Former Criminology Ph.D. Student Completes First Year Behind Bars on Quadruple Murder Charges

Bryan Kohberger, the 29-year-old former criminology Ph.D. student accused of killing four University of Idaho undergrads in a home invasion stabbing last year, is approaching the completion of his first full year behind bars. Despite not yet going to trial, Kohberger has spent his 29th birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in the confines of the Latah County Jail in Moscow, Idaho.

Kohberger, who has been charged with four counts of murder and felony burglary, waived his right to a speedy trial and has been attempting to fight the charges on procedural grounds. His publicly funded defense team, however, has been unsuccessful in their attempts to have the indictment against him dismissed.

The tragic incident occurred on November 13, 2022, when Kohberger allegedly killed three housemates and one visitor. The victims were identified as Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21-year-old best friends, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, also 20. Police discovered Mogen and Goncalves in Mogen's upstairs bedroom, where they also recovered a Ka-Bar knife sheath that contained DNA matching Kohberger's.

Weeks after the murders, Kohberger was apprehended at his parents' residence in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Since then, he has been held in the Latah County Jail, enduring birthdays and holidays from behind bars.

Concerns have been raised regarding the treatment Kohberger has received while in custody. According to Steve Goncalves, Kaylee's father, the accused murderer has been granted what he describes as “unprecedented” privileges. These include pretrial privileges such as access to five suits, special treatment in terms of video and computer usage, and vegan meals. Such treatment has raised eyebrows, with questions being asked about the fairness and equality of the judicial process.

Meanwhile, on the middle level of the house where the tragic event unfolded, police discovered the bodies of Kernodle and Chapin. The landlord later donated the property to the university, leading to the demolition of the house on December 28. Plans are now underway to construct a memorial garden designed by architecture students from the University of Idaho.

In October, Judge John Judge provided a minor victory for Kohberger's defense team. He ordered the prosecution to share some genetic genealogy evidence with the defense for an in-camera review, which is an inspection conducted privately by the judge. On November 30, prosecutors submitted the evidence to the judge, as Kohberger seeks to review it as part of the discovery process.

As the case continues to unfold, the community remains gripped by the horrific events that unfolded on that fateful day in November. The families of the victims anxiously await justice as they navigate the lengthy legal process, hoping for closure and some semblance of peace.