Bryan Kohberger, who was arrested for the November 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, has now been sentenced. After nearly three years of legal proceedings, Kohberger pled guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. Here’s a comprehensive look at his background, the case, and his life now.
The Murders and Guilty Plea
On November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students — Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin — were brutally stabbed to death in a Moscow, Idaho, off-campus home.
Kohberger, a Ph.D. student in criminology at nearby Washington State University, was arrested in December 2022 and charged with the crimes.
On July 2, 2025, Kohberger formally pled guilty to all charges and was sentenced to four life sentences, plus an additional 10 years for burglary, without the possibility of parole. The plea deal came just weeks before his scheduled jury trial.
Kohberger’s Educational Background and Interests
Kohberger’s interest in psychology and criminal justice was evident from an early age. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in criminal justice before pursuing a Ph.D. at Washington State University.
Those who knew him described him as intensely curious, particularly about psychology and criminal behavior. Some classmates noted his fascination with serial killers during his time at DeSales University, although there were no major concerns at the time.
His Job Application with Local Police
In April 2022, Kohberger interviewed for a position as a graduate research assistant with the Pullman, Washington, Police Department, just months before the murders. He was eager to contribute to research on public safety, but the position never materialized.
Kohberger’s Behavior Before the Murders
Those who interacted with Kohberger before the murders described him as intelligent but reclusive. As a teaching assistant, Kohberger’s behavior seemed to shift after the murders, as he began grading his students’ work very leniently.
His interactions with women were also concerning. Kohberger was warned by a local bar about his inappropriate behavior, such as making “creepy comments” to female patrons and getting upset when they didn’t engage in conversation.
Social Media and Victim Connections
Although Kohberger did not know the victims personally, he followed them on Instagram, and a source claimed he sent multiple direct messages to one of the female victims, though she never responded.
Kohberger was also seen in Moscow weeks before the killings, allegedly visiting the Mad Greek restaurant, where two of the victims worked.
DNA Evidence and Arrest
Kohberger’s DNA was found on the sheath of a knife at the crime scene, which led investigators to link him to the murders.
Surveillance footage showed his vehicle near the victims’ residence on multiple occasions, and his phone was found to have pinged in the area around the time of the killings. His DNA was eventually matched to a sample taken from his parents’ home in Pennsylvania.
The Road Trip and Arrest
After the murders, Kohberger drove across the country with his father. During the trip, Kohberger was pulled over twice for following vehicles too closely, but was let go with only a warning. When arrested, Kohberger maintained that he had an alibi, claiming he was hiking during the time of the murders.
Life in Prison and Inmate Treatment
Now serving his life sentence at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, Kohberger has faced complaints from fellow inmates. Reports have suggested that Kohberger is being taunted and harassed, although prison officials have confirmed his complaints but maintain that he is housed alone and provided with proper security.
The Public’s Interest in the Case
The murders of the four University of Idaho students have drawn widespread media attention. Kohberger’s case was even featured in a Dateline episode titled “The Terrible Night on King Road,” which aired in May 2025.
Kohberger’s Plea and Sentence
In June 2025, Kohberger accepted a plea deal that resulted in four consecutive life sentences, totaling 270 years in prison, alongside civil penalties and fines. His decision to waive the right to a jury trial and not appeal the conviction is seen as a strategy to avoid further legal delays.
The Aftermath and Kohberger’s Future
Kohberger will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life, with no possibility of parole. His case continues to be a subject of intense public and media interest, while the families of the victims seek justice for the tragic loss of their loved ones.
