Law&Crime Network will cover the following trials this week. You can watch the trials live on our website and our YouTube page.
ID vs. Bryan Kohberger
Bryan Kohberger (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, Pool)
Bryan Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in their off-campus apartment in Moscow. So far, prosecutors have not provided a motive behind the crimes, or a connection linking Kohberger to the victims: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.
Dylan Mortensen (left) and Bethany Funke (right), and victims Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee’s shoulders), Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle (hugging).
Last week, Kohberger was indicted by a grand jury for the quadruple murder – avoiding a preliminary hearing in June that was expected to last at least a week while the state presents the evidence against him. Instead, Kohberger and his defense team are due in court for his arraignment at 9 a.m. Monday. He should plead not guilty.
Prior to his arrest, Kohberger was pursuing a doctorate in criminology at Washington State University, about 10 miles from the Idaho crime scene.
GA vs. Richard Merritt
Richard Merritt (US Marshals)
Richard Merritt is currently on trial for the murder of his 77-year-old mother Shirley Merritt. The disgraced lawyer allegedly killed her on the day he was supposed to report to jail for unrelated financial crimes in February 2019.
Prosecutors claim Richard stabbed and bludgeoned Shirley to death with a kitchen knife and a 35-pound dumbbell. Crime scene investigators said pots and pans were on the stove filled with spaghetti and sauce – detectives believe Shirley made Richard her favorite meal before heading behind bars.
Shirley Merrit
Immediately after the murder, Richard flew from Georgia to Tennessee where he lived under a new alias. He got a job at a bar, started dating online, and met a new girlfriend. Eight months later, US Marshals caught up with Richard and arrested him for the gruesome crime.
The last:
Last week, jurors heard Richard’s ex-wife talk about their relationship and her change in behavior when he was charged and arrested for financial crimes. Crime scene detectives also painted a picture of the murder scene and were questioned about evidence found at Shirley’s home.
FL vs. Travis Rudolph
Travis Rudolph (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Opening statements are set to begin Monday morning for Florida man Travis Rudolph, who is accused of killing a man in Lake Park in April 2021. The former Florida State University wide receiver tried to claim a defense “hold your ground” in the first degree murder trial.
On the night of the crime, Rudolph had just had a fight with his girlfriend at his home in West Palm Beach. According to a probable cause affidavit, the fight escalated when four men confronted Rudolph at the house – Rudolph grabbed a gun and fired at the group as they fled.
Sebastien Jean-Jacques
Two of the men were shot: Sébastien Jean-Jacques was killed and Tyler Robinson was hospitalized but recovered.
Rudolph is considered one of FSU’s all-time leaders in catches and yards. He then played with the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins, but ended up getting injured.
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