Poking Holes In The Prosecution Of Bryan Kohberger
Aug 23, 2023, 03:00 PM
In a recent episode of the well-regarded podcast "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski sat down with Shavaun Scott, a psychotherapist and author, to delve into the intricacies of the case against Brian Kohberger. Their discussion touched upon the defense's tactics, the science behind the evidence, and Kohberger's behavioral traits.
The defense's claim of "phantom matches" in DNA evidence is a contentious point in the case. Leah Larkin, a DNA expert hired by the defense, argued the possibility of errors despite the astronomically low odds. Brueski pointed out that, with odds like "one in 5.37 octillion," the likelihood of it being a proper match is staggeringly high. "What is their goal? Simply to confuse and make people think that the science is not anywhere near as solid as it actually is," Brueski postulated.
Shavaun Scott commented, "The circumstantial evidence is so high with this case...it doesn't make a lot of sense and it just strikes me as desperate." In relation to Kohberger's alibi, Brueski highlighted its fragility. Kohberger's defense is that he frequently drove around at night, which Scott noted could be seen as a "red flag" for potential serial killer behavior. The fact that Kohberger cannot definitively account for his whereabouts on the night of the murders, coupled with the timing of his phone being turned off and on near the crime scene, casts further doubt on his alibi.
As for the defense's strategy, Scott believes they're simply "trying to think up what else [they] can throw out." There have also been attempts to subpoena information about officers involved in the investigation, hinting at a possible defense angle of "tunnel vision." Brueski asked if there's any merit to this claim, to which Scott responded, "I just don't see it." She elaborated that defense attorneys sometimes dig into officers' pasts in an attempt to discredit them, but in this case, the arguments aren't compelling.
Scott also touched upon the subject of Kohberger's psychological profile. She stated that from descriptions and interviews, Kohberger appears as an "odd duck" who had social problems, especially with women, and exhibited traits like arrogance. "The consistent theme that comes through is this... drive to dominate women and interact with women in strange ways," she said. Regarding potential links to serial killers, Scott mentioned narcissism and a lack of empathy as common traits. However, whether Kohberger fits a sadistic profile remains uncertain, pending evidence like computer search histories.
Brueski also inquired about Kohberger's teenage writings, which touched upon dissociative phenomena. Scott had reviewed these and felt they portrayed Kohberger as someone trying to appear smarter by using jargon, even if incorrectly. "He knows he is different, but he didn't know why," Scott noted.
The case continues to draw attention due to its high-profile nature and the controversial tactics employed by the defense. As it stands, many questions remain unanswered. With Scott's expert insights and Brueski's probing questions, the "Hidden Killers" episode provided listeners with a comprehensive understanding of where the case stands.
While the court's decision is pending, the discussions and speculations continue to keep the public captivated. The integrity of forensic science, the strategies of the defense, and the psychology of the accused all interplay in this riveting case.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The defense's claim of "phantom matches" in DNA evidence is a contentious point in the case. Leah Larkin, a DNA expert hired by the defense, argued the possibility of errors despite the astronomically low odds. Brueski pointed out that, with odds like "one in 5.37 octillion," the likelihood of it being a proper match is staggeringly high. "What is their goal? Simply to confuse and make people think that the science is not anywhere near as solid as it actually is," Brueski postulated.
Shavaun Scott commented, "The circumstantial evidence is so high with this case...it doesn't make a lot of sense and it just strikes me as desperate." In relation to Kohberger's alibi, Brueski highlighted its fragility. Kohberger's defense is that he frequently drove around at night, which Scott noted could be seen as a "red flag" for potential serial killer behavior. The fact that Kohberger cannot definitively account for his whereabouts on the night of the murders, coupled with the timing of his phone being turned off and on near the crime scene, casts further doubt on his alibi.
As for the defense's strategy, Scott believes they're simply "trying to think up what else [they] can throw out." There have also been attempts to subpoena information about officers involved in the investigation, hinting at a possible defense angle of "tunnel vision." Brueski asked if there's any merit to this claim, to which Scott responded, "I just don't see it." She elaborated that defense attorneys sometimes dig into officers' pasts in an attempt to discredit them, but in this case, the arguments aren't compelling.
Scott also touched upon the subject of Kohberger's psychological profile. She stated that from descriptions and interviews, Kohberger appears as an "odd duck" who had social problems, especially with women, and exhibited traits like arrogance. "The consistent theme that comes through is this... drive to dominate women and interact with women in strange ways," she said. Regarding potential links to serial killers, Scott mentioned narcissism and a lack of empathy as common traits. However, whether Kohberger fits a sadistic profile remains uncertain, pending evidence like computer search histories.
Brueski also inquired about Kohberger's teenage writings, which touched upon dissociative phenomena. Scott had reviewed these and felt they portrayed Kohberger as someone trying to appear smarter by using jargon, even if incorrectly. "He knows he is different, but he didn't know why," Scott noted.
The case continues to draw attention due to its high-profile nature and the controversial tactics employed by the defense. As it stands, many questions remain unanswered. With Scott's expert insights and Brueski's probing questions, the "Hidden Killers" episode provided listeners with a comprehensive understanding of where the case stands.
While the court's decision is pending, the discussions and speculations continue to keep the public captivated. The integrity of forensic science, the strategies of the defense, and the psychology of the accused all interplay in this riveting case.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com