Kayna Whitworth

Well, right. And actually, in a recent filing, we heard Judge Hipler comment that this roommate had given many interviews and that they essentially told the same version of the same story. He said that this roommate's own statements about her memory or the effects of alcohol were not enough to doubt her reliability. He also said that she was able to consistently articulate what she remembered.

Well, right. And actually, in a recent filing, we heard Judge Hipler comment that this roommate had given many interviews and that they essentially told the same version of the same story. He said that this roommate's own statements about her memory or the effects of alcohol were not enough to doubt her reliability. He also said that she was able to consistently articulate what she remembered.

But it's perhaps no surprise that we see the defense trying to throw doubt wherever they can. This is a death penalty case. In fact, that's another development we learned in recent days. The defense has filed a motion to strike the death penalty. And they cited what they say is Koberger's autism spectrum disorder as the reason.

But it's perhaps no surprise that we see the defense trying to throw doubt wherever they can. This is a death penalty case. In fact, that's another development we learned in recent days. The defense has filed a motion to strike the death penalty. And they cited what they say is Koberger's autism spectrum disorder as the reason.

He said the case is infringed on the public's First Amendment right to know about the court's progress because the prosecution and defense have been trying to seal so much of the material that will be presented in court. What we've learned in the past few days could change the way we see this whole case and answer questions that have been brewing since the murders happened more than two years ago.

He said the case is infringed on the public's First Amendment right to know about the court's progress because the prosecution and defense have been trying to seal so much of the material that will be presented in court. What we've learned in the past few days could change the way we see this whole case and answer questions that have been brewing since the murders happened more than two years ago.

They're insinuating that Koberger's autism and the way that he acts could bias the jury.

They're insinuating that Koberger's autism and the way that he acts could bias the jury.

For anybody that's been following this case, you have heard descriptions of what Brian Koberger was like generally. If you've listened to our podcast, we were able to speak with some people who were part of his graduate program at Washington State University. And the descriptions about his behavior are that he's a bit of a loner all the time. He was a bit of an outcast. He was a bit awkward.

For anybody that's been following this case, you have heard descriptions of what Brian Koberger was like generally. If you've listened to our podcast, we were able to speak with some people who were part of his graduate program at Washington State University. And the descriptions about his behavior are that he's a bit of a loner all the time. He was a bit of an outcast. He was a bit awkward.

And his lawyers say flat out, it's no surprise that Koberger came across as socially awkward. His lawyers writing that an impairment like that is a hallmark of his disability. And they think that will work against him in the court of law. And according to his lawyers, the neuropsychologist that evaluated Koberger found that his autism spectrum disorder had a significant impact on his life.

And his lawyers say flat out, it's no surprise that Koberger came across as socially awkward. His lawyers writing that an impairment like that is a hallmark of his disability. And they think that will work against him in the court of law. And according to his lawyers, the neuropsychologist that evaluated Koberger found that his autism spectrum disorder had a significant impact on his life.

All right. Thanks, Julie, as always, for your insight there on the ground in Moscow. Thank you, Kena. We'll be right back after a short break.

All right. Thanks, Julie, as always, for your insight there on the ground in Moscow. Thank you, Kena. We'll be right back after a short break.

In this episode, I'm going to talk with two people who've been following this case closely. First, we'll speak with ABC News contributor Julie Scott. She's a journalist who's based in Moscow, Idaho. And then I'll be joined by ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmeyer to talk about the legal strategy that's been playing out behind closed doors.

In this episode, I'm going to talk with two people who've been following this case closely. First, we'll speak with ABC News contributor Julie Scott. She's a journalist who's based in Moscow, Idaho. And then I'll be joined by ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmeyer to talk about the legal strategy that's been playing out behind closed doors.

We're going to talk now about DNA in these recent filings. Prosecutors say Koberger's DNA was found on the knife sheath underneath Maddie, and that has been the linchpin in this case. As a reminder, Koberger was arrested at his parents' home in Pennsylvania after a six-week manhunt. Authorities used investigative genetic genealogy from the knife sheath DNA to link Koberger to the crime.

We're going to talk now about DNA in these recent filings. Prosecutors say Koberger's DNA was found on the knife sheath underneath Maddie, and that has been the linchpin in this case. As a reminder, Koberger was arrested at his parents' home in Pennsylvania after a six-week manhunt. Authorities used investigative genetic genealogy from the knife sheath DNA to link Koberger to the crime.

But what these newly released documents show us is more information about other DNA evidence. We've known that three other unidentified male profiles were found inside the home on King Road, but now we know where those samples were found. One was found in blood on a handrail between the first and second floor, the other on a glove outside the home. And in these new filings, there is mention of

But what these newly released documents show us is more information about other DNA evidence. We've known that three other unidentified male profiles were found inside the home on King Road, but now we know where those samples were found. One was found in blood on a handrail between the first and second floor, the other on a glove outside the home. And in these new filings, there is mention of

of an unknown mixture of DNA underneath Maddie's fingernails. Three separate profiles are present, according to the defense. It's a lot. But I want to narrow in on the DNA samples found under her fingernails, because the documents also show that the defense is trying to limit testimony related to that three-person mixture.

of an unknown mixture of DNA underneath Maddie's fingernails. Three separate profiles are present, according to the defense. It's a lot. But I want to narrow in on the DNA samples found under her fingernails, because the documents also show that the defense is trying to limit testimony related to that three-person mixture.

So we take this question to ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmeyer, because why would the defense want to exclude that information if the results don't seem to point directly to Koberger?

So we take this question to ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmeyer, because why would the defense want to exclude that information if the results don't seem to point directly to Koberger?

Does that independent lab result get presented to the jury? And is that something his defense team paid to do?

Does that independent lab result get presented to the jury? And is that something his defense team paid to do?

Julie, I want to jump right into this 911 call because it's never been heard publicly before. And a reminder, this is the call that was made more than seven hours after the horrifying murders, and it was placed just before noon the following day.

Julie, I want to jump right into this 911 call because it's never been heard publicly before. And a reminder, this is the call that was made more than seven hours after the horrifying murders, and it was placed just before noon the following day.

So why is his defense team then arguing that none of this should be admitted as opposed to arguing we want to make sure that we can let the jury know our independent lab cleared him in this instance?

So why is his defense team then arguing that none of this should be admitted as opposed to arguing we want to make sure that we can let the jury know our independent lab cleared him in this instance?

The dressing well is definitely a better argument for TV than for audio. But for anyone listening, the man can dress. OK, so we can't talk about these documents, though, without talking about the judge that is overseeing this case. Judge Hippler, he's moving this along rapidly. It's very different from the approach of Judge John Judge in Moscow.

The dressing well is definitely a better argument for TV than for audio. But for anyone listening, the man can dress. OK, so we can't talk about these documents, though, without talking about the judge that is overseeing this case. Judge Hippler, he's moving this along rapidly. It's very different from the approach of Judge John Judge in Moscow.

Judge Hippler has expressed frustration about the secrecy involving the case. Here's what he had to say during a hearing in January.

Judge Hippler has expressed frustration about the secrecy involving the case. Here's what he had to say during a hearing in January.

There's been so much that we don't know, which is part of the reason why these filings have been so explosive, because this is some of the information that the public, that the journalists, and frankly, the families have been waiting so long to hear. So what do you think about this general commitment here to transparency on a case that the nation is watching?

There's been so much that we don't know, which is part of the reason why these filings have been so explosive, because this is some of the information that the public, that the journalists, and frankly, the families have been waiting so long to hear. So what do you think about this general commitment here to transparency on a case that the nation is watching?

Obviously, the stakes of this case are huge. We know that Koberger's defense team has tried to strike the death penalty before. That being said, they have not brought up the claim that their client has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This is new information to the judge and to the public. So why bring it up now, seemingly so late in the game?

Obviously, the stakes of this case are huge. We know that Koberger's defense team has tried to strike the death penalty before. That being said, they have not brought up the claim that their client has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This is new information to the judge and to the public. So why bring it up now, seemingly so late in the game?

And just sort of lastly, and generally from a defense attorney standpoint, you don't think that some of this throwing everything at the wall is being done to avoid being accused of being ineffective counsel?

And just sort of lastly, and generally from a defense attorney standpoint, you don't think that some of this throwing everything at the wall is being done to avoid being accused of being ineffective counsel?

Yeah, and until now, that period of time has been a mystery. But a new filing shows us that during the night, there were several instances where one of the surviving roommates tried to call and text their friends in the house, and then hours of silence. At 10.23 a.m., one of the surviving roommates texts Haley and Madison saying, please answer, are you up?

Yeah, and until now, that period of time has been a mystery. But a new filing shows us that during the night, there were several instances where one of the surviving roommates tried to call and text their friends in the house, and then hours of silence. At 10.23 a.m., one of the surviving roommates texts Haley and Madison saying, please answer, are you up?

Well, Brian, as always, we appreciate your analysis on the legality of all of this, but also your commitment to this story. Thank you for being here with us.

Well, Brian, as always, we appreciate your analysis on the legality of all of this, but also your commitment to this story. Thank you for being here with us.

As a reminder, a not guilty plea has been entered on Coburger's behalf. We've recently learned from a filing by the prosecution that Coburger's defense team plans to argue that their client's DNA on the knife sheath does not prove he was ever in the home. The filing suggests the defense will argue the knife sheath itself could have been planted by the real perpetrator.

As a reminder, a not guilty plea has been entered on Coburger's behalf. We've recently learned from a filing by the prosecution that Coburger's defense team plans to argue that their client's DNA on the knife sheath does not prove he was ever in the home. The filing suggests the defense will argue the knife sheath itself could have been planted by the real perpetrator.

Coburger remains the only suspect in the case. One other update before we go. Idaho's governor, Brad Little, just signed a bill to make Idaho the only state in the country where firing squad is the main means of execution. This will go into effect in July of 2026. And that does it for this bonus episode of King Road Killings.

Coburger remains the only suspect in the case. One other update before we go. Idaho's governor, Brad Little, just signed a bill to make Idaho the only state in the country where firing squad is the main means of execution. This will go into effect in July of 2026. And that does it for this bonus episode of King Road Killings.

And I have to say, we're two years into this story, and I feel like we've just gotten started. So be sure to subscribe to The King Road Killings to hear season two, Brian Koberger on trial. We'll be bringing you episodes twice a week on the trial. So follow and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

And I have to say, we're two years into this story, and I feel like we've just gotten started. So be sure to subscribe to The King Road Killings to hear season two, Brian Koberger on trial. We'll be bringing you episodes twice a week on the trial. So follow and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode was produced by Madeline Wood with help from Sasha Pesnik, Josh Margolin, Sasha Aslanian, Trevor Hastings, and Jenna Harrison. Laura Mayer is the executive producer of ABC Audio.

This episode was produced by Madeline Wood with help from Sasha Pesnik, Josh Margolin, Sasha Aslanian, Trevor Hastings, and Jenna Harrison. Laura Mayer is the executive producer of ABC Audio.

And it's not until 11.55 that 911 is called. We're going to play that call for you now. It's very chaotic and at times uncomfortable. The whole thing is about four minutes long.

And it's not until 11.55 that 911 is called. We're going to play that call for you now. It's very chaotic and at times uncomfortable. The whole thing is about four minutes long.

Hi, it's Kena Whitworth. Welcome to a bonus episode of The King Road Killings. With Brian Koberger's trial just five months away, there's been a lot of secrecy surrounding the case. Some of that came to an end in recent days with the release of key court documents. And now, for the first time. We heard the 911 call.

Hi, it's Kena Whitworth. Welcome to a bonus episode of The King Road Killings. With Brian Koberger's trial just five months away, there's been a lot of secrecy surrounding the case. Some of that came to an end in recent days with the release of key court documents. And now, for the first time. We heard the 911 call.

You can hear the agony in a lot of this call. Julie, after listening to it, what are your thoughts?

You can hear the agony in a lot of this call. Julie, after listening to it, what are your thoughts?

It's another to hear it. In this moment, I'm reminded of a conversation I had a while ago with Kaylee Gonsalves' mom. And Christy told me that she really hoped the 911 call would never come out. She didn't want to hear it. For whatever reason, all the details of this case, this, is one of the hardest parts for her. It's been incredibly unsettling.

It's another to hear it. In this moment, I'm reminded of a conversation I had a while ago with Kaylee Gonsalves' mom. And Christy told me that she really hoped the 911 call would never come out. She didn't want to hear it. For whatever reason, all the details of this case, this, is one of the hardest parts for her. It's been incredibly unsettling.

And now that it's been released, the family gave me a statement about it. I'm going to read part of it for you. It says, it's raw, it's jagged, a searing unvarnished truth that no camera could ever hope to capture. Every breath, every cry, every tremor in the voice reveals a reality so cruel, so brutally honest, it cuts deeper than anything fiction could ever devise. It's all so unbelievable.

And now that it's been released, the family gave me a statement about it. I'm going to read part of it for you. It says, it's raw, it's jagged, a searing unvarnished truth that no camera could ever hope to capture. Every breath, every cry, every tremor in the voice reveals a reality so cruel, so brutally honest, it cuts deeper than anything fiction could ever devise. It's all so unbelievable.

And the thing is, is that while we have a lot more questions than answers, after this call was released, the audio of it, We do have a transcript of the call. We also have transcripts of these text messages now. And so we sort of have an order of events here, Julie. And what does that really reveal?

And the thing is, is that while we have a lot more questions than answers, after this call was released, the audio of it, We do have a transcript of the call. We also have transcripts of these text messages now. And so we sort of have an order of events here, Julie. And what does that really reveal?

It was made over seven hours after Kaylee Gonsalves, Madison Mogan, Zanna Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were killed. In this episode, we're going to play that call for you in full. This sudden flurry of information is in part because of the change of venue, which moved the location of the trial from Moscow, Idaho, where the murders took place, to Boise.

It was made over seven hours after Kaylee Gonsalves, Madison Mogan, Zanna Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were killed. In this episode, we're going to play that call for you in full. This sudden flurry of information is in part because of the change of venue, which moved the location of the trial from Moscow, Idaho, where the murders took place, to Boise.

I have this filing in front of me. It starts to really give you the timeline here. From 419 to 421, the surviving roommate on the second floor, the one who told authorities she saw someone clad in black in the home, attempts to call not only the roommate on the first floor, but also Zanna Kernodle, Kaylee Gonsalves, and Madison Mogan. The filing says all of those calls are unanswered.

I have this filing in front of me. It starts to really give you the timeline here. From 419 to 421, the surviving roommate on the second floor, the one who told authorities she saw someone clad in black in the home, attempts to call not only the roommate on the first floor, but also Zanna Kernodle, Kaylee Gonsalves, and Madison Mogan. The filing says all of those calls are unanswered.

Then between 422 and 424, she texts back and forth with the surviving roommate on the first floor. And it starts with the roommate on the second floor saying, no one is answering. I'm really confused. Then The roommate on the first floor sends a text message to the roommate on the second floor saying, yeah, dude, WTF. Zanna was wearing all black.

Then between 422 and 424, she texts back and forth with the surviving roommate on the first floor. And it starts with the roommate on the second floor saying, no one is answering. I'm really confused. Then The roommate on the first floor sends a text message to the roommate on the second floor saying, yeah, dude, WTF. Zanna was wearing all black.

Next text is from the roommate on the second floor to the roommate on the first floor saying, no, it's like a ski mask almost.

Next text is from the roommate on the second floor to the roommate on the first floor saying, no, it's like a ski mask almost.

And then you really see the fear set in, right? and the roommate there on the first floor saying, come to my room, run down here. 4.27, the roommate on the second floor again calls Kaylee Gonsalves, and at 4.32, pleading with her over text message to answer her phone.

And then you really see the fear set in, right? and the roommate there on the first floor saying, come to my room, run down here. 4.27, the roommate on the second floor again calls Kaylee Gonsalves, and at 4.32, pleading with her over text message to answer her phone.

And as we learn about these text messages, we learn about the 911 call. This is all after Coburger's lead attorney, Ann Taylor, has really tried to create some questions about the surviving roommate, about her credibility. And they even bring up this description of bushy eyebrows. And right now, Koberger's defense team does not want her to be able to use that description in court.

And as we learn about these text messages, we learn about the 911 call. This is all after Coburger's lead attorney, Ann Taylor, has really tried to create some questions about the surviving roommate, about her credibility. And they even bring up this description of bushy eyebrows. And right now, Koberger's defense team does not want her to be able to use that description in court.

With that change came a new judge who was assigned to the case in November, Judge Stephen Hippler. And Hippler seemingly has lost patience with the way the case has been handled so far.

With that change came a new judge who was assigned to the case in November, Judge Stephen Hippler. And Hippler seemingly has lost patience with the way the case has been handled so far.