Idaho Killer’s Oddities Revealed: Socially Awkward, Annoying, and Injured

Newly released documents detail behavior of convicted student murderer

Newly unsealed police documents reveal that convicted mass killer Bryan Kohberger was described as “socially awkward” and “annoying” by those who knew him. Kohberger was recently sentenced to life in prison for the brutal 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students.

Victims’ Final Hours

The victims, 21-year-old **Kaylee Goncalves** and **Madison Mogen**, along with 20-year-old **Xana Kernodle** and **Ethan Chapin**, were attacked in their Moscow, Idaho, home on November 13, 2022. **Kohberger** pleaded guilty to the killings, offering no motive.

The four University of Idaho students who were murdered in November 2022.

Police documents detail defensive wounds found on **Xana Kernodle**, indicating a significant struggle. One surviving roommate, **Dylan Mortensen**, recounted hearing **Kaylee Goncalves** scream about an intruder before barricading herself in her room. She later heard a male voice say, “You’re gonna be fine. I’m gonna help you.”

“If you hadn’t attacked them in their sleep, in the middle of the night like a paedophile, Kaylee would have kicked your f***ing ass.”

—Alivea Goncalves, Sister of victim

Unsettling Online Interactions

One woman reported matching with **Kohberger** on Tinder months before the murders. She shared that **Kohberger**, a criminology student, had inquired about her favorite horror movies and expressed interest in the concept of dying by a knife, specifically asking about a “Ka-Bar?” A sheath for a Ka-Bar knife was discovered at the crime scene.

New police documents detail ‘socially awkward’, ‘annoying’ Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger — The home on King Road where the four students were killed.

During his sentencing, **Kohberger** received a life sentence without parole. The motive remains unknown, with the judge stating that focusing on the “why” gives **Kohberger** relevance and power.

Behavioral Red Flags

At Washington State University, where **Kohberger** pursued a PhD in criminology, colleagues reported his problematic behavior. One former teaching assistant found him intelligent but selfish and dishonest, noting that **Kohberger**’s conversations increased significantly after the murders. The TA also observed scratches on **Kohberger**’s face and knuckles, which **Kohberger** attributed to car accidents.

Other students and staff found **Kohberger**’s presence unsettling, with one student describing him as “socially awkward.” **Kohberger**’s phone contained numerous photos of female students from the university, reportedly taken from public social media accounts.

Inmate Accounts

Inmates who shared facilities with **Kohberger** described him as a “f***ing weirdo” and noted his peculiar habits, such as excessive handwashing and prolonged showers. One inmate expressed a desire to assault **Kohberger**, believing his eyes revealed a dark story. Another inmate mentioned **Kohberger** was excited to be transferred, forecasting he wouldn’t enjoy the Ada County Jail.

Bryan Kohberger in an orange jumpsuit in a courtroom — Bryan Kohberger during his sentencing.

The judge presiding over the case labeled **Kohberger** a “coward” for how he entered the victims’ home. **Kohberger** waived his right to appeal.

First Amendment Rights Upheld

Fourth District Judge Steven Hippler agreed to remove the order, stating that its primary goal—seating an impartial jury—is no longer relevant. He emphasized that public access to information is paramount.

“The primary purpose of the non-dissemination order, which is to ensure that we can seat an impartial jury, is no longer at play.”

—Judge Steven Hippler

Kohberger admitted to breaking into the students’ rental home and fatally stabbing them in 2022. Prosecutors allege he meticulously planned the attacks, leveraging his criminal justice studies to evade detection.

Media Coalition’s Push for Transparency

A group of news organizations, including The Associated Press, had petitioned the court to lift the gag order following Kohberger‘s guilty plea. They also requested the unsealing of numerous documents related to the case.

“The media frenzy, as it’s been described, will continue regardless. Lifting the non-dissemination order does not require the counsel or others previously bound by it to speak.”

—Judge Steven Hippler

While Kohberger‘s defense team argued that lifting the order could disrupt the sentencing process, Judge Hippler countered that such coverage is inevitable. He indicated that the process of reviewing sealed documents for public release would commence only after sentencing is complete.

The original gag order was issued early in the investigation by a Moscow, Idaho, judge, aiming to protect Kohberger‘s right to a fair trial amidst extensive publicity. The U.S. has seen a significant increase in criminal court proceedings being broadcast or livestreamed, with approximately 89% of state criminal courts allowing some form of media coverage according to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press’s 2023 survey.

Bryan Kohberger

New police documents detail ‘socially awkward’, ‘annoying’ Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger