One significant development is the prosecution's strong advocacy for the death penalty in the case of suspect Brian Kohberger. They assert that his actions were excessively severe and inhumane, making the death penalty an obvious choice.
Adding to the intrigue, under the new Idaho law, if Kohberger is convicted and receives the death penalty, it is possible that he may be executed by a firing squad.
From Fox 9:
Prosecutors argue the four murders carried out in quick succession, the "especially heinous, atrocious or cruel" nature of the murders, the "utter disregard for human life," and the suspected likelihood of the suspect’s continued "threat to society" as factors to their pursuance of the death penalty.
"The State gives this notice based on the face that is has not identified or been provided with any mitigating circumstances sufficient to prohibit the tiers of fact from considering all penalties authorized by the Idaho legislature including the possibility of a capital sentence," reads the letter. "Consequently, considering all evidence currently known to the State, the State is compelled to file this notice of intent to seek the death penalty."
The death penalty can only be imposed if the prosecuting attorney files a written notice of intent to seek the death penalty with the court. Prosecutors must serve that notice to the defense and their attorney no later than 60 days after a plea is entered, according to Idaho Code.
Prosecutors on June 26 served the written notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Kohberger.
Idaho has been looking to resurrect the firing squad as an acceptable alternative to lethal injection for prisoners sentenced to death, a shortage of necessary drugs and a poor track record over the past four decades has experts pointing out the shortcomings of the "modern" and "clinical" practice used in most states that still carry out capital punishment.
If signed into law, Idaho's bill could impact the state's eight current death row inmates and possibly the future of student stabbings suspect Bryan Kohberger. He could face death if convicted of any one of four first-degree murder charges he faces in the November deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin or Xana Kernodle.
Well, if there's anyone who deserves a firing squad, it's Kohberger.
It's notable that the prosecution is actively advocating for the death penalty, indicating a strong level of confidence in their case.
