In a significant setback for the defense, a judge has rejected Bryan Kohberger's attempts to dismiss crucial evidence gathered through search warrants in the Idaho college murders case. This decision deals a substantial blow to Kohberger's legal team, although it was largely anticipated.

Kohberger's defense had highlighted two unidentified male DNA samples discovered at the King Road residence, the scene of the quadruple homicide, in their bid to have the arrest warrants invalidated. The victims, University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncavles, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20, were found stabbed to death. The unidentified blood samples, one on a handrail and another on a glove outside the house, did not match Kohberger and belonged to two different individuals. Defense attorney Anne Taylor argued that the presence of these unknown DNA samples raised questions about Kohberger's connection to the crime.

Bryan Kohberger in court. (Kai Eiselein/Pool)

However, Judge Steven Hippler appeared unconvinced that these additional DNA samples undermined the probable cause for Kohberger's arrest, particularly given the discovery of a Ka-Bar knife sheath under victim Madison Mogen's body, which contained Kohberger's DNA. The judge emphasized the significance of this evidence during the hearing.

Furthermore, Judge Hippler denied Kohberger's request for a Frank's hearing, which would have allowed his lawyers to challenge the methods employed by law enforcement during the investigation leading to his arrest in December 2022.

Map illustrating Kohberger's movements. (Latah County Sheriff's Office/Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

At the time of the murders, Kohberger was a Ph.D. student in criminology and criminal justice at Washington State University, located just 10 miles from the University of Idaho. Following a nearly two-month investigation, Kohberger was apprehended at his parents' residence in Pennsylvania. During their cross-country drive from his Pullman, Washington apartment to Pennsylvania, Kohberger and his father were stopped twice by Indiana police.

Kohberger's trial is set to commence in August, and if found guilty, he could face the death penalty.