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MOSCOW, IDAHO: Idaho student murder suspect Bryan Kohberger has hired a new lawyer who is one of the famed attorneys in Idaho and has worked before in a case that was broadcast on 'America's Most Wanted,' where she overturned a man's life sentences. Elisa G Massoth, currently the co-counsel for the alleged killer has joined the defense team.
Kohberger faces multiple charges including felony burglary for the murders and four charges of first-degree murders of the University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen in their off-campus home in Moscow on November 13, 2022, reported New York Post.
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Who is Elisa G Massoth?
Attorney Massoth is certified to be on defense in the death penalty cases and a notice of appearance has been filed on Tuesday, May 9, with the Second Judicial Court. She has also attended the same university as the slain victims.
Massoth claimed to be "one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Idaho," according to her website. She was previously the president of the Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has also served on Criminal Justice Panel in Idaho.
Massoth's work on TV case
Overturning a man's conviction of kidnapping and attempted murder, she overturned the man's consecutive life sentence of more than 50 years, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. The case also made its appearance on 'America's Most Wanted'. On her appeal, Massoth tried convincing the court that the witness in the case identified her client mistakenly.
Massoth will be part of Kohberger's legal team and will join public defender Anne Taylor who was appointed to represent the Idaho murder suspect following his extradition from Pennsylvania to Idaho. On January 5, 2023, Taylor withdrew her counsel services for Xana Kernodle's mother Cara Northington in an unrelated drug case and left her devastated.
Talking about Taylor dropping the services for her, Northington stated, "I am heartbroken because I trusted her. (Taylor) pretended that she was wanting to help me … And to find out that she’s representing him, I can’t even convey how betrayed I feel." Kohberger who is currently held in Latah County jail and his preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin on June 26.
