FOLLOWING a grueling six-week investigation, a suspect has been arrested in connectionwith the murders of four Idaho college students.
SuspectBryan Christopher Kohberger, 28, was arrested on Friday and charged with the killings of friends Madison Mogen, 21,Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Xana's boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20.
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The four victims were found brutally stabbed to deathon the second and third floors of their off-campus home on King Road in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13.
The murders, which has rattled the small college town, have been surrounded in mystery since the victims were found butchered to death.
Now, nearly seven weeks after the quadruple murders, authorities believe they got their suspect and are ruling out the theory of multiple killers.
The multiple killers approach sprung up on social media after NewsNationreported that Kohberger had a "quiet, blank stare" when he was detained by local cops and the FBI and asked "if anyone else was arrested.”
More on the Idaho murders
However, during Friday evening's press conference, Moscow police chief James Fryappeared to suggest that Kohberger is the only suspect in this case.
“What I can tell you is that we have an individual in custody who committed these horrible crimes, and I do believe our community is safe," he said.
Mystery surrounds the arrest of Kohberger and what exactly led investigators to his parent's home in rural Albrightsville, Pennsylvania.
An arrest affidavit will remain sealed until Kohberger is extradited to Idaho. He remains in Pennsylvania for the time being.
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SUICIDE VEST & DNA AT THE MURDER HOME
According to Fox News, citing police sources, Kohberger is wearing a suicide-prevention vest while being held at the Monroe County Correctional Facility.
The vests also cannot be rolled or torn and prevent inmates "from using the fabric to create a weapon or hanging mechanism," sources told the outlet.
DNA recovered at the crime scene led investigators to the 28-year-old suspect, law enforcement sources revealed to CNN.
Police apparently took DNA from the scene, ran it through a public database, and then used genetic genealogy techniques to connect the DNA to Kohberger through his family members, according to CNN.
SHOCKING ARREST
Kohberger is a Ph. D. student at Washington State University, which is located across the state line about 10 miles from the murder scene in Pullman, Washington.
A woman who claims she went to school with Kohberger appeared to be shaken by the news of his arrest, sharing several pictures of the suspect and her encounters with him.
Casey Arntz took to TikTok hours after Kohberger was arrested and spoke out about his shocking arrest, "My brother was really good friends with him," the woman claims in the video.
"Back in 2017, when I spoke to him, he was clean," Casey said, alleging that Kohberger had a drug problem throughout high school.
"He was doing security detail at a school, I believe, but he seemed like he was better. Obviously, that wasn't true."
Casey posted photos of the event where the pair met up once again, noting how she sat next to him throughout the celebration.
'"At the same wedding, he was sitting at the same table as me and my mother. I sat next to him and we talked."
Casey's brother, Thomas, described Kohberger as a "bully" who would happily note his friends' "flaws and insecurities" in order to distract from his own struggles.
"He did that to me all the time," Thomas toldThe Daily Beast.
"He would go after my intelligence. He would basically insinuate that I'm kind of slow-witted and that I'm forgetful and that I lack the intelligence to be his friend."
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KOHBERGER'S FAMILY
Thomas eventually cut his friendship with the alleged killer.
Thomas noted how Kohberger's father, a maintenance worker, and mother, a substitute teacher, were "genuinely kind people."
Kohberger's mom,Maryann, has publicly decried the death penalty, abortion and school shooters in the past, letters written to the editor of thePocono Recorddaily newspaper revealed.
"I pray we consider the children before the gun," reads the headline of one of her pieces.
"I do not personally support abortion, and by all means do not support the death penalty," she wrote in another letter.
"State-sanctified murder is still just that — murder," she added in the letter published on April 7, 2008.
Maryann works as a paraprofessional, teaching students under the supervision of certified teachers and is also part of theschoolboard.
"As I sat this morning, reeling from yet another school shooting, I found myself wrestling with which actions need to be taken to stop all the madness," she wrote in another letter to the publication dated June 2, 2022, as she grappled with the news of the shooting atRobb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas.
EERIE CRIMINOLOGY STUDY
Before enrolling at Washington State University, Kohberger obtained his bachelor's and master's degree at DeSales University in Center Valley,Pennsylvania, in 2020 and 2022.
While at DeSales, the 28-year-old shared aRedditpost months before the killings seeking to "understand how emotions and psychological traits influence the decision-making involved in committing a crime."
The post, which has since beenremoved, read: "Hi, my name is Bryan, and I am inviting you to participate in a research project that seeks to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence the decision-making involved in committing a crime.
"In particular, this study seeks to understand the story behind your most recent criminal offense, with an emphasis on your thoughts and feelings throughout your experience.
"In the event that your most recent offense was not one that led to a conviction, you may still participate.
"Additional surveys are included after the open-ended section to best understand your unique traits. The study should take about 15-20 minutes to fully complete," the alleged killer wrote.
The study was approved by DeSales University's institutional review board, the post read.
The university refused to comment on the criminology study.
"On Friday, December 30, DeSales University learned of the arrest of Bryan Kohberger in connection with the murder of four University of Idaho students," the school said in a statement to The U.S. Sun.
"Kohberger received a bachelor’s degree in 2020 and completed his graduate studies in June 2022. As a Catholic, Salesian community, we are devastated by this senseless tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families during this difficult time."
CONNECTION TO THE VICTIMS
SteveGoncalves, the father of slain victim Kaylee, was watching a football game in November when his entire world was "turned upside down".
After Kohberger's name was released, Goncalves said that while nobody in his family knows the suspect, they see connections between him and Kaylee that they "aren't ready to talk about yet."
The family's attorney, Shanon Grey, told ABC News: “Now that there’s a person and a name that someone can specifically look for and see if there's any connections in any way. So they’re just trying to figure it out."
Goncalves plans to be in the courtroom when Kohberger is returned to Idaho to face murder charges for Kaylee, Madison Mogen, Xana and Ethan.
After the arrest of alleged murderer Kohberger, Goncalves referred to him as a coward.
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“This guy’s gonna have to look me in my eyes multiples times, and I’m going to be looking for the truth. That’s really what I’m going to be looking for,” he said.
It remains unclear how, or if, Kohberger knew any of the victims.
FAQs
Was Bryan Kohberger a student at University of Idaho? ›
In December, authorities arrested Bryan Kohberger and charged him with four counts of murder. But Kohberger didn't attend the University of Idaho; he was a graduate student at Washington State University, approximately eight miles away across the state line.
How did they find Kohberger? ›DNA, eyewitness evidence link Bryan Kohberger to Idaho killings, authorities say One of the victims' roommates saw a strange man in the house that night, and a DNA sample from a knife sheath found in a victim's bed appears to be a strong match for Kohberger, investigators say.
When did horror in Idaho happen? ›| 2022 University of Idaho killings | |
|---|---|
| Moscow, Idaho [Interactive fullscreen map] Locations of interest in murder investigation Area around the University of Idaho in Moscow | |
| Location | Moscow, Idaho, United States |
| Date | November 13, 2022 (3 months ago) 4:00 – 4:25 a.m. (PST (UTC−08:00)) |
| Attack type | Mass stabbing, mass homicide |
The genealogy expert noted having to find traces of Kohberger's DNA at a home shared with his home family made the operation more difficult but his father Michael inadvertently contributed to tracking the suspected killer down with his own DNA.
What religion is Kohberger? ›Kohberger received a bachelor's degree in 2020 and completed his graduate studies in June 2022. As a Catholic, Salesian community, we are devastated by this senseless tragedy.
Is the College of Idaho religious affiliation? ›The College of Idaho is a member of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities (APCU). We promote a campus environment of unrestricted academic inquiry, free religious expression, and a campus society in which diverse faith perspectives are practiced with dialogue and respect.
What items were found in Brian Kohberger house? ›An evidence log released Thursday shows knives, a cell phone, black gloves, black masks, laptops, and dark colored clothes and shoes were found at Bryan Kohberger's parent's Pennsylvania home where he was arrested.
Was Bryan Kohberger DNA on file? ›It has been widely reported that the FBI used genetic genealogy to zero in on Kohberger after he left behind his DNA on the button of a Ka-Bar knife sheath at the crime scene.
What DNA was on the knife sheath? ›The sheath allegedly contains the DNA of a single male – the 28-year-old criminology PhD student now charged with the four murders. “The sheath was later processed and had 'Ka-Bar' 'USMC' and the United States Marine Corps eagle globe and anchor insignia stamped on the outside of it,” the officer writes.
What DNA evidence was found in the Idaho suspect? ›BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The DNA of the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students was found on a knife sheath recovered at the crime scene and cellphone data shows that in the months before the attack, he was in the area of the victims' home multiple times, an investigator said in court documents unsealed ...
Was there DNA evidence in the Idaho case? ›
MOSCOW, Idaho (AP) — Idaho police pieced together DNA evidence, cellphone data and surveillance video to charge a criminology graduate student with the November slaying of four University of Idaho undergraduates, according to an affidavit unsealed Thursday.
How did police get kohbergers DNA? ›On Dec. 27, agents collected trash from outside the Pennsylvania home where Kohberger was visiting his parents, according to the affidavit. The Idaho State Lab reported that there was an extremely high probability it contained DNA belonging to the suspect's father.
Did the dog bark in Idaho murders? ›“The dog wasn't hurt,” he said. Some have asked why the dog didn't bark — to that, Entin said it's still unknown if the dog did or did not bark.
What is the oldest horror story? ›The genre was invented by Horace Walpole, whose Castle of Otranto (1765) may be said to have founded the horror story as a legitimate literary form.
What happened to the college students in Idaho? ›13, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves, four students at the University of Idaho, were found dead at a home near the campus in Moscow, Idaho. The killings occurred on a typical Saturday night, after two of the victims had been at a bar together and two others had been at a party.
Are Mormons Christians? ›Mormons consider themselves Christians, but many Christians don't recognize Mormonism as an official denomination. Mormons believe in the crucifixion, resurrection and divinity of Jesus Christ. Followers claim that God sent more prophets after Jesus's death.
Are Hmongs Christians? ›The Hmong people live across the mountains of Laos and Vietnam. They are a minority among the Lao and Kinh people. Though traditionally animists, many Hmong converted to Christianity in the 20th Century. As communists seized power in the region, they became victims of violent persecution due to their religion.
Is Yazidism a religion? ›Yazidism is an ancient faith, with a rich oral tradition that integrates some Islamic beliefs with elements of Zoroastrianism, the ancient Persian religion, and Mithraism, a mystery religion originating in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Is Idaho full of Mormons? ›Rexburg, Idaho is home to Brigham Young University–Idaho. Idaho has the third most church members of any U.S. state (after Utah and California), and the second-highest percentage of members (after Utah). The LDS Church is the largest denomination in Idaho, with the largest presence in Eastern Idaho.
What percent of BYU-Idaho is Mormon? ›Of the 33,000 students at Brigham Young University, over 98 percent are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
What percentage of Idaho is Catholic? ›
Eighteen percent of Idahoans say they're Catholic, 8 percent of legislators self-identify as Catholic.
How many other bodies did they find looking for Brian? ›The hunt for Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie has led to the discovery of at least four other bodies. The bodies of missing persons were found as a direct result of the search for Petito and Laundrie. Officials said they found human remains in the Florida reserve where Laundrie went missing.
What was discovered in Brian laundries bedroom? ›A disturbing poster of dark figures with hammers and spheres violently attacking other figures can be seen resting on the two-case bookshelf. Other items observed in the room include what appears to be a gun propped up next to the shelves over his bed, a Darth Vader mask and a series of “Watchmen” books.
Did Brian Laundrie bring the van home? ›Laundrie drove the Ford Transit van back to Florida on Sept. 1 alone, police said. He returned to the home he shares with his parents and Petito. Authorities located the van at the North Port home on Sept.
Does Ancestry sell your DNA to police? ›Ancestry does not voluntarily provide data of any kind to governmental or judicial bodies or to law enforcement agencies. To provide our Users with the greatest protection under the law, we require all government agencies seeking access to Ancestry customers' data to follow valid legal process.
Why did Kohberger leave the sheath? ›Accused murderer Bryan Kohberger may have deliberately left a knife sheath at the home where four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death in an attempt to mislead investigators, according to a criminal profiler.
Who was the first criminal who was identified through DNA filing? ›In 1986, Richard Buckland was exonerated, despite having admitted to the rape and murder of a teenager near Leicester, the city where DNA profiling was first developed. This was the first use of DNA fingerprinting in a criminal investigation, and the first to prove a suspect's innocence.
What is the most ancient DNA? ›DNA found in Greenland has broken the record for the oldest yet discovered. The fragments of animal and plant DNA are around 800,000 years older than the mammoth DNA that previously held the record, with older sequences perhaps still to be found.
Who broke the DNA genetic code? ›Credit: Wellcome Library, London. In 1961, Francis Crick, Sydney Brenner, Leslie Barnett, and Richard Watts-Tobin first demonstrated the three bases of DNA code for one amino acid [7]. That was the moment that scientists cracked the code of life.
What is the most common DNA found at a crime scene? ›One of the most common sources of DNA at a crime scene is a bodily fluid. Blood, saliva, sweat, urine and semen can readily provide DNA information at crime scenes, as can just about any other substance secreted or excreted by the body.
What did Bryan Kohberger study? ›
MOSCOW, Idaho — Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students, studied the psychology of criminals and crimes similar to the one he's accused of.
Who is Bryan Kohberger? ›After a weekslong police investigation and thousands of tips, Bryan Kohberger was charged in early January with the murder of four University of Idaho students. Mr. Kohberger, 28 years old, was arrested in late December at his parents' home in Pennsylvania, nearly 3,000 miles from the crime scene.
How did Kohberger behave in jail? ›Idaho Murders: Bryan Kohberger makes tasteless joke in Pennsylvania prison, report. MOSCOW, Idaho - Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger made a tasteless joke while locked up in a Pennsylvania prison for five days, according to a new report.
Who is Bryan Kohlberger Idaho? ›Bryan Kohlberger, a 28-year-old criminology PhD student at nearby Washington State University, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.
What serial killer is Kohberger connected to? ›Multiple reports have suggested a linkage between Kohberger and a notorious serial killer. During the same period during which the crime occurred, Kohberger was studying under a serial killer expert who co-wrote a book with Dennis Rader, the infamous BTK killer. Kerri Rawson is the daughter of Rader.
Who is Idaho Killer Kohberger? ›MOSCOW, Idaho -- Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old man accused of killing four University of Idaho students, followed "all three of the female victims on Instagram," but they didn't follow him back, PEOPLE reported, citing an investigator familiar with the case and their own review of the now-deleted account.
Who was the PhD student killer in Idaho? ›D. student as a suspect in the murders of four University of Idaho students, a court document revealed on Thursday. Bryan C. Kohberger was studying criminology at WSU, located less than 10 miles from the Moscow, Idaho, home where the Idaho students were killed on November 13.
Who is Christopher Kohberger? ›Bryan Christopher Kohberger, the suspect arrested in connection to the murders of four University of Idaho students, appeared before a judge on Thursday morning shortly after chilling details were released related to the killings.
Who is Bryan Raymond? ›Bryan Raymond - Executive Director, Lead Consumer Analyst - J.P. Morgan | LinkedIn.
Who is Kim Bryan? ›Kim Bryan is a Managing Director in Mesirow Wealth Management. He specializes in building investment programs that integrate all areas of financial planning, including insurance, estate planning, education planning, retirement preparedness and tax management.
What does piscatella do to the inmates? ›
During the final episodes of Season 5, he breaks into the still-rioting prison and begins capturing prisoners. He locks them in a room and tortures them. They eventually escape, and Taystee almost shoots Piscatella for his hand in Poussey's death.
What happened to Kohberger? ›Bryan Kohberger has been held without bail in the Latah County jail in Idaho following his extradition from Pennsylvania. The man suspected of killing four University of Idaho students appeared in court Thursday for a status conference, where a judge scheduled a preliminary probable cause hearing to begin June 26.
Why was Adebisi imprisoned? ›Simon Adebisi is serving life without the possibility of parole for beheading an undercover police officer with a machete four years prior to the events of the first episode.
Where does Bryan Kohberger live? ›Moscow Police Chief James Fry confirmed in a news conference that Kohberger lived in Washington state, and the college said that university police assisted Idaho law enforcement officials in executing a search warrant at Kohberger's on-campus apartment and office on Friday.
Was there a DNA database for the Idaho murders? ›Police identified Bryan Christopher Kohberger as the suspect accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November through DNA using public genealogy databases, law enforcement sources told ABC News. Local police and the FBI tracked him to Pennsylvania through his vehicle.
Who is the CEO of Idaho Youth Ranch? ›Scott Curtis - CEO - Idaho Youth Ranch | LinkedIn.