Quadruple murder suspect Byran Kohberger’s lawyers accuse the FBI of interfering with genetic expert witness in his trial claiming they interrogated her at her home

Quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger’s lawyers have accused the FBI of interfering with a genetic expert witness in the trial by allegedly interrogating her at home.

Kohberger, 28, is facing trial over the fatal stabbings of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20 and Xana Kernodle, 20, last November. 

The suspect, who was charged with four counts of murder in the first-degree and one count of felony burglary, recently stood silent while he was arraigned and the judge entered a not guilty plea for each charge on his behalf. 

His main lawyer Anne Taylor said genetic genealogy expert Gabriella Vargas, who recently spoke in court about DNA-matching, had been harassed by the FBI shortly after she took the stand, Radar Online reports. 

‘She was visited by two FBI agents and interrogated about her testimony and the findings of her declaration,’ Taylor said.

 (L-R) Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee’s shoulders) Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle

‘That, in our view, imposes on Kohberger’s due process rights and his rights to a federal assistance counsel.’  

Taylor also expressed the intention to file a motion in regards to ‘what happens to witnesses after they testify in court’.

Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson responded in court that he contacted the FBI to investigate after Vargas questioned parts of her own testimony. 

He added: ‘The FBI agreed, and Ms. Vargas claimed that some of what was in her declaration she had inadvertently agreed to or signed without fully reading it. 

‘We’re documenting that so we can share it with Ms. Taylor.’

Former FBI agent Tracy Walder told Law & Crime: ‘It is not something I typically hear, about FBI agents going in and visiting a witness after they have delivered testimony.

While Kohberger was set to face trial on October 2, this has been delayed indefinitely after he waived his right to a speedy trial during his latest court appearance on August 24 (pictured here)

‘However, I think a lot of that lies with perception and how Ms. Vargas felt during that discussion. 

‘I would hope that copious amounts of notes were being taken and I would hope that the FBI has a very good reason.’

While Kohberger was set to face trial on October 2, this has been delayed indefinitely after he waived his right to a speedy trial during his latest court appearance on August 24. 

No date was set for the future trial, which could now be in months or even years. 

Judge John Judge confirmed with Kohberger if he would like to waive his right to a speedy trial to which the defendant replied, ‘Absolutely’.

Despite wanting to come to a resolution as soon as possible, the prosecution did not object – agreeing that this was the best option at this time, local news station KXLY reported.