Idaho judge orders redaction of crime-scene photos in Moscow murders

An Idaho judge has ordered that portions of crime scene photographs from the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students be obscured before further public release, finding that images showing victims' bodies and the blood immediately surrounding them would cause an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Second District Judge Megan Marshall issued the ruling Wednesday, directing the city of Moscow to black out any portion of the images that depict the decedents' bodies or nearby blood, while allowing other investigation records to be disclosed.

Marshall said the public retains an interest in transparency and allowed the release of other photos, videos and documents tied to the investigation, including footage showing distraught friends on the morning the students' bodies were found. Her order followed requests from family members of two victims, who sought to keep parts of the crime scene photos and videos from public view on grounds that the images were invasive and traumatizing.

Prosecutors say Bryan Kohberger stabbed Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin at an off-campus rental home in Moscow on November 13, 2022. Kohberger pleaded guilty in July and...