Bryan Kohberger is a 30-year-old criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University, currently facing charges for the November 13, 2022, murders of four University of Idaho students: Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The victims were fatally stabbed in their off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger was arrested on December 30, 2022, in Pennsylvania and extradited to Idaho, where he has been held without bail.
Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. Prosecutors have announced their intent to seek the death penalty. His trial is scheduled to begin on August 11, 2025, with jury selection starting on August 4. The trial will be held in Boise, Idaho, following a change of venue due to concerns about pretrial publicity.
The prosecution has linked Kohberger to the crime scene through DNA found on a knife sheath recovered from the residence, cell phone data placing him near the victims’ home, and surveillance footage of a white Hyundai Elantra matching his vehicle. Additionally, a DoorDash driver has testified that she saw Kohberger near the scene shortly before the murders occurred.
The upcoming trial has garnered significant media attention, and both the prosecution and defense are preparing for a high-profile legal battle.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Bryan Kohberger was born on November 21, 1994, in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a family with strong ties to the education sector. His father, Michael Kohberger, worked as a maintenance worker for the Pleasant Valley School District, while his mother, Maryann Kohberger, served as a paraprofessional. Bryan has two sisters, Amanda and Melissa, who have largely remained out of the public eye since the events unfolded.
Educational Journey
Kohberger’s academic path was marked by a deep interest in psychology and criminal justice. After graduating from Pleasant Valley High School in 2013, he attended Monroe Career and Technical Institute in Bartonsville but dropped out a year later. He then enrolled at Northampton Community College in Tannersville, earning an associate degree in psychology in 2018. Following this, he worked as a security guard for the Pleasant Valley School District, the same district where his father had worked for many years.
In 2022, Kohberger pursued further studies, earning a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. That same year, he moved to Pullman, Washington, to begin a Ph.D. program in criminology at Washington State University (WSU), less than 10 miles from the University of Idaho. At WSU, he served as a teaching assistant but was terminated in December 2022 due to behavioral concerns and complaints about his conduct toward women.
The Idaho Murders
The Crime
On November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were found brutally murdered in an off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho. The victims were fatally stabbed in their beds during the early morning hours. The crime shocked the tight-knit community and drew national attention.
Investigation and Arrest
Law enforcement agencies, including the Moscow Police Department, Idaho State Police, and the FBI, launched an extensive investigation into the murders. Surveillance footage and phone records placed a white Hyundai Elantra near the crime scene around the time of the killings. DNA evidence found on a knife sheath left at the scene was linked to Kohberger through genetic genealogy.
On December 30, 2022, Kohberger was arrested at his parents’ home in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. He was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. Kohberger was extradited to Idaho, where he was held without bail.
Legal Proceedings
Charges and Plea
Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. Prosecutors have announced their intent to seek the death penalty. During his arraignment in May 2023, Kohberger stood silent, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
Trial Delays and Venue Change
The trial, initially scheduled to begin in June 2025, has been delayed by one week and is now set to start on August 18, 2025, with jury selection beginning on August 4. The delay was due to scheduling adjustments by the court, not a defense request.
In September 2024, the Idaho Supreme Court granted a change of venue, moving the trial from Latah County to Boise, Idaho. The decision was made to ensure a fair trial, citing extensive media coverage and concerns about potential bias among local jurors.
Evidence and Defense
The prosecution has presented several pieces of evidence linking Kohberger to the crime scene, including DNA found on the knife sheath, surveillance footage of a white Hyundai Elantra matching his vehicle, and cell phone data placing him near the victims’ home. Additionally, a DoorDash driver testified that she saw Kohberger near the scene shortly before the murders occurred .
Kohberger’s defense team has filed motions to suppress certain evidence, including Amazon purchase records and a selfie taken by Kohberger hours after the killings. They argue that such evidence is prejudicial and should not be admissible in court.
Personal Life
Before the murders, Kohberger lived a relatively private life. He was known to have a keen interest in criminology and criminal justice, which led him to pursue advanced degrees in the field. His academic background and teaching assistant role at WSU suggest a deep commitment to his studies. However, reports of behavioral concerns and complaints about his conduct toward women have surfaced, leading to his termination from his teaching assistant position shortly before the murders.
Conclusion
Bryan Kohberger’s case remains one of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent years. As the trial approaches, the public and legal communities await the proceedings, which are expected to shed light on the events surrounding the tragic deaths of four University of Idaho students. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the legal system and may influence future cases involving similar circumstances.
FAQs
Who are the victims in the University of Idaho murders?
The victims were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, all University of Idaho students.
When was Bryan Kohberger arrested?
Kohberger was arrested on December 30, 2022, at his parents’ home in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
What charges is Bryan Kohberger facing?
He faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary.
Is the death penalty being sought in this case?
Yes, prosecutors have announced their intent to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted.
When is the trial scheduled to begin?
The trial is scheduled to begin on August 18, 2025, with jury selection starting on August 4.
Where will the trial take place?
The trial will be held in Boise, Idaho, following a change of venue from Latah County.
What evidence links Kohberger to the crime?
Evidence includes DNA found on a knife sheath at the crime scene, surveillance footage of a white Hyundai Elantra matching his vehicle, and cell phone data placing him near the victims’ home.
Has Kohberger entered a plea?
Kohberger stood silent during his arraignment, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
