Idaho College Murders Suspect Indicted: What Will Happen Next?
Bryan Kohberger, the prime Idaho College murders suspect, has been formally indicted by a grand jury, paving the way for his upcoming hearing on Monday, where he will enter a plea.
The 28-year-old Ph.D. criminology student had previously faced charges brought by the authorities, but the grand jury indictment now moves the case to a higher court in Moscow, Idaho.
This procedural step also allows the prosecution to withhold certain evidence until the trial, per the USA Today report.
While the existing charges against Bryan Kohberger are incorporated into the grand jury indictment, additional charges could be added on Wednesday, as stated by Latah County Court Deputy Clerk Charlotte Mansil. Currently incarcerated, Kohberger remains in custody without bond.
Mansil revealed, "He was indicted on the original charges, and the preliminary hearing set for the end of June was vacated. His arraignment is now scheduled for May 22 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 3."
The horrifying discovery of the remains of Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, was made by a different roommate on November 13.
Authorities have indicated that DNA evidence collected at the crime scene directly links Kohberger to these tragic murders.
READ NEXT: How Idaho Murder Suspect Bryan Kohberger Was Eventually Caught
Idaho College Murders Suspect Faces Four Counts of First-Degree Murder in Indictment
In a detailed indictment, Bryan Kohberger, the prime suspect in the Idaho College murders case, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one act of burglary.
The indictment alleges that Kohberger "intentionally, unlawfully, deliberately, with premeditation and with malice aforethought, kill and murder" the victims.
The grand jury proceedings, which remain confidential, included testimony from witnesses whose identities are protected. The decision to indict Kohberger suggests that the grand jury members found sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial.
Earlier this year, Bryan Kohberger, through his public defender, expressed his desire to be vindicated, stating that he was "eager to be exonerated."
However, the arrest affidavit, supported by DNA evidence, telephone records, and eyewitness accounts of a white Hyundai Elantra leaving the scene, all point to Kohberger as the perpetrator.
One of the roommates who managed to escape the attack partially identified the assailant to the police after encountering him directly.
The murder weapon-a fixed-blade knife-remains missing despite the thorough investigation.
Search warrants obtained by The Independent reveal that law enforcement officers seized various items from Kohberger's parent's house in Pennsylvania, including a Glock .40 caliber revolver, empty gun magazines, a dagger, a pocket knife, black face masks, black gloves, electronic devices, and clothing.
Interestingly, on the same day that Kohberger's apartment in Pullman, Washington, just 15 minutes from the crime site in Moscow, was searched, his family home was also subjected to a police invasion.
According to the Washington warrant, authorities retrieved a pillow with a "reddish/brown stain" and a "collection of dark red" markings from the residence of the Idaho College murders suspect.
Further analysis determined that at least two items collected during the search contained traces of blood.
Idaho College Murders
The tragic events that unfolded on the early morning of November 13 claimed the lives of four students at the nearby University of Idaho.
Among them was Chapin, who had spent the night at the residence with Kernodle, whom he was dating.
Kohberger's family publicly expressed their support in upholding his presumption of innocence in January as they cooperated with the police. However, no motive for the crime has been disclosed thus far, NBC News reported.
Authorities have not provided any information regarding the Idaho College murders suspect's relationship with the victims or shed light on why he targeted that specific residence.
The Moscow police have confirmed that the murder weapon, described as a large fixed-blade knife, has not yet been recovered.
Bryan Kohberger remains in custody without bond at the Latah County Jail while the community of Moscow continues to grapple with the aftermath of the heinous quadruple murder.
The local authorities have called the investigation "very complicated," underscoring the challenges they face in uncovering the truth behind the tragic events.
READ MORE: Bryan Kohberger's Family Home Searched
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Bryan Kohberger Indicted in Idaho Student Murders Case - What's Next? - From Law&Crime Network