Distant Reading Reflection

For my distant reading project I analyze a court transcript from the Idaho College Murder Case. More specifically, I analyzed the different testimonies from individuals the defense team called to the stand. There were 5 testimonies total, and I was surprised to find out that I got a basic summary of what the testimony was about without even reading it. The first testimony was from a detective that was working on the case. He discussed the evidence that was found that ultimately led to the conviction of Bryan Kohberger. The next testimonies were discussing the usage of DNA and genealogy databases, and their role they played in catching the suspect. I learned the exact names of what databases were used to compare the DNA found from the knife sheath at the scene of the crime. One testimony discussed the company Othram, which is a genealogy lab that specialized in solving cold case murders. The other testimony discussed the use of GedMatch, which is a website for genealogy research. The most common word across all 5 testimonies was “DNA”. This did not surprise me because based on my prior knowledge of the case, the strongest piece of evidence was DNA found on the knife sheath that belonged to Bryan Kohberger.