Bryan Kohberger’s 'Resting Killer Face': Can the Defense Overcome Juror Bias?

The Idaho Murders | The Case Against Bryan Kohberger

This was recorded BEFORE Bryan Kohberger's Plea Deal-
Bryan Kohberger’s 'Resting Killer Face': Can the Defense Overcome Juror Bias?

As Bryan Kohberger’s high-profile murder trial approaches, much of the discussion centers not just around evidence and legal strategies, but around Kohberger’s own unsettling courtroom presence. Described by some observers as a 'resting killer face,' his cold, emotionless demeanor has sparked significant concern about its potential impact on jurors. Unlike defendants who naturally evoke sympathy or relatability, Kohberger appears detached, almost robotic—an image his defense attributes to potential autism-spectrum traits or inherent social awkwardness.
But can the defense effectively counteract jurors' instinctive reactions to such a cold presentation? Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke, a behavioral expert and former Chief of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, examines this challenge in depth. Robin highlights the severe risks involved in attempting to artificially change Kohberger’s demeanor, cautioning that jurors are highly sensitive to disingenuous behaviors and quickly pick up on emotional manipulation.
Instead, Robin suggests a far subtler, more authentic strategy: openly acknowledging Kohberger’s unsettling demeanor upfront, providing jurors with a framework to interpret his emotional detachment. Could explaining his natural demeanor help neutralize its negative impact, reducing jurors’ instinctive bias and suspicion?
Drawing on extensive experience analyzing human behaviors under pressure—both in criminal cases and undercover FBI operations—Robin details the psychological nuances jurors subconsciously consider. He also compares Kohberger’s demeanor with other infamous defendants, emphasizing how personality and social skills significantly shape jury perceptions.
Listeners will gain fresh insights into why courtroom demeanor matters deeply, how subtle behaviors significantly influence jury decision-making, and why the battle for justice often hinges on perceptions formed in the courtroom rather than solely on evidence. This episode reveals why Kohberger’s greatest challenge might ultimately be himself—and how skillfully addressing juror bias may determine the trial’s outcome.
Hashtags:
#BryanKohberger #CourtroomBehavior #JurorBias #RobinDreeke #RestingKillerFace #BehavioralAnalysis #JuryPsychology #TrueCrimeInsights #IdahoMurders #JusticeForIdaho4
Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?

Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/
Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod
X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod
Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872