A former digital forensics expert who once worked for convicted Idaho murderer Bryan Kohberger’s defence team has dramatically reversed his position, saying fresh analysis of mobile phone data has convinced him that Kohberger deserves the death penalty. The development comes as Kohberger seeks to withdraw his guilty plea in one of the most high-profile murder cases in recent US history.

Sy Ray, a digital forensics specialist and former Arizona homicide investigator, said his reassessment followed a more detailed examination of Kohberger’s cellphone records. Speaking during a podcast interview, Ray stated that the evidence now points more strongly toward Kohberger’s involvement than he had previously believed.

Expert reverses earlier findings

Ray claimed that advanced analysis of location data revealed multiple "collisions" between Kohberger’s mobile phone and the device belonging to victim Madison Mogen before the November 2022 killings.

According to him, the data suggests Kohberger may have visited the victims’ residence before the murders and that Mogen could have been the intended target.

His latest assessment marks a significant departure from the report he submitted in January 2025 while working with the defence. At that time, Ray had concluded that available location data did not establish any meaningful connection between Kohberger and the victims or place him near the crime scene.

Supports death penalty

Following his revised analysis, Ray publicly backed capital punishment for Kohberger.

"Bring back the death penalty. I am all for this," he said during the interview, arguing that the new evidence substantially strengthened the prosecution's case.

His comments have attracted widespread attention because he was previously retained by Kohberger’s legal team to challenge digital evidence presented by prosecutors.

Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea

The renewed debate comes after Kohberger filed a handwritten petition asking the court to withdraw the guilty plea he entered in July 2025.

Kohberger, 31, pleaded guilty to the murders of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, receiving four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

In his petition, he alleged that his defence attorneys provided ineffective legal representation and pressured him into accepting the plea agreement.

He claimed his lawyers exaggerated the likelihood of receiving the death penalty if the case went to trial and persuaded him to admit guilt despite maintaining his innocence.

"My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn," Kohberger wrote in his filing.

However, his current claims contrast sharply with statements made during the original plea hearing, when the judge specifically asked whether he was pleading guilty because he was guilty. Kohberger answered, "Yes."

Families prepared for retrial

The legal challenge has reignited emotions among the victims' families, many of whom have criticised Kohberger's attempt to reverse his conviction.

Representatives of the Goncalves family have indicated they would support a retrial if the guilty plea is ultimately withdrawn, even if it means reliving the lengthy legal proceedings. A retrial could also reopen the possibility of prosecutors once again seeking the death penalty.

Court appoints new lawyer

A judge has approved Kohberger's request for new court-appointed counsel to review his petition.

If the court determines that no significant legal errors occurred during the plea process, Kohberger's life sentences will remain in place. However, if the plea is overturned, prosecutors could pursue capital punishment once again under Idaho law.