Bryan Kohberger received birthday cards while facing murder charges
- Bryan Kohberger was arrested weeks after the Idaho college murders and turned 28 shortly after the killings.
- Evidence released included personal items and academic assignments that reflected his focus on criminology.
- Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison without parole in July 2023 for the murders.
In November 2022, Bryan Kohberger was connected to the tragic murders of four University of Idaho students, which occurred in the early hours of November 13. After the gruesome incident, Kohberger's personal belongings were later examined by authorities, leading to a release of evidence including photos from his Pullman, Washington apartment. Among the retrieved items were several academic texts, writings reflecting his studies in criminal justice, and notably, birthday cards he received shortly after the murders. Kohberger, who turned 28 on November 21, 2022, was arrested weeks later while visiting his parents in Pennsylvania during the holiday season. The Idaho State Police made public a comprehensive 699-page book of evidence detailing Kohberger's life and educational pursuits, which had included an in-depth focus on crime and how to avoid detection after committing such acts. His homework assignments, provided by the authorities, demonstrated his keen interest in criminology and included discussions around the death penalty and its implications in legal contexts. It was asserted that this knowledge could have informed his actions during the killings. Kohberger's status at Washington State University was at risk before he was apprehended, and documents released showed that prosecutors intended to use his academic work to illustrate how thoroughly he studied criminal activity. They believed this knowledge equipped him to meticulously plan and execute the murders, showcasing his cunning and preparation. After pleading guilty to the killings, the implications of his academic expertise significantly contributed to the outcome of his legal battles. Ultimately, Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in July 2023, confirming the gravity of the charges leveled against him. The release of the evidence and Kohberger's life as a dedicated student of criminal justice illustrates a deeply complicated individual whose academic pursuits starkly contrast with his criminal actions.