Episode 23: Delphi Murders and Media Missteps

The Delphi Case and Media Frustration

Dr. Kohr doesn’t mince words when addressing his frustration with how the Delphi case has been portrayed in the media. Having contributed expert insights to producers, he was dismayed to discover much of his commentary never aired.  “I spent an entire day under lights giving detailed, fact-based information on the case. But what the producers told me they were doing, and what they actually produced, were two very different things,” Dr. Kohr explained.

Instead of focusing on the forensic and investigative realities, the Hulu special leaned heavily into a sensational theory  that the Delphi murders were part of a Norse ritual killing tied to a supposed “Cult of Odin.”

“That’s where my annoyance really set in. None of the evidence fit that narrative. I’m not an expert in Norse ritual killings, but apparently neither is anyone else,” Kohr added.

Experts, Eyewitnesses, and the Misuse of ‘Expertise’

In his methodical style, Dr. Kohr used the episode to educate listeners on how expert testimony actually works. He explained the three kinds of witnesses typically seen in trials, eyewitnesses, factual witnesses, and expert witnesses, and how crucial those distinctions are.

“Eyewitnesses report what they see, but they can’t speculate. Fact witnesses, like lab technicians or DNA analysts, report their findings but don’t interpret them. Expert witnesses, on the other hand, analyze data and give opinions based on specialized knowledge,” Dr. Kohr explained.

That’s where his frustration with the documentary deepens. “Many of the people presented as experts on that program would never be allowed to testify in a courtroom. Watching crime dramas or reading online forums doesn’t make someone an expert in homicide investigation, or Norse mythology,” Dr. Kohr added.

A Forensic Look at the Evidence

Drawing from his own direct involvement in the case, Dr. Kohr provided listeners with insight only a forensic pathologist could offer. He personally performed the autopsies of the Delphi victims and reviewed hundreds of crime scene photographs.

“The evidence pointed to the use of a small, sharp blade, something like a box cutter. The wound patterns, depth, and edges were consistent with that type of weapon, not a ritual instrument or ancient blade,” Dr. Kohr explained. He also described the importance of pattern recognition in forensic work, from knife wounds to motor vehicle injuries. “Patterns tell a story. Whether in the wounds themselves or the behavior of a killer, those patterns help us separate reality from speculation,” Dr. Kohr said.

Patterns, Rituals, and Misleading Narratives

Dr. Kohr dismantled the “ritual killing” theory point by point. “If this were a true ritual, the wounds, body positions, and symbols would show consistent, repeatable patterns. They didn’t,” he explained. “One victim was clothed, the other wasn’t. That’s not a ritual, that’s chaos.”

He went on to note that while sticks were reportedly placed on the bodies, they formed no coherent symbols or runes. “If these so-called experts knew how to interpret runes, they should have been able to tell us what they meant,” he quipped.

The Value of Real Expertise

Dr. Kohr also reflected on the nature of expertise itself. Over his career, he’s conducted more than 8,000 autopsies and testified in countless homicide cases across Indiana and beyond.
“I’ve probably done more murder trials than most prosecutors,” he said matter-of-factly. “When attorneys call me back for repeat cases, even knowing my fees, it’s because they know they’re getting the truth, not theatrics,” Dr. Kohr added.

His irritation with the documentary wasn’t about ego or airtime; it was about misinformation. “The public deserves to be educated, not entertained with fiction disguised as fact. If you want to talk Norse mythology, find a university professor. If you want to talk forensic evidence, call a forensic pathologist,” Dr. Kohr said.

Why Accuracy Matters

Dr. Kohr closed the episode by reflecting on the responsibility of media when handling cases that grip the public’s imagination. “The Delphi girls were brutally murdered. This isn’t entertainment, it’s tragedy. When a documentary prioritizes conspiracy over truth, it does a disservice to the victims, their families, and the public,” Kohr added.