Public Defender Drops Mom of Idaho Massacre Victim to Represent Daughter’s Alleged Killer

Cara Northington is the mother to Xana Kernodle (20 years old), one of the four University of Idaho students The victim, who was stabbed to death on November 13, 2013, was represented by Anne Taylor, a public defender, until January 5, when Northington was appointed to his representation. accused Bryan Kohberger, 28, was accused of murdering her daughter. 

Interview with the author on Wednesday News Nation’s Ashleigh BanfieldNorthington 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 (Kohberger), I can’t even convey how betrayed I feel.”

Kohberger was arrested Ethan Chapin was 20-years-old Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were killed in the murders at Kernodle on December 30, 2012.

Taylor, who took over the Kootenai County Public Defender’s Office in 2017, had represented Northington in four cases. On November 19, 2022, the last drug offense was committed.

“I don’t understand how she could do this … I don’t understand what happens now. Does she still have power of attorney?” Northington stated. Northington previously gave power of attorney Taylor. She continued to state that she didn’t know if she was represented in her pending felony drugs case. 

The Daily Mail reports Northington has “long battled addiction,” After being told by a friend via social media, Taylor represented Kohberger.

A total of 13 public lawyers in Idaho have been approved by the state’s public defence commission to handle capital punishment cases. Taylor is the only North Idaho attorney authorized to represent Kohberger.

Jazzmin Kernodle is Northington’s second daughter. Jazzmin was previously a graduate student at Washington State University and is currently pursuing her PhD.

“The fact that they knew, and allowed Jazzmin to attend WSU – I’m just beside myself,” Northington stated. “She was adamant about still going to school, but I think if she had known Xana’s killer was there it would have been different.”

Mark Geragos, attorney, stated Taylor may have had a conflict of interests if she was required to cross-examine Northington. It could also lead to grounds for appeal against Kohberger, depending on the facts.