Judge Hippler's Order On Touch DNA/Rylene Nowlin Testimony (Part 2)

​On April 18, 2025, the Idaho District Court ruled on Bryan Kohberger's motion to exclude testimony from forensic analyst Rylene Nowlin regarding "touch" or "contact" DNA in his upcoming trial. Kohberger's defense argued that Nowlin's opinions on how and when DNA was transferred to a knife sheath found at the crime scene were speculative and lacked scientific consensus. They contended that such testimony could mislead the jury and should be inadmissible under Idaho Rules of Evidence 403 and 703. However, the court denied the motion to exclude Nowlin's testimony, allowing her to discuss DNA transfer concepts, including distinctions between direct and indirect transfer, as well as factors influencing DNA persistence. The court acknowledged that Nowlin's opinions were based on her training and experience, noting her assessment that the DNA profile obtained from the sheath was more likely the result of direct transfer.While permitting Nowlin's testimony, the court expressed concern over the potential for certain terminology to confuse the jury. Specifically, the court requested that both parties instruct their witnesses to avoid using the terms "touch DNA," "contact DNA," and "trace DNA" during the trial. The court reasoned that these terms could be misleading, as they might imply a level of certainty about the DNA's origin and transfer mechanism that current forensic science cannot definitively provide. By restricting the use of such terminology, the court aimed to ensure that the jury would not be unduly influenced by potentially ambiguous or scientifically unsupported language.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:041825+Order+on+Defendants+Motion+in+Limine+RE+Rylene+Nowlin+and+Touch+and+Contact+DNA.pdfBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Om Podcasten

Moscow is a city located in northern Idaho, United States, with a population of approximately 25,000 people. It is the largest city and the county seat of Latah County. The city is situated in the Palouse region, known for its fertile soil and rolling hills, and is surrounded by wheat fields, forests, and mountains.Moscow is home to the University of Idaho, which is the state's flagship institution and a major research university. The university is a significant contributor to the local economy, and many businesses in the city are directly or indirectly tied to the university.The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with several galleries, museums, and performance venues.In terms of recreation, Moscow has several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Latah Trail, the Moscow Mountain Trail System, and the Palouse Divide Nordic Ski Area. The city also hosts several annual events, including the Moscow Farmers Market, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, and the Renaissance Fair.However, things would change forever after Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were murdered in the early morning hours of November 13th, 2022. What followed in the wake of the murders captivated not only the nation but the whole world as the authorities scrambled to find the person responsible for the heinous crime. This podcast will document the Murders In Moscow from right after the murders were committed all the way through the real time evolution of the trial of the person that the authorities say is responsible, Bryan Kohberger.We will also cover other stories that are based in the world of true crime that are currently in the courts or that are headed that way.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.