Idaho Judge Blocks Release of Graphic Crime Scene Photos in Kohberger Case

Sun Oct 19 2025 20:23:11 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant ruling, an Idaho judge has restricted the release of sensitive crime scene images linked to the Bryan Kohberger case, citing family privacy concerns. However, other investigative materials will still be made available.

An Idaho judge, citing the emotional distress of victims' families, has ordered the city of Moscow to redact graphic elements from crime scene photos in the Bryan Kohberger case while allowing the release of less sensitive materials. Kohberger was sentenced to life without parole for the murders of four University of Idaho students.

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho judge has intervened to block the release of certain graphic images related to the investigation of Bryan Kohberger, who was convicted of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022.

Judge Megan Marshall ruled on Wednesday that the distribution of disturbing photos online could invade the privacy of the victims' families. She mandated that the city of Moscow must obscure parts of the images showing any part of the victims' bodies or the blood around them.

While the judge acknowledged the public's right to view investigation records, she determined that the distress caused by the graphic images outweighed public interest in those specific details. Other materials, such as videos capturing the grief of friends and relatives outside the crime scene, will still be accessible.

Kohberger received a life sentence without parole in July for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Ethan Chapin, who were all killed in a rental house off-campus in Moscow, Idaho.

Family members of two of the victims voiced their concern regarding the potential release of the images, describing them as invasive and traumatic.

The case has garnered international attention, sparking significant public interest and numerous requests for the release of investigative records from the Moscow Police Department. Idaho law allows the sealing of investigation records to be lifted once a criminal investigation concludes.

Following Kohberger's sentencing, the city began responding to public record requests, releasing certain images and video footage that omitted explicit details, such as the victims' bodies, with an aim to protect the identities of witnesses and minimize distress.

Marshall emphasized, There is little to be gained by the public in seeing the decedents’ bodies... while the families have already experienced extreme emotional distress. She added that after the formal conclusion of the investigation, releasing the images would primarily serve to fulfill public curiosity rather than contribute to a greater understanding of the case.