be working on her own book."

Additionally, there's discussion about the lack of a clear motive behind the murders, which the prosecution will need to address to solidify their case.

Motive and Behavioral Insights

Bloom offers a theory from his book, suggesting Kohberger's actions stem from deep-seated personal anguish and feelings of inadequacy. He posits that Kohberger was primarily targeting Maddie Mogan, with other victims becoming collateral damage.

• Howard Bloom [41:11]: "He was seeking to kill Maddie Mogan... collateral damage ensued."

Megyn Kelly echoes these sentiments, highlighting the challenge juries face in understanding irrational violent behavior.

Evidence Gaps and Defense Counterarguments

The absence of the murder weapon and the specific worker suit ordered by Kohberger from Amazon presents gaps the defense will likely exploit.

• Megyn Kelly [44:24]: "He ordered a K bar knife on Amazon and a full-body workman suit. Neither has been found."

Bloom notes that without these critical pieces, the prosecution's case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, making the defense's job to dismantle these connections crucial.

Jury Selection and Venue Impact

The change to Boise is strategic, aiming for a larger and potentially more impartial jury pool. Kelly points out that with a jury pool of approximately 300,000 in Boise versus 20,000 in Moscow, the selection process might be more rigorous.

• Howard Bloom [59:56]: "They have a jury pool of approximately 20,000 in Moscow versus 300,000 in Boise."

The judge's approach, characterized by a commitment to honesty and integrity, may influence the courtroom dynamics positively.

Public and Family Reactions

Families of the victims have been actively fundraising to attend the trial, demonstrating their pursuit of justice and possibly influencing public perception.

• Megyn Kelly [34:47]: "The Gonclavis family... raised their demand to $75,000 to ensure attendance."

Bloom empathizes with the families' desire for vengeance, acknowledging the emotional turmoil surrounding the case.

Conclusion and Anticipation for Trial

As the episode wraps up, Kelly expresses relief that the trial is finally set, recognizing the frustration and anxiety among the victims' families and the public. The anticipation builds around the potential confession—or further obfuscation—by Kohberger and how the defense's strategies will unfold in court.

• Megyn Kelly [57:41]: "Howard, you make a very convincing case... until this event, he was in many ways a success story."

Bloom reiterates the complexities of the case, emphasizing the burden on the jury to reconcile the circumstantial evidence with the gravity of the alleged crimes.

Key Takeaways:

• Trial Date and Venue: August 11, 2025, in Boise, Idaho.
• Defense Focus: Raising doubts on genetic genealogy evidence, questioning FBI investigative methods, and highlighting evidence inconsistencies.
• Prosecution Stance: Strong reliance on DNA evidence from the knife sheath and Kohberger's DNA match.
• Evidence Issues: Missing murder weapon and workman suit; cell phone data placement.
• Legal Experts' Opinions: Prosecutor Matt Murphy confident in DNA evidence's admissibility; defense poised to challenge evidence integrity.
• Potential Witnesses: Inclusion of confidential informants and new testimonies expected.
• Public and Family Involvement: Active fundraising and emotional stakes influencing trial atmosphere.

Notable Quotes:

• Howard Bloom [04:31]: "What she has to do is raise questions."
• Matt Murphy [23:52]: "Even if they detected Kohberger's dad by doing something untoward... the prosecution's chances remain strong."
• Howard Bloom [41:11]: "He was seeking to kill Maddie Mogan... collateral damage ensued."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions from Episode 973 of The Megyn Kelly Show, providing listeners and readers with an in-depth understanding of the impending trial of Bryan Kohberger, the strategies employed by both the defense and prosecution, and the broader implications of genetic genealogy in modern legal proceedings.