The University of Idaho has begun demolishing the off-campus rental home where four students were killed in a home invasion stabbing last year.
The decision to tear down the house has sparked criticism, with some wanting it to remain until the suspected killer’s trial.
Experts have differing views on the impact of jury visits to crime scenes, with some considering it important while others see it as a logistical challenge. (Trending: Could Taylor Swift Save Biden In 2024?)
David Gelman, a Philadelphia-based defense attorney, said, “Nobody wants to do it.”
“To say it’s rare – it’s a unicorn,” he added.
“Usually when you go to trial it’s at least a year after the allegation occurred,” explained Gelman.
“So by that time the scene is done. You’re not gonna have yellow tape everywhere, you’re not gonna have bloodstains, and you’re not gonna see anything,” he added.
The university’s decision to demolish the building has been questioned, with concerns raised about the potential impact on the trial against the suspected killer.
The families of the victims have also expressed their desire for the house to be preserved until after the trial.
Edwina Elcox, a Boise-based defense attorney, said, “Being able to visit the crime scene in certain cases is extremely important.”
“Video and pictures can help, but may not accurately depict the scene in the way an in-person visit can do. The house should be preserved until the trial concludes or Kohberger pleads guilty,” added Elcox.
Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson wrote, “We anticipate no further use of the 1122 King Road premises. Based on our review of Idaho case law, the current condition of the premises is so substantially different than at the time of the homicides that a ‘jury view’ would not be authorized. We appreciate the UI’s help in facilitating the investigators gathering the necessary measurements, etc., to enable creation of illustrative exhibits that should be admissible and helpful to the jury.”
Attorney Shanon Gray wrote in a statement on behalf of the Goncalves and Kernodle families that they, “reached out to the Latah County Prosecutors Office and the University of Idaho to stop this madness.”
“When the victims can’t speak you have to speak for them when you feel someone is hurting the case,” wrote Gray.
“We all along have just wanted the King Rd. Home to not be demolished until after the trial and for us to have a trial date so that we can look forward to justice being served,” continued the families’ attorney.
“Is that really too much to ask?” added Gray.
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