Bryan Kohberger’s defense team is trying to create an “illusion” for future jurors with a new effort to get certain evidence tossed, a former FBI special agent said.

Kohberger is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of four students at the University of Idaho, including Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; and Ethan Chapin, 20. The former Washington State University student was also charged with one felony count of burglary.

During an April 9 hearing, Judge Steven Hippler issued several rulings on motions filed by the defense. Hippler agreed partially to a motion from defense attorneys that would have blocked prosecutors from using words such as “psychopath” and “sociopath” during the trial. 

He cautioned, however, that the defense’s request is similar to asking for “an order that says the state shall not commit prosecutorial misconduct.” Hippler said the word “murderer” could be used during closing arguments, but said terms like “sociopath” and “psycho-” can’t be used unless an expert evaluation determines that these words describe Kohberger.

A jury trial is scheduled for Aug. 11.

Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.