The latest claims surrounding key evidence in the Bryan Kohberger case have reignited debate over one of the nation's most closely watched murder investigations.

A digital forensics expert who was previously retained by Kohberger's defense team now argues that investigators overlooked significant geolocation data that could further strengthen the prosecution's case if Kohberger's guilty plea is ultimately withdrawn and a new trial is ordered.

Sy Ray, a former Arizona homicide investigator and digital forensics specialist, says previously unexamined cellphone location records suggest Kohberger may have stalked the victims for months before the November 2022 killings. Although Kohberger pleaded guilty in 2025 to avoid the death penalty, he is now attempting to overturn that plea through post-conviction proceedings.

Idaho Murders Shocked the Nation

The case stems from the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students at an off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho, during the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022.

The victims were:

• Kaylee Goncalves, 21
• Madison Mogen, 21
• Xana Kernodle, 20
• Ethan Chapin, 20

The killings stunned the country and launched a massive multi-agency investigation involving local police, the Idaho State Police and the FBI. Authorities eventually arrested Bryan Kohberger, then a criminology Ph.D. student at nearby Washington State University, in Pennsylvania on Dec. 30, 2022.

Investigators alleged that Kohberger drove repeatedly near the King Road residence before the murders and left behind DNA evidence on a knife sheath recovered at the crime scene. Additional evidence included surveillance footage, cellphone records and vehicle movements.

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Defense Expert Says Key Evidence Was Overlooked

Ray, who was hired as an expert witness by Kohberger's defense before the guilty plea, now contends investigators failed to fully analyze a telecommunications database known as the Location Database of Record (LOCDBOR).

According to Ray, mapping the underlying AT&T location records paints a far more damaging picture than what was presented during court proceedings.

He claims the data places Kohberger's phone within approximately 25 meters of the victims' residence on multiple occasions before the murders. In some instances, Ray believes the estimated coordinates fall directly on or immediately adjacent to the King Road home.

Digital Key Evidence

Ray also argues that cellphone movements reveal repeated "collisions," or occasions when Kohberger's phone appeared in the same general locations as one or more victims before the killings.

He believes these repeated encounters indicate a pattern of stalking rather than random coincidence.

Fox News Digital reported that it has not independently reviewed the LOCDBOR records because they have not been publicly released.

Theory About the Intended Target

Based on his analysis, Ray believes Madison Mogen was likely Kohberger's primary target.

He points to numerous occasions where cellphone records allegedly show Kohberger and Mogen in the same vicinity, including locations around Pullman, Washington, and Moscow, Idaho.

However, investigators have never publicly identified a specific intended victim.

Following Kohberger's guilty plea, Moscow Police investigators said they believe there was a reason the King Road residence was selected but acknowledged they still do not know the motive or intended target.

Court Timeline

The legal case has evolved dramatically since Kohberger's arrest.

November 13, 2022

Four University of Idaho students are stabbed to death inside their off-campus residence.

December 30, 2022

Bryan Kohberger is arrested in Pennsylvania following a nationwide manhunt.

2023–2024

Prosecutors assemble an extensive case involving DNA evidence, surveillance footage, cellphone records and witness testimony while numerous pretrial hearings take place.

January 2025

Sy Ray files an expert report challenging aspects of the prosecution's digital evidence analysis. Ray later says his report evaluated only the prosecution's work product—not the underlying telecommunications record he believes deserved additional examination.

July 2025

Kohberger pleads guilty to four counts of first-degree murder, avoiding a possible death sentence. He receives four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Late July 2025

Kohberger files a petition for post-conviction relief, arguing he received ineffective assistance from his defense team and seeking to withdraw his guilty plea.

August 2025

An Idaho judge approves Kohberger's request for new legal representation as post-conviction proceedings begin. Legal experts note that overturning a voluntary guilty plea remains an exceptionally difficult legal hurdle.

Key Evidence and Expert Opinions 

Ray now says he believes investigators should essentially rebuild portions of the digital investigation if the case returns to trial.

He maintains that properly mapped cellphone records would produce an even stronger prosecution case and supports reinstating the death penalty if Kohberger's guilty plea is vacated.

"I am all for this," Ray said during a recent podcast interview discussing the case.

Not everyone agrees.

Digital forensics expert Morgan Wright, who has no involvement in the case, says extraordinary claims require independent verification.

Without reviewing the underlying LOCDBOR records, Wright said he remains skeptical of Ray's conclusions and wants to see the original reports and mapping data.

Families Continue Pointing to Key Evidence to Seek Accountability

The victims' families continue to pursue additional legal action related to the case.

Separate wrongful death litigation has been filed against Washington State University, alleging the university ignored multiple reports concerning Kohberger before the murders.

Meanwhile, Kohberger remains incarcerated at the Idaho State Correctional Complex while his post-conviction petition moves through the courts.

Legal analysts say withdrawing a guilty plea after sentencing is extremely rare. To succeed, Kohberger must overcome a significant legal burden by demonstrating constitutional or procedural errors that justify vacating his convictions.

If a court were to grant that request, prosecutors could once again pursue capital punishment, reopening one of the most closely watched criminal cases in recent U.S. history.

More Information

• Fox News Digital – Bryan Kohberger coverage: https://www.foxnews.com/category/us/crime
• University of Idaho case updates: https://www.uidaho.edu
• Idaho Judicial Branch: https://isc.idaho.gov
• FBI – Behavioral Analysis and Violent Crime Resources: https://www.fbi.gov
• AP News – Idaho student murders coverage: https://apnews.com