Idaho Murder Suspect Bryan Kohberger Has Disturbing Connection To Serial Killers
There was finally a break in the case of the murder of four University of Idaho students last week when Bryan Kohberger was arrested. Police made the arrest in rural Pennsylvania, thousands of miles away from the crime scene. Immediately after his arrest, internet sleuths tried desperately to figure out how Kohberger was connected to the crime or the victims — but to little avail. Kohberger's family is reportedly equally as confused by the arrest as many others.
"[Kohberger's family] don't believe it to be Bryan. They can't believe this," the 28-year-old's attorney, Jason LaBar, told NBC in the days following his arrest. "They're obviously shocked. This is certainly completely out of character, the allegations, and really they're just trying to be supportive with the understanding that these four families have suffered loss." Kohberger is allegedly just as surprised by the chargers and believes he'll be back to civilian life in no time. "He believes he's going to be exonerated. That's what he believes," the public defender continued.
LaBar added, "Those were his words. He's been very easy to talk to. Actually, he's in a calm demeanor." However, as the days drag on, those who have followed the case closely have begun to peel away the layers to find potentially incriminating evidence against Kohberger. In addition to some questionable Reddit posts — and the fact that he's currently obtaining a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice — the alleged murderer has an alarming connection to the world of serial killers as well.
Bryan Kohberger has as disturbing past
As if alleged murderer Bryan Kohberger's interest in criminal justice wasn't disturbing enough, it has recently come to light that Kohberger extensively studied serial killers. While obtaining his master's in Criminal Justice from DeSales University, Kohberger was allegedly the "star student" of one of the foremost authorities on ultra-violent serial killers, Dr. Katherine Ramsland, per the New York Post.
Ramsland is best known for her collaboration with Dennis Rader (aka the BTK killer) for her book "Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer." Though it's not known what part Kohberger may have played in assisting Ramsland with research for the book, Rader's daughter told NewsNation that the idea that her father's crimes may have inspired the 28-year-old keeps her up at night. "[It's hard to] see somebody else go do this and wonder, did your dad influence this?" she said. "Did your dad talk to him? Was he studying my father outside of academics?" Neither Kohberger nor Ramsland have spoken publicly about the case nor confirmed any alleged connection to Rader.
Even so, since his arrest, colleagues and classmates have come out of the woodwork to help paint a picture of Kohberger as an awkward, aggressive, and criminal-obsessed student. "Over time, it just got so, so bad that I just shut down when I was around him," a former friend told the New York Times of Kohberger's alleged bullying. "I eventually just had to cut ties with him."
Did Bryan Kohberger know the University of Idaho students?
More details on why police think Bryan Kohberger is allegedly the man behind the killings of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen is expected to be released now Kohberger has arrived back in Idaho, where he will face trial over the allegations. Due to Idaho law, the probable cause affidavit could not be made public until Kohberger, who was arrested in Pennsylvania, had made his way back to Idaho, per NewsNation.
One of the big things those following the case are most keen to find out? If Kohberger had any kind of connection to the students he's accused of killing. There's been much speculation online about if he had an association with one or more of the victims as he was studying at Washington State University, only around 10 miles away from Kaylee, Mogen, Kernodle's home where Chapin was also staying on the night of the murder.
Kaylee's dad, Steve Goncalves, has shed doubt on Kohberger knowing his daughter well. "If he got to know my daughter, I would think it would be impossible for you to hurt her," he told NewsNation. "[We feel] this was somebody who didn't have a chance to meet her, talk to her, get to know her because she was [a] very likable person and she didn't have a mean bone in her body... there's a little comfort in knowing that this person wasn't somebody she trusted and loved."
Police still want information on Bryan Kohberger
As those invested in the horrific case wait with bated breath to see what happens when Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom to face the murder allegations, police have made it clear they're still looking for information about the man accused of four counts of first-degree murder. NewsNation's Brian Entin also tweeted that police are still asking for anyone who may know Kohberger to come forward with any information they have about him, writing on the social media site on January 3, "Moscow, Idaho Police say they still need tips and information about Bryan Kohberger. Anything that could be important about him or his actions. Tip line: 208-883-7180[.] Email: tipline@ci.moscow.id.us." Moscow Police Chief James Fry noted during a press conference on December 30 (via NBC News), "We are still putting together the pieces."
As for what Kohberger makes of his arrest? Prior to his extradition to Idaho, Kohberger reportedly told Jason LaBar (who will not represent him in the murder trail) that he expected to be a free man by the end of the trial. "He said this is not him. He believes he's going to be exonerated. That's what he believes, those were his words," LaBar told "Today" on January 3.