‘So reminiscent’: Superstar lawyer Alan Dershowitz thinks Bryan Kohberger’s Idaho 4 trial could end up like O.J. Simpson’s

Harvard Law Professor Emeritus Alan Dershowitz, renowned for his role in O.J. Simpson’s defense team, recently drew parallels between the upcoming trial of Bryan Kohberger and the infamous 1995 Simpson case.

In a May 2025 appearance on Fox News’ Fox & Friends, Dershowitz described the Kohberger case as “so reminiscent” of Simpson’s, highlighting similarities in defense strategies and the handling of DNA evidence.

The role of DNA in each case

Dershowitz, who served as an appellate adviser on Simpson’s defense team, sees notable parallels between the two cases. In both, DNA evidence plays a pivotal role. At Kohberger’s trial, the defense team is expected to challenge the integrity of this evidence. Dershowitz emphasized that, as in the Simpson trial, the defense might argue that the DNA evidence was mishandled or contaminated. This could thereby create reasonable doubt, he said.

In the Simpson case, the defense successfully argued that DNA evidence was compromised, leading to Simpson’s acquittal. Dershowitz suggests that Kohberger’s defense might adopt a similar approach to undermine the prosecution’s case.

Furthermore, both the Simpson and Kohberger cases have been subject to intense media scrutiny. This can influence public perception and potentially impact the trial’s outcome. Dershowitz notes that media coverage can shape narratives and affect jury selection, making it imperative for defense teams to manage public relations carefully.

In high-profile cases, the court of public opinion can be as influential as the courtroom itself. Defense teams must navigate media coverage strategically to protect their client’s right to a fair trial.

The Kohberger Idaho 4 case: a brief overview

Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University, stands accused of the November 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students: Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen. Arrested in December 2022, Kohberger faces a trial that has garnered national attention due to the brutal nature of the crimes and the circumstantial evidence presented by prosecutors.

Kohberger and the O.J. Simpson trial

Dershowitz advocates for a defense strategy that begins with the presumption of guilt. He believes that by assuming their client’s guilt, defense attorneys can more effectively identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop strategies to counter them. This approach, he argues, allows for a more thorough examination of the evidence and the development of a robust defense.

In the context of the Kohberger case, this strategy would involve a meticulous review of the prosecution’s evidence, including DNA findings, cell phone records, and surveillance footage. By identifying potential flaws or inconsistencies, the defense can craft arguments that cast doubt on Kohberger’s guilt.