Kohberger's defense struggles with DNA evidence terminology

A forensic expert has challenged the defense in the case against Bryan Kohberger. The expert said calling the DNA on a knife sheath "trace DNA" is incorrect and misleading. Kohberger, 29, faces serious charges for the murder of four University of Idaho students. The victims were found dead in their off-campus home on November 13, 2022. Kohberger has not entered a plea, and a not-guilty verdict was recorded on his behalf. Prosecutors claim Kohberger's DNA was discovered on a knife sheath at the crime scene. They argue that he left his "touch" DNA on the item. The defense team, however, wants the judge to explain to the jury that the DNA was too small in quantity for any specific conclusions. They suggest it could have come from casual contact with others. Rylene Nowlin, a laboratory manager from the Idaho State Police, provided a signed statement about the DNA. She clarified that "touch DNA" is the correct term, as it refers to DNA found on items likely handled by someone. She expects to testify in the trial. Nowlin criticized the term "trace DNA," saying it refers to very small amounts that do not produce a complete DNA profile. She argued that describing the DNA on the knife sheath as trace would be misleading to the jury. Defense attorney Bicka Barlow wants to keep both terms out of the trial's evidence. Barlow argues that using these terms could confuse the jury and unfairly affect Kohberger’s case. The legal dispute over evidence definitions is likely to continue as Kohberger's trial approaches. It is set to begin on August 11 and is expected to last until November 7.