Kaspa, Karen, and Kohberger: A Triad of Tech and True Crime

The better the tech, the better the chance at finding the truth

Chip Mahoney
Coinmonks
Published in
4 min readJul 5, 2024

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In the tangled web of true crime, some cases stand out not just for their brutal nature, but for the intricate details that leave both investigators and the public on edge. Two such cases are those of Karen Read and Bryan Kohberger, both marked by unexpected twists and turns that have left many wondering about the possibility of mistrials. Adding a technological twist, we introduce Kaspa, a decentralized blockchain alternative known as a DAG, which offers a unique lens through which we can view these cases. Could emerging tech in Web3 help unravel such complex cases?

#### The Karen Read Case: A Mistrial’s Implications

“Your service is complete and I’m declaring a mistrial.” — Judge Beverly Cannone in speaking with a highly divided jury.

Karen Read’s case has been a rollercoaster of legal battles and public interest. Read was charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence one snowy evening, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. The trial, which stretched over ten weeks, saw a jury deliberating over numerous charges, ultimately resulting in a mistrial. The jury could not unanimously agree on Read’s guilt, leading to a significant legal impasse.

A status hearing is set for July 22nd. This is where prosecutors will decide if they want to re-try Read for the death of John O’Keefe, among other things.

#### Bryan Kohberger: The Awaited Trial

Bryan Kohberger, a criminal psychology grad student, stands accused of the brutal murders that shocked the nation. His trial, now set for June 2, 2025, comes nearly three years after the tragic events of November 13, 2022. The delay in the trial has sparked discussions about the justice system and the potential for mistrials in high-profile cases. Kohberger’s background in criminal psychology, studying under the famed Katherine Ramsland, adds another layer of intrigue, reminiscent of the 1995 movie *Copycat*. Could he have planted evidence like the knife sheath to somehow control the narrative? Kohberger’s need for dominance is quite evident. In the twisted case of the killings on King Road — four brutal slayings in 16 minutes — I believe anything is possible.

In both cases, the possibility of a mistrial looms large. For Karen Read, a mistrial has already complicated the legal process, raising questions about the effectiveness of the jury system in complex cases. For Bryan Kohberger, the lengthy wait for his trial and the intricate details of the case suggest that a similar outcome could occur. It’s quite a stretch to say there could be a mistrial in the Kohberger case, though. But if it were to happen, it would cause an outrage in Idaho and on Social Media — where trials take place everyday by amateur detectives. Most people think he’s the masked intruder with the blade, but will prosecutors be able to put that in his red right hand? That said, these things need to work themselves out, and the legal system must do what it does. Although I do believe cops have their killer, I think Kohberger’s defense team is already winning by keeping him out of court for so long.

#### A Pause for Thought: Emerging Tech in True Crime

Let’s take a moment to consider how emerging technology in Web3 could play a role in such cases. Kaspa, a directed acyclic graph (DAG) known as ghostdag, offers a new way of handling data that could revolutionize how evidence is tracked and authenticated in criminal investigations. Unlike traditional blockchains, DAGs allow for faster transaction times and more scalable solutions, which could be pivotal in managing the vast amounts of data involved in complex criminal cases.

Imagine a future where every piece of evidence, every witness statement, and every procedural step is logged on a secure, decentralized network. This could not only speed up the legal process but also ensure a higher degree of transparency and accountability. In Kohberger’s case, where the timeline and evidence are crucial, such a system could prevent delays and mistrials by providing a clear, unalterable record of events.

#### A Ghost of a Chance: Kohberger and Kaspa

The term “ghostdag” is particularly apt when discussing Bryan Kohberger. Known for being ghosted on dating apps, Kohberger’s frustrations and subsequent actions have led to one of the most anticipated trials in recent history. The ghostdag technology, with its ability to handle complex data structures efficiently, mirrors the intricate and often opaque nature of Kohberger’s case.

#### The Intersection of True Crime and Technology

As we await the verdicts in both Karen Read and Bryan Kohberger’s cases, it’s clear that the intersection of true crime and technology offers new possibilities. The potential for mistrials underscores the need for more efficient and transparent systems, and emerging tech like Kaspa could be part of the solution. If people who were involved purposefully leave their phones behind at critical times or communicate with each other on a private messaging app, maybe AI and Blockchain can be of service to investigators. The better technology, the better chance they have at finding the truth or even preventing crimes in the future.

In the meantime, we continue to watch, analyze, and hope for justice in these harrowing cases.

When you listen to Shill Kill, I’ll be talking about the things that stand out to me in both cases, and also Kaspa. Today is the perfect time to investigate the show! It’s also a great time to invest in crypto before the best projects like Kaspa reveal themselves at much higher prices!

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