STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's been more than a year and a half since the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students shocked the nation, and on Monday, a new development in the case in northeast Pennsylvania.
28/22 News was inside the Monroe County Courthouse on Monday as several witnesses connected to Bryan Kohberger were called before a judge.
Potential witnesses in the Idaho murder case were questioned, one by one. Most of them tried to avoid having to testify, saying they barely knew Kohberger or that being involved in the high-profile case could cost them their jobs, but the judge didn't agree in every case.
A judge ruled that three Pennsylvania residents subpoenaed by Kohberger's defense must travel to Idaho to testify at his upcoming murder trial.
Kohberger, the former criminology student accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, was arrested at his parents' home in Albrightsville. His defense team wants several people from northeastern Pennsylvania to take the stand.
Among them, Brandon Andreola, who told the court he hasn't had a meaningful interaction with Kohberger since high school and argued testifying could put his job at risk due to unwanted publicity. The judge ordered him to appear or work out alternative arrangements with the defense.
Another witness, Jesse Harris, said his business and a family health issue would make it difficult to travel. He trained Kohberger briefly as a teenager at a boxing gym. The judge approved his subpoena but said health concerns could be revisited if they worsen.
Detours active in Wilkes-Barre during sinkhole repairA third man, Anthony Somma, did not oppose the subpoena and will also be required to testify.
Meanwhile, a car dealer, Ralph Vecchio III, argued he shouldn't be considered a material witness at all. Kohberger's parents bought a Hyundai Elantra from his dealership in 2019, but Vecchio says he never met Bryan and wasn't the owner at the time. That ruling was delayed until a hearing set for July 7.
Also delayed, a decision on whether a local prison official will need to testify about Kohberger's brief time in the Monroe County jail. His documents were submitted, but still need to be verified.
For now, three witnesses are cleared to testify in Idaho. Others will return to court next week to find out if they'll be joining them.
Only one of the witnesses in court on Monday said he was willing to go to Idaho voluntarily. The rest cited personal and financial hardship. The judge made it clear if they're legally necessary, they'll have to go.
We'll be back in court next Monday when rulings on the remaining subpoenas are expected.